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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Accreditation of Government Service After Retirement: The CSC v. Annang Rule
Retired government workers cannot seek accreditation of prior contract-of-service work. The Supreme Court explains the rule and its limits.
Appeal Bond for Labor-Only Contractors: Solidary Liability and NLRC Appeals
When must a labor-only contractor post an appeal bond? The Supreme Court clarifies solidary liability and appeal perfection rules.
Novation in Construction Contracts: When Revisions Create a New Agreement
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when revised construction plans and new contracts extinguish prior agreements through novation.
Regular vs. Project Employment: Key Insights from a Recent Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies when fixed-term project employment is valid and how to distinguish a legitimate independent contractor from labor-only contracting.
Imprescriptibility of Reconveyance Actions Challenging Titles Based on Nonexistent Contracts
When a land title is based on a nonexistent contract, the action for reconveyance does not prescribe, the Supreme Court rules.
Reconveyance for Void Contracts: Imprescriptible Actions Under Article 1410
When a land transfer rests on a void or inexistent contract, an action for reconveyance does not prescribe, protecting rightful owners.
Navigating Real Estate Installment Contracts: The Importance of Proper Rescission Under the Maceda Law
Learn how the Supreme Court clarifies rescission rules for real estate installment sales and the rights of buyers under the Maceda Law.
Independent Contractor vs Labor-Only Contracting: Protecting Employee Rights
The Supreme Court clarifies when a manpower agency is a labor-only contractor, making the principal the real employer and solidarity liable.
Solidary Liability in Labor Standards: Protecting Employee Wage Claims
When a contractor fails to pay wages, the principal employer can be held solidarily liable. The Supreme Court clarifies the rules.
GSIS Jurisdiction Over Housing Loan Disputes: The Rafael Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when GSIS has exclusive jurisdiction over housing loan disputes and when courts may take cognizance of contractual claims.
GSIS Board Jurisdiction Limited in Housing Loan Disputes: Key Supreme Court Ruling
Supreme Court clarifies GSIS Board of Trustees lacks exclusive jurisdiction over housing loan disputes involving contract enforcement and damages.
Bidding Rights Clear Legal Right Required FOR Preliminary Injunction IN Government Contracts
Supreme Court clarifies that prospective bidders lack the clear legal right needed for preliminary injunction in government procurement disputes.
Prohibition Denied When Government Contracts Become Fait Accompli
Supreme Court rules prohibition cannot stop an already completed government contract, and clarifies legal standing rules for citizen suits.
Stare Decisis and Employer Status in Labor Contracting Disputes
The Supreme Court applies stare decisis in labor contracting cases, reaffirming that Consolidated Building Maintenance, Inc. is a legitimate job contractor.
Work Conditions and Illness: Proving Increased Risk for Employee Compensation
Supreme Court clarifies that non-occupational illnesses are compensable if work conditions increased the risk of contracting them, requiring only substantial evidence.
Direct Contracting in Government Procurement: When Exemptions Lead to Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies when direct contracting in government procurement is allowed and when it leads to administrative liability for public officers.
Upholding Government Procurement Standards: The Duty of Bids and Awards Committees to Ensure Lawful Transactio
The Supreme Court clarifies that Bids and Awards Committees must justify direct contracting and cannot rely blindly on recommendations, ensuring lawful government procurement.
Challenging Labor Only Contracting: Regular Employment Rights Affirmed
Supreme Court affirms that DOLE registration alone does not prove legitimate job contracting; workers performing principal business tasks are regular employees.
Notarial Disqualifications Familial Relationships AND Contractual Principals
A notary cannot notarize a deed where a relative within the fourth civil degree is a party—even if that relative did not sign.
Upholding Property Rights: The Binding Effect of Contracts on Subsequent Owners in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling explains when contracts bind third-party buyers and why timely execution of judgments matters in property disputes.
Splitting Contracts: Good Faith Alone Does NOT Excuse Violation of Procurement Laws
Supreme Court rules good faith is no defense for splitting contracts and bypassing public bidding under RA 9184.
Graft and Conspiracy: When Private Individuals Become Publicly Liable
Explore the Supreme Court ruling on splitting government contracts and conspiracy liability in procurement under RA 9184.
Quantum Meruit: Fair Compensation for Government Contracts Despite Procedural Flaws
When can a contractor recover payment for services rendered to the government despite an invalid contract? The Supreme Court explains quantum meruit.
Voluntary Resignation vs Constructive Dismissal: Seafarer Contract Obligations
When a seafarer's resignation is voluntary, not constructive dismissal, and why lawful orders under the POEA Standard Contract matter.