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.
When Banks Can't Apply Loan Payments Across Different Debtors: Corporate Veil Rules
Supreme Court clarifies when a bank may apply a borrower's payment to another's debt, and why corporate separateness limits payment application.
Kidnapping for Ransom in the Philippines: Liability and Conspiracy Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies kidnapping for ransom liability, conspiracy, and penalties in People v. Olidan (G.R. No. 263920).
Labor-Only Contracting in the Philippines: Employer Liability and Worker Rights
Understand labor-only contracting in the Philippines, when a principal becomes the true employer, and key lessons from a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Premarital Pregnancy and Employee Rights: Illegal Suspension in the Philippines
Supreme Court rules suspending a teacher for premarital pregnancy is illegal; secular morality governs employment discipline in the Philippines.
Solidary Liability in Construction Contracts: When LWUA Shares Responsibility
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when LWUA can be held solidarily liable with water districts for construction contract obligations.
When Personal Misconduct Impacts Public Trust Philippine Supreme Court Ruling ON Employee Behavior
The Supreme Court clarifies liability rules when government officials receive disallowed benefits, distinguishing approving officers from mere recipients.
COA Disallowances When ARE Government Officials Personally Liable TO Refund
Supreme Court clarifies when government officials must refund disallowed benefits, distinguishing approving officers from mere recipients.
Alias Writs of Execution: When Can a Second Debt Collection Attempt Be Stopped?
Learn the rules on alias writs of execution in the Philippines, the limited grounds to oppose them, and key lessons from a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Sandiganbayan Jurisdiction Over Ill-Gotten Wealth and Lease Contract Validity
Supreme Court rules Sandiganbayan has jurisdiction over lease contract nullity involving alleged ill-gotten wealth, affirming state ownership of Paoay properties.
Preliminary Attachment in the Philippines: Safeguarding Claims Without Overreach
The Supreme Court clarifies when preliminary attachment is proper, stressing strict compliance with Rule 57 to prevent abuse.
Deficiency Claims After Mortgage Foreclosure: The Prieto v. BPI Ruling
Learn how the Supreme Court's Prieto v. BPI ruling protects borrowers from unproven deficiency claims after mortgage foreclosure in the Philippines.
Understanding Rape Conviction in the Philippines: Consent Evidence and the Role of Co-Conspirators
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies rape conviction standards, consent evidence rules, and co-conspirator liability in criminal cases.
Accomplice Liability in Direct Bribery: The Gerunda Case Explained
Learn how the Supreme Court defined accomplice liability in direct bribery cases, using the Gerunda ruling to explain key legal principles.
Supreme Court Affirms Convictions for Qualified Trafficking of Minors for Prostitution
The Court upholds life sentences for syndicate trafficking of minors, clarifying consent is no defense under RA 9208.
Labor-Only Contracting vs Legitimate Job Contracting: Key Distinctions and Employer Responsibilities
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between labor-only contracting and legitimate job contracting, and the employer liabilities that follow.
Choice of Law Clauses in Cross-Border Contracts: The Standard Chartered Ruling
How Philippine courts resolve conflicting choice-of-law clauses in cross-border contracts, explained through the Standard Chartered Bank v. Philippine Investment Two ruling.
Perpetual Disqualification: When Does It Take Effect in Philippine Law?
The Supreme Court clarifies when the accessory penalty of perpetual disqualification from public office takes effect under Philippine law.
Tax Evasion in the Philippines: When Can the Government Collect Without an Assessment
The Supreme Court clarifies when the BIR can collect deficiency taxes without a formal assessment in criminal tax evasion cases.
Foreclosure Jurisdiction: Assessed Value of Property Determines the Proper Court
In foreclosure suits, the property's assessed value—not the loan amount—determines which court has jurisdiction. Learn from a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Confiscation of Property and Due Process Rights of Third-Party Owners
When can the government confiscate a vehicle used in illegal logging? The Supreme Court clarifies the due process rights of third-party owners.
Independent Contractor or Employee? Supreme Court Clarifies Labor-Only Contracting in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when a registered contractor is actually labor-only, making the principal the direct employer.
Appeal Bond for Labor-Only Contractors: Solidary Liability and NLRC Appeals
When must a labor-only contractor post an appeal bond? The Supreme Court clarifies solidary liability and appeal perfection rules.
Novation in Construction Contracts: When Revisions Create a New Agreement
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when revised construction plans and new contracts extinguish prior agreements through novation.
Notarial Duties Are Personal: Attorney's Lapses in Recording SPA Lead to Suspension
A lawyer cannot delegate notarial record-keeping to staff. Learn the rules and consequences from a recent Supreme Court ruling.