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.
Upholding Due Process for Workers: When Business Closure Is a Subterfuge
Business closures must be bona fide. The Supreme Court explains when a simulated shutdown becomes illegal dismissal.
Boundary-Hulog Agreements and Employer-Employee Relations: What Drivers Should Know
A boundary-hulog agreement does not automatically erase the employer-employee relationship. Control over the driver remains the key test.
Transferee Recruitment Agency Liability and OFW Claims: The Grand Placement Case
Explaining when a transferee recruitment agency assumes liability for OFW claims, and why evidence still matters in monetary disputes.
VAT Zero-Rating for Services Performed in the Philippines Paid in Foreign Currency
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies VAT zero-rating rules for services performed locally but paid in foreign currency, striking down restrictive BIR regulations.
Court Clerk Dismissed for Misappropriating Judiciary Funds: Lessons on Fiduciary Duty
Supreme Court dismisses court clerk for misappropriating P171,450 in judiciary funds, underscoring strict accountability for court personnel.
Notarizing Documents: The Attorney's Duty to Verify Identity and Authenticity
A lawyer who notarized complaints for dead persons was suspended. Learn the notary's duty to verify identity and ensure authenticity.
Contractual Obligations Prevail: Bank's Right to Offset Debts Despite Trustee-Beneficiary Claims
Supreme Court ruling on when a bank may validly apply a borrower's funds to settle debts, even amid trustee-beneficiary claims.
Breach of Trust Establishing Estafa in Misappropriated Funds
Supreme Court ruling on when misappropriating advance payments constitutes estafa under Article 315 of the Revised Penal Code.
Clerk of Court Fined for Delayed Fund Remittance Despite Full Restitution
Supreme Court holds clerk of court administratively liable for delayed remittance of judiciary funds, imposing fine despite full restitution after retirement.
Ponzi Schemes and Investment Scams in the Philippines: Supreme Court Ruling on Large Scale Swindling and Estaf
The Supreme Court explains when a Ponzi scheme constitutes large scale swindling and estafa under Philippine law.
Breach of Trust vs Criminal Intent: Understanding Estafa in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that estafa through abuse of confidence does not require criminal intent—breach of trust suffices.
When Does Withholding Tax Obligation Arise? Filipinas Synthetic Fiber Corp. v. CA
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when the duty to withhold tax on payments to foreign corporations arises—at accrual or payment.
When Witnesses Can't See: Proving Robbery With Homicide Through Circumstantial Evidence
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how circumstantial evidence can prove robbery with homicide even without eyewitnesses to the killing.
Litis Pendentia in the Philippines: Stopping Duplicate Lawsuits
Learn when Philippine courts dismiss duplicate lawsuits for litis pendentia, the requisites, and how to prevent splitting a cause of action.
Check-Off Provisions in Philippine Labor Law: Employer Liability for Uncollected Union Dues
When an employer fails to deduct union dues under a CBA check-off, is it liable for the uncollected amount? The Supreme Court clarifies.