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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Compromise and Complicity: How Settlement With One Party Affects Liability of Others in Securities Fraud
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether settling with one defendant in a securities fraud case extinguishes liability of other alleged co-conspirators.
Floating Status of Security Guards: When Return-to-Work Orders Defeat Claims of Constructive Dismissal
The Supreme Court clarifies when specific return-to-work orders prevent a finding of constructive dismissal for security guards on floating status.
Conflicting Medical Reports: When a Seafarer Gets Full Disability Benefits
Philippine Supreme Court rules on conflicting company doctor reports, entitling seafarer to full permanent disability benefits under POEA-SEC.
Service of Summons on Corporations: Strict Compliance Required in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that service of summons on corporations requires strict compliance with Rule 14, Section 11, listing only specific officers.
Service of Summons on Corporations: Why Strict Compliance Matters in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that service of summons on corporations must strictly follow Rule 14, Section 11; substantial compliance no longer applies.
Reinstatement Orders of Voluntary Arbitrators Are Immediately Executory—Even Pending Appeal
The Supreme Court confirms that reinstatement orders by Voluntary Arbitrators are immediately executory, even pending appeal, protecting workers' security of tenure.
Challenging Fixed Term Contracts Security OF Tenure VS Freedom TO Contract
Seafarer's Right to Disability Benefits When Employer Delays Post-Employment Medical Exam
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies employer duties and seafarer rights in post-employment medical examinations under the POEA-SEC.
Corporate Identity Theft Protecting Your Brand Name Under Philippine Law
Learn how the Supreme Court protects corporate names from confusing similarity, and what businesses must prove to secure exclusive brand rights.
Beyond 120 Days: Seafarer’s Right to Permanent Total Disability Benefits
The Supreme Court clarifies when a seafarer is deemed permanently and totally disabled under the 120-day rule and POEA-SEC.
Security of Tenure vs Management Prerogative: Balancing Rights in Security Agency Employment
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on the balance between security of tenure and management prerogative in security agency employment.
Premature Disability Claims: Seafarers Must Follow Medical Assessment Procedures
The Supreme Court clarifies when a seafarer's disability claim is premature and why following the POEA-SEC medical assessment procedure matters.
Broken Chains: Safeguarding Rights in Drug Cases Through Strict Evidence Procedures
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect when police break the chain of custody, underscoring strict compliance with Section 21 of RA 9165.
Corporate Asset Transfers: When Does a Buyer Inherit the Seller's Liabilities
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a corporation buying all assets of another also inherits its liabilities, under Section 40.
Upholding Land Title Security: The Burden of Proof in Free Patent Fraud Cases
A free patent title stands unless fraud is proven with clear and convincing evidence. The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on reversion and burden of proof.
Failure to Prosecute and Counterclaims: Lessons from Roasters Philippines v. Gaviola
When can a case be dismissed for failure to prosecute, and what happens to counterclaims? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules.
Malicious Prosecution: When Filing a Criminal Complaint Backfires
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on malicious prosecution, damages, and employer liability for unfounded criminal charges against employees.
Malicious Prosecution: Holding Employers Accountable for Unjust Accusations
When employers file baseless criminal charges against workers, they may face damages for malicious prosecution. Learn from a Supreme Court ruling.
Presumption of Compensability Protecting Seafarers With Cardiovascular Disease
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on seafarers' disability benefits for cardiovascular disease, presumption of compensability, and POEA-SEC.
Stockholder Inspection Rights: No Minimum Shareholding Required
Supreme Court clarifies that even a.001% stockholder can inspect corporate books under Section 74 of the Corporation Code, and corporations bear the burden of proving improper purpose.
Plaintiff’s Duty to Prosecute: Pre-Trial Setting Not Solely the Court’s Burden
The Supreme Court clarifies that the guidelines on pre-trial do not remove a plaintiff’s duty to move for pre-trial; failure without justifiable cause warrants dismissal.
SEC Revocation of Securities Registration: Due Process in Administrative Regulation
Supreme Court clarifies when SEC may revoke securities registration without a separate hearing, distinguishing regulatory from quasi-judicial powers.
SEC Regulatory Powers: Revocation of Securities Registration and Due Process
Supreme Court clarifies SEC's regulatory power to revoke securities registration and what due process requires in administrative proceedings.
SEC Revocation of Securities Registration: When Due Process Is Satisfied
Supreme Court clarifies when SEC revocation of securities registration complies with due process, and what issuers must do.