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.
Meal Breaks Outside Company Premises Do Not Constitute Abandonment of Post
Philippine Airlines v. NLRC clarifies that employees may take meal breaks outside company premises without being guilty of abandonment of post.
Tenancy Disputes and Jurisdiction: Courts vs. Agrarian Reform Boards
Understanding when courts or DARAB have jurisdiction over agrarian disputes, based on a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Partition Without Prior Estate Settlement: Heirs' Rights Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on heirs' right to demand partition of inherited co-owned property without prior estate settlement proceedings.
Employee vs. Independent Contractor: The Four-Fold Test Under Philippine Law
Philippine courts use the four-fold test to distinguish employees from independent contractors. Control is the key factor.
Online Psychological Abuse Under RA 9262: When Facebook Posts Become a Crime
The Supreme Court clarifies how social media posts can constitute psychological abuse under RA 9262 and why ICT use raises the penalty.
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.
Summons on Foreign Corporations: What Philippine Courts Require Before Service on an Agent
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when summons may be served on a foreign corporation's alleged agent, and why mere allegations in a complaint may not be enough.
Floating Status or Illegal Dismissal: Security Guard Rights in the Philippines
When does a security guard's off-detail become illegal dismissal? The Supreme Court explains the six-month floating status rule and employee rights.
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.
Security of Tenure for Tenant Farmers: Upholding Leasehold Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court reaffirmed tenant farmers' security of tenure, ruling that land sale does not extinguish agricultural leasehold rights.
When Acts of God Disrupt Travel: Airline Liability for Flight Delays in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on airline liability for passenger expenses during flight delays caused by force majeure, like the Mt. Pinatubo eruption.
Regular vs Casual Employment in the Philippines: Employee Rights and Employer Obligations
Understand the difference between regular and casual employment in the Philippines, and learn how labor-only contracting affects employee rights and employer liability.
Unshaken Testimony: How Philippine Courts Uphold Witness Credibility Despite Minor Inconsistencies
Philippine courts weigh witness credibility over minor inconsistencies. Learn how the Supreme Court ruled in People v. Crisostomo.
Home Lot Rights in Philippine Tenancy: Only the Tenant is Entitled
The Supreme Court clarifies that only the tenant, not family members, may claim a home lot under RA 1199, Section 22(3).
When Should a Judge Inhibit: Safeguarding Impartiality in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when judges must voluntarily inhibit to protect judicial impartiality, explained in plain language.
Are Commissions Part of Minimum Wage in the Philippines? Employee Compensation Rights Explained
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies whether sales commissions count toward minimum wage compliance under the Labor Code, and explains due process rules for dismissal.
Proving Marriage and Filiation in the Philippines When Documents Are Missing
How Philippine courts allow proof of marriage and filiation through witnesses, baptismal certificates, and other evidence when official records are lost.
Implied Trusts in Philippine Property Law: When a Titleholder Is Not the True Owner
Learn how implied trusts work under Philippine law, the gift presumption for children under Article 1448, and key lessons from Morales v. Court of Appeals.
Rent-a-Car Liability in the Philippines: When Is the Owner Liable for Lessee’s Negligence?
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when rent-a-car companies are liable for lessee negligence under quasi-delict and vicarious liability rules.
Volunteer or Employee? The Control Test in Philippine Labor Law
Learn how the control test determines employee status in the Philippines, using the landmark Filipinas Broadcasting v. NLRC case.
Online Psychological Abuse Under RA 9262: When a Public Facebook Post Becomes a Crime
The Supreme Court clarifies when public social media posts constitute psychological abuse under RA 9262 and how ICT use raises penalties.
When a Creditor's Actions Cross the Line: Abuse of Rights in Philippine Contract Law
Learn when a creditor's enforcement actions become unlawful abuse of rights under Philippine law, with practical guidance.
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.
Employee vs. Partner in the Philippines: The Villaruel Case on Proof of Partnership
When is a worker an employee, not a partner? The Villaruel case clarifies the burden of proof and protects workers' labor rights.