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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Upholding Contractual Obligations: The Duty to Remit Funds in Agency Agreements
When can an agent withhold funds from a principal? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of an agent's right of retention and the duty to remit.
Procedural Due Process in Termination: Proper Notice When a Business Closes
The Supreme Court rules that paying salaries cannot replace the one-month written notice required before business closure terminates employees.
Insurance Policy Incontestability Clarifying Reinstatement Dates And Insurer Obligations
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when the incontestability period starts after policy reinstatement, and what insurers must prove to deny claims.
Checks as Evidence of Personal Liability Despite Corporate Issuance
Supreme Court clarifies when corporate checks can establish personal liability of a corporate officer who signs them.
LOLANE vs ORLANE: When Trademark Similarity Does Not Mean Confusion
The Supreme Court explains when two trademarks are too similar, and when they are not, in this Philippine trademark case.
Breach of Trust Rape by a Relative and the Upholding of Victim Testimony
The Supreme Court affirms the conviction of an uncle for qualified rape, explaining why a victim's credible testimony and fear can overcome defenses of alibi and denial.
Corporate Residence for Insolvency Cases: Actual Office Location Prevails
The Supreme Court clarifies that for insolvency venue, a corporation's actual principal office, not its Articles of Incorporation, determines residence.
Filing Money Claims Against Government: Lessons from a Dismissed Flood Damage Case
The Supreme Court affirms COA's denial of P122-million flood damage claims against DPWH, citing prescription, laches, and the state's immunity from suit.
Unconscionable Interest: The Limits of Contractual Freedom in Philippine Loans
Philippine courts can strike down unconscionable interest rates in loan agreements. Learn the rules on excessive interest and how borrowers are protected.
Independent Contractor vs Labor-Only Contractor: Who Is the True Employer in Philippine Law?
The Supreme Court clarifies when a manpower agency is a true independent contractor and when a principal becomes liable as employer.
Retirement Benefits Premium Contributions Determine Creditable Service For Government Employees
GSIS v. Pauig: only service periods with paid GSIS premiums count for retirement benefits; casual and temporary service may be excluded.
Defining the Employer: Supreme Court Clarifies Independent Contractor vs Labor-Only Contracting
Supreme Court clarifies when a manpower agency is a true independent contractor and when the principal becomes the real employer.
Trust Receipt Violations and Preliminary Attachment: Safeguarding Creditor Rights
Supreme Court clarifies when trust receipt violations justify preliminary attachment, protecting creditors from fraudulent debtors.
When a Corporation Sues Without Board Authority: The Real Party-in-Interest Rule
A corporation can only sue through its board of directors. The Supreme Court explains why an unauthorized complaint gets dismissed.
Corporate Representation: The Necessity of Board Resolutions in Legal Actions
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when corporate officers need board resolutions to file or defend legal actions, and the limits of derivative suits.
Enforceability of Oral Contracts: Protecting Contractors' Rights Through Quantum Meruit
Oral contracts are binding in the Philippines. Learn how quantum meruit protects contractors who complete work without written agreements.
Quorum Quagmire: Can Non-Unit Owners Decide a Condo's Fate?
Supreme Court rules on quorum in condo meetings, membership of owner-developers, and who can sit on the board.
Reinsurance and Attachment Bonds: Upholding Surety Validity Beyond Retention Limits
Supreme Court clarifies that attachment bonds exceeding a surety's retention limit remain valid when the excess is reinsured, explaining reinsurance contracts.
When Silence Isn't Golden: The Perils of Unchallenged Eyewitness Testimony in Murder Convictions
A Supreme Court ruling shows how unchallenged eyewitness testimony can seal a murder conviction, and why defense lawyers must test it.
Beyond Words: The Limits of Free Speech in Workplace Dismissal Cases
When does an employee's insulting remark justify dismissal? The Supreme Court clarifies the line between serious misconduct and a momentary lapse.
Rehabilitation for Defaulting Corporations Upholding Economic Recovery
The Supreme Court clarifies that corporations in default may still seek rehabilitation under the Interim Rules, promoting economic recovery.
Upholding Notarial Integrity: Consequences for False Certifications in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling on a lawyer permanently barred from notarial commission for notarizing without the party's presence, and what it means for notaries.
Notarizing Without the Signatory: When a Lawyer's Carelessness Leads to a Permanent Notarial Ban
A lawyer who notarized a petition while the signatory was abroad was permanently barred from notarial commission. The Supreme Court explains why.
Sheriff's Misconduct Leads to Dismissal for Unremitted Judgment Funds
The Supreme Court dismissed a sheriff for grave misconduct after he withheld P100,000 in collected judgment debt, reaffirming strict accountability for court officers.