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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Right of Way for Fiber in the Philippines: How Telecommunications Franchises Work
Right of way for fiber in the Philippines starts with a telecommunications franchise and NTC approval. Here is how the legal framework applies to fiber builds.
NTC CPCN Requirements in the Philippines: Process for Telecom Franchise Holders
Learn the NTC CPCN requirements in the Philippines, from the franchise requirement under RA 7925 to the five-year minimum term and NTC conditions.
IoT Device Regulation in the Philippines: Which Laws and Agencies Apply
IoT device regulation in the Philippines involves the DICT, the NTC, and consumer protection rules. Learn which laws and agencies govern connected devices.
Submarine Cable Landing Stations in the Philippines: Permits and Rights
Submarine cable landing in the Philippines requires a franchise and NTC authorization. Learn which permits apply and how the rules treat cable infrastructure.
Common Tower Companies in the Philippines: Registration and Regulatory Requirements
Setting up a common tower company in the Philippines? Learn the franchise, NTC, and registration requirements for passive telecommunications tower infrastructure.
Telecommunications Franchise in the Philippines: Requirements and How to Obtain One
Need a telecommunications franchise in the Philippines? Learn the requirements, the congressional franchise process, and the NTC permits you must secure.
Data Center Legal Requirements in the Philippines: The Complete Checklist
Data center legal requirements in the Philippines: SEC registration, NTC franchise or VAS rules, building and fire permits, and foreign ownership limits.
3G Frequency Allocation and the NTC's Regulatory Discretion: Lessons from Next Mobile v. NTC
The Supreme Court affirms the NTC's broad discretion in allocating 3G frequencies, clarifying the limits of judicial review over technical regulatory decisions.
NTC Power to Regulate Telecom Exclusivity: Bonifacio Communications v. NTC
The Supreme Court affirms NTC jurisdiction over telecom infrastructure providers, striking down exclusivity arrangements that hinder fair competition.
Primary Jurisdiction: When Courts Defer to Specialized Agencies in Media Disputes
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling on when courts must defer to the NTC in media ownership and competition disputes.
Cable TV Franchise Tax: What the New Vision Ruling Means for Operators
The Supreme Court ruled that NTC-issued certificates of authority are administrative franchises subject to local franchise tax under the Local Government Code.
Franchise Renewal in Philippine Broadcasting: Insights from ABS-CBN v. NTC
The Supreme Court's ruling in ABS-CBN v. NTC clarifies that an expired legislative franchise cannot be extended by pending bills or administrative practice.
DUE Process AND Regulatory Authority Ntcs Discretion IN Catv Franchise Applications
NTC Primary Jurisdiction Over Access Charge Disputes: PT&T v. Smart Communications
When do courts yield to the NTC on telecom access charge disputes? The Supreme Court clarifies the doctrine of primary jurisdiction.
NTC Primary Jurisdiction Over Access Charges in Interconnection Agreements
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling that the NTC has primary jurisdiction over access charges in interconnection agreements, and why courts must defer.
Expired Permits and Regulatory Fines: NTC Authority Over Broadcast Operations
A broadcaster's expired provisional authority and NTC fines explained: the Supreme Court clarifies administrative penalties, prescription, and temporary permits.
NTC Cannot Cancel Broadcast CPCs: The Dual Franchise and License Regime Explained
The Supreme Court rules the NTC has no power to cancel broadcast licenses issued to legislative franchise holders, clarifying the dual regulatory regime.
Local Government vs National Authority Defining Cable TV Franchising Powers
Supreme Court clarifies that only the NTC may grant cable TV franchises; local governments cannot exceed their regulatory powers.
When Local Councils Overstep: Cable TV Franchises and the Limits of LGU Power
A look at Zoomzat v. People, where the Supreme Court ruled that local governments cannot grant cable TV franchises—that power belongs to the NTC.
Cable TV Rates: NTC Has Exclusive Power Over Local Government Authority
Supreme Court ruling on whether local governments can regulate cable TV subscriber rates, clarifying NTC's exclusive authority.
Deregulation and Due Process: The NTC's Authority Over SMS Regulation
In Globe Telecom v. NTC, the Supreme Court struck down a fine on Globe for offering SMS without prior approval, exposing the regulator's confusing rules.
Promoting Competition in Telecom: NTC Can Grant Provisional Authorities to New Players
Supreme Court affirms NTC's power to grant provisional authorities to competing telecom providers, promoting healthy competition over exclusivity.
NTC Authority to Grant Provisional Authorities and the Non-Exclusive Nature of Telecom Franchises
The Supreme Court affirms NTC's discretion to grant provisional authorities to multiple telecom providers, upholding healthy competition over exclusivity claims.
Upholding Regulatory Authority: Provisional Authorities and Non-Exclusivity in Telecom Franchises
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on NTC's power to grant provisional authorities and the non-exclusive nature of telecom franchises.