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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Independent Contractor vs Employee: The Right of Control Test in Philippine Labor Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the right of control test distinguishing independent contractors from employees in Valeroso v. Skycable.
Corporate Control and Stock Ownership: Resolving Disputes in Philippine Corporations
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies how stock ownership disputes affect corporate elections and why prior rulings cannot be overstretched.
Labor-Only Contracting: When a Principal Becomes the True Employer
Supreme Court clarifies labor-only contracting and employer-employee relationship, holding principals liable for benefits when contractors lack capital or control.
Labor-Only Contracting and Illegal Dismissal: Solidary Liability of Principal and Contractor
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on labor-only contracting, control test, and solidary liability for illegal dismissal under the Labor Code.
Dispositive Portion Prevails When DOJ Resolution Body Conflicts With Fallo
When a DOJ resolution's body conflicts with its dispositive portion, the fallo controls. Learn the rule from Santiago v. Bello IV.
When Doubts Linger: Examining Witness Identification and the Unfolding of Justice in Kidnapping Cases
The Supreme Court affirms kidnapping convictions, clarifying the defense of uncontrollable fear and the weight of positive witness identification.
Corporate Control Belongs to the Board, Not External Agreements
Supreme Court rules the board of directors holds corporate control, voiding external agreements that bypass it.
Protecting Workers Employers Faulty Systems Cannot Justify Employee Penalties
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled that employers cannot penalize workers for systemic failures beyond their control.
Regular Employment vs Talent Contract: Defining Employer-Employee Relationships in Media
How the Supreme Court distinguished regular employees from talents in ABS-CBN's TV Patrol Bicol case, applying the control test.
Possession Trumps Ownership: Upholding Conviction for Illegal Firearms Based on Control, Not Title
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that illegal possession of firearms requires control, not ownership. Conviction upheld on constructive possession.
Mining Rights and State Control: Resolving Disputes in the Diwalwal Gold Rush Area
The Supreme Court rules on the Diwalwal gold rush dispute, clarifying state control over mineral resources and the roles of mining regulatory bodies.
Custodia Legis: When Courts Cannot Touch Funds Held by Another Court
Explaining the custodia legis rule from Solidbank v. Goyu & Sons: a court cannot interfere with funds under another court's control.
Safeguarding Independence: Presidential Disciplinary Power Over Deputy Ombudsman Declared Unconstitutional
The Supreme Court strikes down Section 8(2) of RA 6770, affirming the Ombudsman's constitutionally guaranteed independence from presidential disciplinary control.
Corporate Control vs Government Sequestration: Defining Jurisdiction in Intra-Corporate Disputes
When a sequestered corporation faces an intra-corporate dispute, which court has jurisdiction? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules.
Delayed Justice Determining Fair Compensation FOR Government Land Seizure
When the government takes property without expropriation, what value controls? The Supreme Court clarifies the rule on just compensation.
Employer-Employee Relationship: The Control Test and SSS Coverage for Farm Workers
When does a farm worker become a regular employee entitled to SSS coverage? The Supreme Court explains the control test and its implications.
Local Autonomy vs State Control: DENR's Authority Over Small-Scale Mining Permits
The Supreme Court upholds DENR's power to review and cancel small-scale mining permits issued by provincial governors, clarifying limits of local autonomy.
Defining Capital: Filipino Control of Public Utilities Under the Constitution
The Supreme Court clarifies that mean in the Constitution's requirement that public utilities be at least 60% Filipino-owned? The answer—that "capital" refers to voting stock, not all outstanding shar
Regular Employment vs Consultancy: Defining the Line in Illegal Dismissal Cases
A consultant labeled regular employee: how control and supervision define employment status in illegal dismissal cases under Philippine law.
Presidential Control vs Agency Autonomy: Disallowed Incentive Awards Without Approval
When can the President override an agency's incentive program? The Supreme Court explains the limits of agency autonomy under presidential control.
Defining Manager Expands Sandiganbayan Jurisdiction Over Graft Cases Involving Government Owned Corporations
Supreme Court clarifies that narrowly, citing a dictionary definition that referred to one who has charge of a corporation and control of its businesses or branch establishments. The Supreme Court, ho
Defining the Power of Control in Labor Disputes: The Legend Hotel Case
When is a hotel pianist an employee, not an independent talent? The Supreme Court clarifies the control test in illegal dismissal cases.
Control Test Decides Employer-Employee Relationship in Philippine Labor Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on Charlie Jao v. BCC Products Sales Inc. explains the control test and four elements determining employer-employee relationship.
Supreme Court Clarifies Control Test in Proving Employer-Employee Relationship
The Supreme Court affirms that control over an employee's conduct is the decisive test in determining employer-employee relationships in labor disputes.