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.
OFW Repatriation in the Philippines: Who Pays and How It Works
OFW repatriation in the Philippines explained: which laws cover it, who pays for return flights, and the process for distressed overseas Filipino workers.
OFW Employment Contract Philippines: POEA Rules and Standard Terms Explained
Understand the OFW employment contract Philippines POEA rules require, including standard terms, illegal recruitment, and worker protections under Philippine law.
PAGCOR License Requirements in the Philippines: A Step-by-Step Guide
Learn the PAGCOR license requirements in the Philippines, the application process, and what gaming operators must know under the PAGCOR Charter.
PIGO License Philippines: What It Is and How PAGCOR Regulates It
Learn what a PIGO license in the Philippines is, how PAGCOR regulates Philippine Inland Gaming Operators, and what the law says.
Casino Compliance in the Philippines: PAGCOR and AML Obligations
Learn casino compliance in the Philippines, including PAGCOR licensing and anti-money laundering obligations under Philippine law.
AML Compliance for Philippine Gaming Operators: PAGCOR and RA 11930 Rules
Learn AML compliance requirements for Philippine gaming operators, including PAGCOR rules and RA 11930 reporting duties under the AMLA.
Illegal Gambling vs PAGCOR in the Philippines: Where's the Line?
Understand the line between illegal gambling and PAGCOR-regulated gaming in the Philippines, including what makes betting operations lawful.
How to Get an E-Games License in the Philippines from PAGCOR
Learn how to get an e-games license in the Philippines from PAGCOR, including the legal basis, scope, and key steps for applicants.
Estate Tax in the Philippines: A Practical Guide for Heirs and Beneficiaries
Learn the Philippine estate tax rules: the 6% rate, deductions, filing deadlines, exemptions, and penalties under the TRAIN Law.
Starting a Business in the Philippines with a Foreign Partner: Legal Structures and Ownership Rules
A practical guide to foreign ownership rules, business structures, and registration steps for Filipino-foreign ventures in the Philippines.
When an Interim Medical Assessment Is Not Enough: Seafarer Wins Full Disability Benefits
A company doctor's interim disability rating cannot cut off a seafarer's treatment or benefits. The Supreme Court explains why.
Job Offer Accepted but Withdrawn Before Start Date: The Aragones Ruling on Perfected Employment Contracts
A job offer accepted is a perfected employment contract. Learn the Supreme Court's ruling in Aragones v. Alltech and what it means for employers and employees.
When Courts Must Defer to CIAC: The Limited Review of Construction Arbitral Awards
The Supreme Court clarifies the narrow grounds for overturning CIAC arbitral awards, reaffirming judicial restraint in construction disputes.
Double Sale in the Philippines: Good Faith and Due Diligence in Property Disputes
A buyer who fails to inspect the property before purchase cannot claim good faith in a double sale. The Supreme Court explains why.
Corporate Representation on Condominium Boards: Defining Member Rights
Supreme Court clarifies that authorized representatives of corporate condominium unit owners may sit on the board of directors, defining member rights.
COA’s Limited Role in Enforcing Final Court Judgments on Government Liabilities
The Supreme Court clarifies that COA cannot determine funding sources for final judgments, ensuring government obligations are honored without delay.
Attorney-Client Loans Under the CPRA: When Borrowing From a Client Is Allowed
The Supreme Court clarifies when lawyers may borrow from clients under the CPRA, balancing ethical duties with legitimate commercial dealings.
Foreign Land Ownership Ban Upheld: Supreme Court Voids Dummy Arrangements
The Supreme Court voids a German citizen's dummy land purchase, reaffirming the constitutional ban on foreign land ownership in the Philippines.
Defective Tax Waivers: Supreme Court Voids BIR Assessment Against Telstar
Supreme Court voids BIR deficiency assessment against Telstar due to defective waivers and lack of demand for payment, reinforcing strict rules on prescriptive periods.
Graft and Malversation: When Private Funds Become Public Funds Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when private funds become public funds and defines liability for graft and malversation in Arcelo v. People.
Trade Name vs Trademark: Priority Rights and Protection Under the IP Code
The Supreme Court clarifies when a trade name can defeat a trademark registration, and the limits of priority rights under the IP Code.
When a Surety Can Escape Liability: Overcoming the Presumption of Regularity
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when sureties can overcome the presumption of regularity attached to notarized continuing suretyship agreements.
When a Corporate Officer Escapes Civil Liability for a Bounced Check Under BP 22
The Supreme Court clarifies that an acquitted corporate officer cannot be held personally liable for a dishonored corporate check under BP 22.
Revival of Judgment in the Philippines: Who Are Indispensable Parties and When to File
Learn the rules on reviving a final judgment in the Philippines, including indispensable parties and the 10-year prescriptive period.