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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Irrevocable Tax Options: Understanding the Finality of Choosing Between Tax Credit and Refund
Philippine Airlines' Supreme Court win clarifies when tax options become irrevocable and how franchise tax exemptions work.
Philippine Airlines and the MCIT: Franchise Tax Exemptions Under PD 1590 Explained
The Supreme Court ruled PAL is exempt from the minimum corporate income tax under its franchise. Learn the reasoning.
Breach of Contract and Bad Faith: Airlines' Liability for Downgraded Seats
Philippine Airlines held liable for downgrading a passenger's business class seat to economy, with the Supreme Court affirming damages for breach of contract in bad faith.
Accountability in Air Travel When a Lost Document Leads to Stranded Passengers
When an airline loses a required document and strands unaccompanied minors, the Supreme Court says it may be liable for damages for breach of contract of carriage.
Philippine Airlines Retrenchment: Proving Financial Distress and Fair Implementation
The Supreme Court ruled PAL's 1998 mass retrenchment illegal for failure to prove losses and use fair criteria. Here's what employers must show.
Beyond the Ticket: Passenger Rights and Emotional Distress Claims Against Airlines
Philippine Airlines v. Savillo clarifies when emotional distress claims against airlines fall outside the Warsaw Convention's two-year prescriptive period.
Airline Liability for Bumping Passengers: Breach of Contract and Damages
When an airline bumps a passenger with valid documents, it breaches the contract of carriage and may owe moral and exemplary damages.
Labor-Only Contracting: Employee Rights and Employer Obligations in the Philippines
Philippine Airlines v. Ligan explains labor-only contracting rules, when workers become regular employees, and employer liability under Philippine law.
Rehabilitation Proceedings Suspension of Claims Against Corporations
Philippine Airlines v. PALEA clarifies how corporate rehabilitation automatically suspends all claims, including labor disputes, under PD 902-A.
Tax Exemptions for Philippine Airlines: Understanding the "In Lieu of All Other Taxes" Provision
The Supreme Court ruled that PAL's franchise tax option exempts it from all other taxes, including the 20% final withholding tax on bank deposits.
Bumping Passengers Airline Liability for Overbooking and Bad Faith
When airlines overbook and bump confirmed passengers, they face liability for damages. The Supreme Court explains the rules.
Upholding Termination: The Standard of Proof in Labor Cases Involving Employee Misconduct
Philippine Airlines vs. Tongson clarifies the substantial evidence standard employers must meet when dismissing employees for misconduct.
From Part-Time to Full-Time Regular Employment: Protecting Workers' Rights
Philippine Airlines v. Pascua clarifies when part-time workers become regular full-time employees entitled to complete benefits under Philippine labor law.
Airline Liability: The Ticket-Issuing Carrier Responsible for Your Entire Journey
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: ticket-issuing airlines are principals in contracts of carriage and liable for the acts of partner carriers on any segment.
Airline Breach of Contract When a Confirmed Flight Turns Into a Legal Dispute
When an airline confirms a booking then cancels it, a contract of carriage arises. Learn the legal rules on damages from China Airlines v. CA.
Airline Passenger Rights: When Rerouting Breaches the Contract of Carriage
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when airlines breach carriage contracts by rerouting passengers without consent, and what damages apply.
The Stay Order and Corporate Rehabilitation: Suspending Claims Against Distressed Companies
Explaining how the stay order in corporate rehabilitation suspends money claims against distressed companies, citing the Philippine Airlines case.
Confirmed Flight Bookings vs Timely Check-In: Balancing Airline Obligations and Passenger Responsibilities
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a confirmed airline booking does not guarantee boarding if a passenger checks in late.
Due Process in Employee Dismissal: What Philippine Workers Should Know
The Supreme Court clarifies what procedural due process really means in employee dismissals, using a Philippine Airlines case as a guide.
When Circumstantial Evidence Justifies Dismissal for Fraud Against the Company
Philippine Airlines v. NLRC shows when circumstantial evidence suffices to prove employee fraud justifying dismissal for loss of trust.
Upholding Employers Right TO Dismiss FOR Fraud THE Philippine Airlines Case
When can an employer validly dismiss an employee for fraud? The Supreme Court's ruling in Philippine Airlines v. NLRC explains the standard.
Delayed Baggage Claims: When Airlines Avoid Moral and Exemplary Damages
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when delayed baggage delivery triggers only limited damages, not moral or exemplary awards.
When a Confirmed Flight Doesn't Extend Ticket Validity: Cervantes v. PAL
Learn from Cervantes v. PAL: confirming a flight does not extend a ticket's validity, and agents cannot bind the airline beyond their authority.
Meal Breaks Outside Company Premises Do Not Constitute Abandonment of Post
Philippine Airlines v. NLRC clarifies that employees may take meal breaks outside company premises without being guilty of abandonment of post.