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 a Bookkeeper Counts as an Agent for Summons in Labor Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when service of summons on a bookkeeper is valid in labor cases, conferring jurisdiction on the Labor Arbiter.
Eviction Moratoriums and Tenant Rights in the Philippines: RA 7279 and Supervening Events
Learn how the Supreme Court applied RA 7279's eviction moratorium and the supervening events doctrine in unlawful detainer cases.
Jurisdictional Challenges in Philippine Courts: Why Timing and Precision Matter in Tax Refund Claims
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on tax refund computation under RA 1435, explaining why strict interpretation and timing determine success in tax claims.
Philippine Courts and Foreign Defendants: How Voluntary Appearance Can Establish Jurisdiction
A look at Villareal v. CA: when a non-resident defendant voluntarily appears in court, jurisdiction over the person is established.
Proving Overtime in Philippine Labor Cases: Why Daily Time Records Matter and When They Don't
Daily time records aren't always conclusive in overtime claims. Learn when Philippine courts disregard them and how the doubt rule favors employees.
Credibility of Child Witnesses in Rape Cases: People v. Calma
How Philippine courts weigh child testimony in rape cases, and what People v. Calma teaches about credibility, evidence, and justice for minors.
Certiorari vs Appeal: The Proper Way to Challenge NLRC Decisions in the Philippines
Learn the correct remedy for questioning NLRC decisions—certiorari under Rule 65, filed with the Court of Appeals, not a direct appeal.
How Presidential Proclamations Affect Imperfect Land Titles in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when presidential proclamations can defeat claims to public land by long-time occupants.
Positive Identification in Philippine Criminal Law: Why Alibis Often Fail
A 1998 Supreme Court ruling shows why positive identification trumps weak defenses like alibi and denial in Philippine criminal cases.
Credibility of Victim Testimony in Rape Cases: Lessons from People v. Ferrer
Philippine courts rely heavily on victim credibility in rape cases. People v. Ferrer shows why trial court findings on witness demeanor are rarely overturned.
When Courts Review Mining Disputes: The Pearson Doctrine on Abandoned Claims
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling in Pearson on abandoned mining claims, administrative adjudication, and when courts may review interlocutory orders.
Invalid Sheriff's Sale: Protecting Property Rights in Judgment Execution
Learn from Dayonot v. NLRC why a sheriff's lack of authority voids an auction sale and what it means for judgment execution.
Service by Registered Mail in the Philippines: When Deadlines Start Ticking
Understand when service by registered mail is complete in Philippine courts, and how insufficient postal certifications can protect your right to due process.
Mandatory PCHC Arbitration for Bank Check Disputes in the Philippines
Philippine banks must settle check clearing disputes through PCHC arbitration before going to court, as explained in Allied Banking v. Court of Appeals.
Employee vs Independent Contractor: The Control Test in Philippine Labor Law (Ushio Marketing Case)
The Ushio Marketing case clarifies the control test for determining employer-employee relationships in Philippine labor law.
Why Summary Petitions Fall Short in Land Ownership Battles: Quevada v. Glorioso
The Supreme Court explains why a summary petition for inscription cannot resolve genuine ownership disputes over registered land.
Habeas Corpus and Premature Release: Why Appeals Matter in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling on why a convicted person cannot use habeas corpus to secure release while an appeal is still pending.
Labor-Only Contracting vs. Legitimate Job Contracting: Supreme Court Clarifies Employer Liability
The Supreme Court explains the difference between labor-only contracting and legitimate job contracting, and who bears liability for workers' claims.
Premature Writ of Demolition: Due Process and the Sheriff's Duty in Philippine Execution
When can a sheriff implement a writ of demolition, and what happens when a motion for reconsideration is pending? The Supreme Court's ruling in A.M. No. P-98-1268 offers guidance.
Loss of Confidence and Illegal Dismissal: Philippine Law on Breach of Trust in Employment
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when loss of confidence justifies dismissal and when it does not, protecting employee tenure rights.
Employee Status in Outsourcing: Key Lessons from the Supreme Court on Separation Pay
Learn when a resigning employee may claim separation pay under Philippine law, based on a landmark Supreme Court ruling on company practice.
Unwritten Company Policy and Illegal Dismissal: The Bangloy Case
Can an employee be fired under an unwritten policy? The Bangloy case shows why written, communicated rules are vital in Philippine labor law.
Solidary Liability in Overseas Employment: How Surety Bonds Protect Filipino Workers
Learn how surety bonds make recruitment agencies and their sureties solidarily liable for overseas workers' monetary claims.
Credible Witness or Coached Testimony: Why Doubt Can Acquit in Philippine Theft Cases
Explore how the Supreme Court acquitted a Meralco employee of qualified theft, emphasizing that uncorroborated and improbable witness testimony cannot prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.