Legal Insights
Plain-language guides and case briefs on Philippine law — researched from the firm's law library of 184,000+ statutes, Supreme Court decisions, and agency issuances, and written so non-lawyers can understand and act on them.
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Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies: Why Courts Defer to Agency Expertise
Philippine Supreme Court explains why courts dismiss cases filed before administrative appeals are exhausted, using Oporto v. NPC.
Exhaustion of Remedies and Forum Shopping: Lessons from Oporto v. NPC Board
Supreme Court ruling on exhaustion of administrative remedies, forum shopping, and due process in administrative cases against government employees.
Full Market Value, Not a 10% Cap, Is Just Compensation for Power-Line Easements
In NPC v. Purefoods, the Court held that a transmission-line easement that cripples normal use must be paid at full market value, not 10%.
Retroactivity of Laws in Eminent Domain: When New Legislation Meets Pending Expropriation
Explains when new laws apply retroactively in eminent domain cases, citing the Supreme Court ruling in Spouses Lintag v. NPC.
Privatization of Power: When Government Policy Meets Employee Security
Explore the Supreme Court ruling on NPC privatization, employee security of tenure, and the doctrine of mootness in administrative law.
Limits on Delegated Authority: NPC Drivers and Mechanics Association v. NPC
When board members send alternates to vote, are their resolutions valid? The Supreme Court says no—discretion cannot be delegated.
NPC Franchise Tax Case: Local Governments Can Tax Government Corporations
The Supreme Court ruled that provinces may impose franchise tax on government-owned corporations like NPC under the Local Government Code.
Salary Standardization Law: When Allowance Integration Is Valid Under RA 6758
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling that NPC's integration of employee welfare allowance into salaries under RA 6758 was valid, and why mandamus failed.
VAT Exemption for Steam Supply: Protecting Taxpayers From Erroneous Payments
The Supreme Court ruled that geothermal steam sold to NPC is VAT-exempt, entitling the supplier to a full refund of erroneously paid taxes.
Direct Power Connection vs. Franchise Rights: The BATELEC II Ruling
The Supreme Court upheld direct power supply from NPC to a BOI-registered steel firm after the local electric cooperative failed to meet technical and financial standards.
Tax Exemption Start Dates for Pioneer Enterprises Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when the 6-year local tax holiday for BOI-registered pioneer enterprises begins and NPC's tax liability.
Dismissal of Administrative Appeals for Late Memoranda: The Ombudsman and Court Discretion
The Supreme Court reinstates NPC's appeal, ruling that the Court of Appeals abused its discretion in dismissing the case for a late memorandum, and clarifies administrative jurisdiction principles.
Eminent Domain: Full Land Value vs Easement Fees in Transmission Line Projects
Supreme Court clarifies when NPC must pay full land value versus easement fees in transmission line expropriation cases.
Local Governments vs National Corporations: Who Pays Franchise Taxes
Supreme Court rules government-owned corporations like NPC must pay local franchise taxes under the Local Government Code.
Employer Liability in Labor-Only Contracting: Lessons from NPC v. PHESCO
When is a principal liable for torts of a labor-only contractor's employee? The Supreme Court explains in NPC v. PHESCO.
Franchise Boundaries: When NPC Can Supply Power Over Existing Franchises
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when NPC may directly supply power within areas covered by existing electric franchise holders.