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 Church Governance Prevails: Minister Reassignment and Labor Jurisdiction in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when a pastor's non-reappointment is an ecclesiastical affair beyond labor tribunals' jurisdiction, and why courts respect church autonomy.
Regular vs Project Employment: What the Supreme Court Requires of Employers
A 2019 Supreme Court ruling clarifies when construction workers are regular employees, not project employees, and what employers must prove.
Regular vs Project Employment: Employer Must Prove Employee Status at Hiring
Supreme Court clarifies that employers bear the burden of proving project employment status, requiring clear notice at the time of hiring.
Forest Charges and Tax Refunds: Jurisdiction and Prescription in Philippine Tax Law
A 2019 Supreme Court ruling clarifies that forest charges are internal revenue taxes, so refund claims must go to the CIR within two years.
Project vs Regular Employment: Security of Tenure and Employee Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between project and regular employment, and the security of tenure rights of employees.
Notice Requirements for SPV Asset Transfers: Protecting Borrowers' Rights
The Supreme Court clarifies notice requirements for SPV asset transfers under RA 9182, balancing borrower protection with valid assignments.
Reassignment vs. Transfer: What Public School Teachers Should Know
The Supreme Court clarifies when a public school teacher can be reassigned without consent, and how security of tenure applies.
Redundancy and Constructive Dismissal: Employee Rights in Corporate Restructuring
Understand redundancy pay, constructive dismissal, and employee rights when Philippine companies restructure or downsize.
Deed of Assignment Validity and Loan vs. Sale: Key Contract Lessons from the Supreme Court
The Supreme Court clarifies when a Deed of Assignment establishes ownership, and how courts distinguish a loan from a sale.
Premature Illegal Dismissal Claims: The Importance of Establishing Termination
Filing an illegal dismissal case too early can backfire. Learn when a "pull out" is not yet dismissal.
Premium Tax vs Cost of Service: Defining Minimum Corporate Income Tax
Supreme Court clarifies which taxes count as "cost of services" in computing MCIT for insurance companies, and when DST applies to policy increases.
Valid Dation in Payment: When a Debtor's Creditor Still Has Authority to Settle
Supreme Court explains when a dation in payment is valid even if the creditor assigned its receivables to another party.
Quitclaims and Illegal Dismissal: Understanding Employee Rights and Waivers in the Philippines
When is a quitclaim valid? The Supreme Court explains the rules on waivers and illegal dismissal in Vergara v. CDM Security Agency.
Oral Contracts for Property: Six-Year Prescription Bars Stale Claims for Specific Performance
Oral agreements to transfer property must be enforced within six years. Learn how prescription works and why timely action matters.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: Individual Liability for Corporate Fraud
When can directors be personally liable for corporate fraud? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on piercing the corporate veil.
Regular Employment and Labor-Only Contracting: Lingat v. Coca-Cola Bottlers
Supreme Court clarifies when agency-hired workers are regular employees of the principal employer, and the limits of labor contracting.
Regular Employee Status: Distinguishing Independent Contractors From Labor-Only Contracting
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when workers are regular employees despite agency transfers, distinguishing independent contractors from labor-only contracting.
Finality of Labor Decisions: When a Seafarer's Dismissal Case Cannot Be Reopened
A seafarer's illegal dismissal case was reinstated because the employer failed to timely appeal. Learn why final judgments stick.
Wage Increases and Management Prerogative: Balancing CBA Terms and Business Discretion
When can an employer set hiring rates above CBA wage increases without causing wage distortion? The Supreme Court explains.
Prolonged Floating Status of Security Guards Is Constructive Dismissal
Security guards placed on floating status beyond six months are constructively dismissed. Learn the rule from Padilla v. Airborne Security.
Prompt Case Raffle Is a Judge's Duty: Lessons from a Simple Neglect Case
The Supreme Court reminds judges that delaying case raffles violates A.M. No. 03-8-02-SC and constitutes simple neglect of duty.
Can Employees Get Attorney's Fees Even If Represented By PAO? Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: employees represented by the Public Attorney's Office can still receive attorney's fees in labor cases.
When an Employer Fails to Provide Work: Constructive Dismissal in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains when an employer's failure to give work assignments amounts to illegal constructive dismissal, and what workers must prove.
Simulated Contracts: When Property Transfers Are Void in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains when a simulated contract is void, not merely rescissible, using a P50-million property assignment case.