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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Conspiracy and Corruption: How Private Contractors Can Be Held Liable Under the Anti-Graft Law in the Philippi
The Supreme Court clarifies how public officers and private individuals can be held liable for graft under RA 3019, using the landmark Respicio case as a guide.
Employee vs Independent Contractor: Key Factors in Philippine Labor Law
The Supreme Court clarifies the control test distinguishing employees from independent contractors, using an insurance agent case as guide.
Judicial Ethics and Public Trust: When Government Cannot Hide Behind State Immunity
Supreme Court ruling on state immunity, quantum meruit, and why government contractors deserve payment for completed public works.
Construction Defects Contractors Liability and Owners Rights Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on contractor liability for construction defects, waterproofing failures, and owner rights under construction contracts.
Contractor and Subcontractor Liability for Negligence in Cargo Handling
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on liability of contractors and subcontractors for negligence of employees in cargo delivery operations.
Defining the Lines: Independent Contractor vs Employee Status in Philippine Labor Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between independent contractors and employees, and the fatal consequences of procedural lapses in labor appeals.
Decoding Independent Contractors When Control Determines Employment Status in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies employer-employee relationship tests and the mandatory certificate of non-forum shopping in NLRC appeals.
Fixed Price Contracts: No Recovery for Unapproved Additional Costs
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on fixed lump-sum contracts: contractors cannot recover additional costs without written approval under Article 1724.
Default Orders and Due Process: Protecting Contractors' Rights in Construction Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on default orders, due process, and corporate officer liability in construction payment disputes.
Private Contractors Can Be Held Liable Under the Anti-Graft Law for Conspiring With Public Officers
The Supreme Court affirms that private individuals who conspire with public officers in graft cases can be held liable under Section 3(e) of RA 3019.
Hauling Contracts: Scope of Work Defines Entitlement to Extra Pay
Supreme Court rules on when hauling contractors can claim extra compensation beyond the contract price in service agreements.
Independent Contractor vs Employee: Employer Obligations for Medical Staff
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when nurses are independent contractors versus employees under Article 157 of the Labor Code.
Solidary Liability in Labor Standards: Protecting Workers Beyond Direct Employment
Learn how Philippine courts hold employers and contractors jointly liable for labor standard violations, protecting workers beyond direct employment relationships.
Independent Contractors vs Regular Employees: Defining the Boundaries of Employer Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies when a principal is not the employer of a contractor's workers, and why the regular employment test does not apply in trilateral arrangements.
Independent Contractor vs Employee: The Four-Fold Test in Philippine Labor Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the four-fold test distinguishing independent contractors from employers in labor disputes involving job contracting arrangements.
Arrastre Contractor Liability: When the P3,500-Per-Package Limit Does Not Apply
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when arrastre contractors cannot invoke the P3,500 per-package liability limit under PPA Administrative Order No. 10-81.
Solidary Liability in Labor Disputes: When Principals and Contractors Share Responsibility
The Supreme Court clarifies when a principal is solidarily liable with an independent contractor for labor claims, and when it is not.
Quantum Meruit and COA Disallowances: What Contractors Must Know
The Supreme Court affirms COA's power to determine overpayments to government contractors under quantum meruit, and explains when belated jurisdictional challenges are barred.
Solidary Liability in Labor-Only Contracting: Catholic Vicariate v. Sto. Tomas
Explains when a principal is solidarily liable with contractors for unpaid wages, even without an employer-employee relationship.
Gross Receipts vs. Gross Revenue: The Tax Base for Contractors in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies that local business tax on contractors is based on gross receipts, not gross revenue.
Distinguishing Employees From Independent Contractors: The Control Test in Philippine Labor Law
Philippine Supreme Court explains the control test for distinguishing employees from independent contractors in labor law disputes.
Independent Contractor vs Employee: The Control Test in Philippine Labor Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the control test distinguishing independent contractors from employees in labor disputes, using a restroom concessionaire case.
Regular Employment Status of Drama Talents: Security of Tenure vs Independent Contractorship
Philippine Supreme Court rules drama talents are regular employees, not independent contractors, when work is necessary to business.
Fighting Corruption Why Government Contracts Must BE Above Board
Why PAGCOR's tax exemption in Acesite v. CIR shields contractors from VAT—and what this means for government procurement transparency.