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.
Enforcing Time Limits: Carrier Liability Hinges on Timely Notice of Cargo Damage
Timely written notice of cargo damage is a condition precedent to suing a carrier. The Supreme Court explains why in Federal Express v. American Home Assurance.
Annulment of NLRC Judgments: Why the Court of Appeals Lacks Jurisdiction
Explore why the Court of Appeals cannot annul NLRC decisions and the risks of forum shopping in labor cases.
When Agents Exceed Authority Understanding Reimbursement Rights IN Philippine LAW
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on agency, reimbursement rights, and the limits of an agent's authority under civil law.
Challenging Local Tax Ordinances: The 30-Day Appeal Rule Under Section 187
Taxpayers must appeal to the Secretary of Justice within 30 days of a local tax ordinance's effectivity or lose the right to challenge it in court.
Execution Pending Appeal: Balancing Public Interest and Court Discretion in Insurance Claims
When can a winning party execute a judgment while the appeal is pending? The Supreme Court explains the "good reasons" standard in this insurance dispute.
Lessor’s Liability for Defects and Repairs: Key Lessons from De Ysasi v. Arceo
Learn when Philippine lessors are liable for property defects and repairs, and why lessee inspection matters under De Ysasi v. Arceo.
GOCC vs. Private Corporation: Labor Jurisdiction and the Philippine National Red Cross Case
Learn how the Supreme Court's charter test determines whether an employer is a GOCC and which tribunal—CSC or NLRC—has jurisdiction over labor disputes.
Employer Subsidiary Liability in Philippine Criminal Law: The Catacutan Doctrine
Philippine employers can be held subsidiarily liable for damages from employees' criminal negligence. Learn the rules from Catacutan v. Heirs of Kadusale.
Parol Evidence Rule: When Prior Agreements Can Modify a Contract
Philippine Supreme Court explains when prior negotiations can alter a written contract under the parol evidence rule.
Due Process Denied: The Importance of Hearing Notices in Default Orders Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on default orders without hearing notices, and the duty of clerks of court in safeguarding due process.
Palpable Mistakes in Stipulations: Correcting Factual Errors in Philippine Courts
Philippine courts may correct factual errors in stipulations when made through palpable mistake, as shown in Atlas Consolidated Mining v. CIR.
Legal Interest in Philippine Judgments: Simple vs. Compound Interest Explained
Philippine courts apply simple legal interest on monetary judgments unless compound interest is explicitly stipulated. Learn the rules from David vs. Court of Appeals.
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.
Client Liability Clarified: Solidary Responsibility for Agency Workers
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a client-employer is solidarily liable for agency workers' claims, distinguishing back wages from service incentive leave pay.
Failure to File Corporate By-Laws: Not Automatic Dissolution in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that failing to file corporate by-laws on time does not automatically dissolve a corporation.
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.
Quasi-Delict vs Criminal Negligence: Civil Liability in Philippine Accidents
The Supreme Court clarifies when a driver's negligence creates civil liability under quasi-delict, even without a criminal conviction.
Private vs Common Carriers: Understanding Liability for Cargo Damage in the Philippines
Philippine law distinguishes private from common carriers, affecting liability for cargo damage. Learn the rules and practical implications.
Docket Fees and Jurisdiction: Re-Filing a Case After Dismissal for Improper Venue
When a case is dismissed for improper venue, must new docket fees be paid upon re-filing? The Supreme Court clarifies the rule.
When Is a Police Officer Considered On-Duty? Compensation Under Philippine Law
Philippine law treats police officers as on duty 24 hours a day for compensation purposes. Learn how this affects claims under the Employees' Compensation Program.