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.
PhilHealth Personnel as Public Health Workers: The UHC Act's Curative Effect on Benefits
The Supreme Court confirms PhilHealth personnel are public health workers entitled to hazard, subsistence, and laundry allowances under RA 7305.
Understanding Retroactive Application of Regulatory Resolutions Impact on Electric Cooperatives in the Philipp
This article explains the Supreme Court's ruling on the 120-day period for VAT refund claims and how BIR Ruling No. DA-489-03 affects electric cooperatives and taxpayers.
Employee vs. Independent Contractor in Real Estate: The Four-Fold Test Explained
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when real estate sales agents are employees or independent contractors, and why the distinction matters.
Accountability in Public Infrastructure: When COA Disallowances Become Final
Supreme Court clarifies when COA decisions on disallowed government projects become final and when officials may be held liable.
Understanding Conspiracy and Collective Responsibility in Rape Cases: A Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Deci
A landmark ruling clarifies when conspiracy exists in rape cases and how collective responsibility applies to all perpetrators.
Hazard Pay for Public Health Workers: Fixed Rates vs. Legal Mandates
Supreme Court rules on fixed hazard pay rates for public health workers, voiding DOH AO 2006-0011 and excusing refund liability.
Lawyer Suspended for Borrowing from Client: Anacay v. Alberto Explained
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer for two years for borrowing money from a client without protecting the client's interests, reaffirming strict fiduciary duties.
Navigating Government Allowances and Disallowances: Key Insights From the Supreme Court's Ruling on SSS vs COA
The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on government allowances and disallowances, offering key insights for public officers and employees.
What a Notarized Deed Must Have: Lessons from a Philippine Property Dispute
A Supreme Court ruling on notarization requirements in a family property dispute, and what it means for heirs and property owners.
When Can Employers Fire for Loss of Trust? Key Accounts Manager Case Explained
Supreme Court clarifies when loss of trust and confidence justifies dismissal of a Key Accounts Manager who falsified documents.
Navigating the Jurisdictional Maze: Proper Legal Remedies for COA Decisions in the Philippines
Understand the proper legal remedies for COA decisions in the Philippines, including jurisdictional rules and practical guidance for aggrieved parties.
Budget Augmentation Rules: When Government Funds Cannot Be Realigned
The Supreme Court clarifies when agencies may augment budgets from savings, and when officers must refund disallowed amounts.
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.
Right to Information vs. Exam Confidentiality: The Antolin-Rosero Ruling
The Supreme Court balances the right to information against exam confidentiality in Antolin-Rosero v. PRC, a landmark 2021 ruling.
Capital Reduction Rules in the Philippines: What Shareholders Should Know After Metroplex v. Sinophil
The Supreme Court clarifies the requirements for reducing corporate capital stock under Section 38 of the Corporation Code, and limits SEC review.
Understanding Employee Entitlements: The Right to 13th Month Pay for Commission-Based Workers in the Philippin
A clear guide to the 13th month pay rule for commission-based employees, citing the latest Supreme Court interpretation.
Understanding Intent in Child Abuse Cases: The Role of Specific Intent in Philippine Law
Philippine law requires specific intent for child abuse convictions. Learn how courts determine criminal intent in these sensitive cases.
Understanding Estafa in Trust Receipt Transactions: Key Lessons from Barlin v. People
Learn how the Supreme Court applied estafa under Article 315(1)(b) to trust receipt violations, and what businesses should know.
Understanding CNA Benefits: Who Qualifies and the Consequences of Misallocation
The Supreme Court clarifies CNA incentive eligibility and the liability for granting benefits to non-qualified employees.
Regular vs. Fixed-Term Employment: Key Lessons from Site for Eyes v. Daming
The Supreme Court ruled that repeated fixed-term contracts cannot defeat regular employment status. Learn the key lessons from this landmark case.
Understanding the Legal Battle Over Unclaimed Horse Racing Dividends in the Philippines
The Supreme Court rules on who gets unclaimed horse racing dividends—the racing club or the government regulator. A clear guide.
Navigating Collective Negotiation Agreement Incentives in Philippine Government Agencies
The Supreme Court clarifies when CNA incentives may be granted to managerial employees and who must refund disallowed amounts.
Treachery vs. Abuse of Superior Strength: Key Ruling in Philippine Murder Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies how treachery absorbs abuse of superior strength in murder cases, and why self-defense claims fail against positive identification.
Employer Liability for Unremitted SSS Contributions: Key Lessons from the Supreme Court
The Supreme Court clarifies employer liability for unremitted SSS contributions, damages, and penalties under the Social Security Act.