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.
Constructive Dismissal Claims: When Resignation Is Voluntary and Not Forced
The Supreme Court clarifies when a resignation is voluntary rather than constructive dismissal, and which money claims belong in labor courts.
Resignation vs. Constructive Dismissal: When Leaving a Job Is Not Forced
The Supreme Court clarifies when a resignation is voluntary and not constructive dismissal, and which money claims belong in labor courts.
Breach of Trust: Understanding Malversation of Public Funds in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains the elements of malversation under Article 217 of the Revised Penal Code, including the presumption of misappropriation when funds are not forthcoming upon demand.
Contributory Negligence in Property Disputes: Balancing Rights and Responsibilities
When adjoining landowners cause damage to each other, Philippine courts weigh contributory negligence in awarding damages. Learn from the Vergara v. Sonkin case.
Supreme Court Affirms Negligence Ruling in Subrogation Claim Over Vehicular Accident
SC affirms insurer's subrogation claim, holding driver negligent and owner vicariously liable for damages from a 2014 collision.
Vehicle Accidents and Utility Posts: Liability Under Philippine Law
Learn how Philippine courts determine liability when a vehicle damages utility infrastructure, including negligence, vicarious liability, and damages.
Reinstatement vs Return to Work: Clarifying Employment Rights After a Transfer
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that reinstatement only applies to illegal dismissal, while a valid transfer requires a return to work order.
Quasi-Delict Liability in Vehicular Accidents: What the Supreme Court Ruling Means
A recent Supreme Court ruling clarifies negligence, vicarious liability, and insurer subrogation in Philippine vehicular accident claims.
Hotel Liability After Huang v. Philippine Hoteliers: When a Guest’s Own Negligence Bars Damages
A guest’s own negligence can defeat a hotel injury claim. Learn the quasi-delict rules from Huang v. Philippine Hoteliers, Inc.
Accountability in Public Office: Understanding Malversation of Public Funds in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains the elements of malversation of public funds and why restitution does not erase criminal liability for accountable officers.
Quasi-Delict Liability and Negligence in Vehicular Accidents: Insights from G.R. No. 279772
Supreme Court affirms quasi-delict liability for negligent driving, clarifying rules on overtaking, right of way, and vicarious liability of employers.
Voluntary Arbitration vs. Labor Arbiter: Philippine Labor Dispute Jurisdiction
When does voluntary arbitration prevail over Labor Arbiter jurisdiction? The Supreme Court clarifies in University of the Immaculate Conception v. NLRC.
Corporate Officer vs Employee: Who Hears Illegal Dismissal Cases?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when an illegal dismissal case belongs to the Labor Arbiter versus the Regional Trial Court.
Employer Liability for Employee Negligence: The Rule on Vicarious Responsibility in the Philippines
Philippine law makes employers solidarily liable for employee negligence unless they prove diligent selection and supervision. Learn the rule from a Supreme Court case.
Warsaw Convention Limits Philippine Courts' Jurisdiction Over International Air Travel Claims
Philippine courts lack jurisdiction over claims arising from international flights under the Warsaw Convention, as shown in Lhuillier v. British Airways.
Gender Equality in Retirement: Challenging Discriminatory Collective Bargaining Agreements
When can a flight attendant challenge a discriminatory retirement age in court? The Supreme Court clarifies jurisdiction over CBA provisions.
Defining Public Officer When Private Sector Representatives Face Graft Charges
Supreme Court ruling on when private sector board members are public officers under the Anti-Graft Law and Sandiganbayan jurisdiction.
Proximate Cause Prevails: When a Plaintiff's Own Negligence Bars Recovery in Vehicle Accidents
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how a plaintiff's own negligence as proximate cause bars recovery, even with defendant's contributory negligence.
Stevedores and the Duty of Care: When Cargo Damage Is Not Negligence
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that stevedores owe ordinary diligence, not the higher standard of common carriers, in loading and stowing cargo.
Upholding Workers' Rights: The Extent of DOLE's Authority and the Validity of Labor Standards Claims
The Supreme Court clarifies the scope of DOLE's visitorial powers over labor standards claims and the limits of its jurisdiction.
Negligence in a U-Turn Collision: Quasi-Delict Liability Under Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies negligence and vicarious liability in a U-turn collision, applying Articles 2176 and 2180 of the Civil Code.
Cooperative Membership vs Employment: Defining SSS Coverage Obligations
Supreme Court rules cooperatives can be employers of their owner-members for SSS coverage purposes, clarifying when membership does not negate employment.
Quasi-Delict Liability in Vehicular Accidents: When the Owner Answers for the Driver's Negligence
Learn when a vehicle owner is liable for the driver's negligence under Philippine quasi-delict law, citing a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Immoral Conduct and Due Process in Termination Cases: Balancing Employer Rights and Employee Protection
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on illegal dismissal clarifies labor arbiter jurisdiction, just cause requirements, and due process in termination disputes.