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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Overt Acts and Intent: Understanding Attempted Rape Convictions in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains when acts amount to attempted rape and when they only constitute light coercion.
Protecting Seafarer Rights When Letters of Indemnity Don't Hold Water in Illegal Dismissal Cases
Philippine Supreme Court rules that seafarers' letters of indemnity are void when coerced, upholding illegal dismissal claims and wage protections.
Court Stenographer Fees in the Philippines: What Rule 141 Allows
Learn the legal rates court stenographers may charge for transcripts under Rule 141, and why overcharging is administrative misconduct.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When Sheriffs Overstep in Executing Judgments
A sheriff cannot pierce the corporate veil or levy corporate assets for a stockholder's personal debt. This ruling explains the limits.
Blood AS A Public Resource Upholding THE National Blood Services ACT AND ITS Phase OUT OF Commercial Blood Banks
Overcoming Technicalities in Employees Compensation for Associated Illnesses
How the Supreme Court ruled that a worker's death from a non-listed illness may still be compensable if associated with a compensable disease.
Dismissed Counterclaims and Deposit Withdrawal After Failed Expropriation
When expropriation fails, can property owners still recover damages? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on compulsory counterclaims and deposit withdrawal.
Can the Special Prosecutor Exercise Preventive Suspension Powers? Key SC Ruling
The Supreme Court rules on whether the Ombudsman's Special Prosecutor may validly issue preventive suspension orders in administrative cases.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: Suing Corporate Officers in Their Personal Capacity
The Supreme Court clarifies when corporate officers may be held personally liable for actions taken under their corporate roles, examining the coconut levy cases.
Piercing Corporate Veil: When Director Self-Dealing Undermines Corporate Opportunity
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on derivative suits, corporate opportunity doctrine, and director liability for self-dealing.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: Clarifying Liability for Subsidiary Obligations
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a parent corporation may be held liable for its subsidiary's obligations, and when it cannot.
Jurisdiction vs Exercise of Jurisdiction: Upholding Court Authority Despite Procedural Errors
The Supreme Court clarifies that jurisdiction over labor cases persists despite procedural lapses, and rules on retirement age, CBA benefits, and tax refund claims.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When Officers Face Personal Liability for Corporate Debt
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when corporate officers can be held personally liable for corporate debts, and when piercing the corporate veil is justified.
Quitclaims in Labor Disputes: When Voluntary Settlements Are Valid and Binding
The Supreme Court clarifies when quitclaims in labor disputes are valid, emphasizing voluntary agreement and reasonable settlement over mere allegations of coercion.
Timely Notice IS KEY Understanding Carrier Liability IN Damaged Goods Claims Under THE Code OF Commerce
When cargo arrives damaged, the clock starts ticking. Learn how Article 366 of the Code of Commerce can bar a claim entirely if notice is late.
Carrier Negligence and the Timely Notice Rule for Damaged Cargo in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on carrier liability for damaged goods and why timely notice under Article 366 of the Code of Commerce is crucial.
Lost Chance to Repurchase: Understanding Time Limits in Property Sales with Right of Repurchase
The Supreme Court ruled that a vendor's right to repurchase property must be exercised within four years from the time the condition triggering it occurs.
Real Property TAX Penalties Illegal Overcharges AND Taxpayer Protection Under THE Real Property TAX Code
Commercial Lease vs Residential Tenancy: Right of First Refusal Under Urban Land Reform
When does a long-term lessee get a right of first refusal? The Supreme Court clarifies PD 1517's limits.
Compulsory Counterclaims: No Certificate of Non-Forum Shopping Required
The Supreme Court clarifies that compulsory counterclaims need no certificate of non-forum shopping, as they are not initiatory pleadings.
Separation Pay Despite Valid Dismissal: The Rule on Just Causes in Philippine Labor Law
Philippine Commercial International Bank v. Abad explains when a validly dismissed employee may still receive separation pay under social justice.
Overcoming Fraud in Land Titles: Good Faith Acquisition and Reconveyance
Learn how good faith purchase protects land titles from fraud and when reconveyance is the proper remedy under Philippine law.
Piercing THE Corporate Veil When Does A Corporate Officer Become Personally Liable
Piercing the Corporate Veil: Protecting Labor Rights When Corporate Identities Blur
When two corporations share management, payroll, and offices, courts may pierce the corporate veil to protect workers' rights and claims.