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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Government Contracts Enforceability AND THE Necessity OF Legal Requirements
A look at when government contracts are binding and why strict legal requirements matter for enforceability in the Philippines.
Conspiracy and the Element of Force in Rape and Homicide Cases in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies conspiracy, force, and proper charges in rape and homicide, modifying a conviction from simple to qualified rape.
Executive Prerogative vs JBC Independence: Defining the Scope of Judicial Appointments in the Philippines
The Supreme Court ruled that the JBC's clustering of nominees for simultaneous vacancies is unconstitutional, as it impairs the President's appointing power.
Balancing Confidentiality and Free Expression: The Limits of Disbarment Publicity in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when public statements about disbarment complaints violate the confidentiality rule and when they are protected speech.
Enforceability of Oral Contracts: Protecting Contractors' Rights Through Quantum Meruit
Oral contracts are binding in the Philippines. Learn how quantum meruit protects contractors who complete work without written agreements.
Upholding Notarial Integrity: Consequences for False Certifications in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling on a lawyer permanently barred from notarial commission for notarizing without the party's presence, and what it means for notaries.
When a University President Is a Corporate Officer: Jurisdiction Over Dismissal Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when a dismissed corporate officer's case belongs to regular courts, not labor tribunals, in Wesleyan University-Philippines v. Maglaya.
Upholding Management Prerogative Employee Transfers AND Constructive Dismissal IN THE Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when employee transfers and probationary dismissals violate security of tenure and due process.
Attorney Disbarment for Willful Disobedience Upholding Court Authority in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court disciplines lawyers for willful disobedience, protecting court authority and the integrity of the legal profession.
Surety’s Liability: The Extent and Limits Under Philippine Law
Understand the scope of a surety’s obligations in the Philippines, including liability limits, defenses, and key legal principles.
Invalid Execution Sales: The Imperative of Proper Levy on Properties in the Philippines
A lawful levy is a prerequisite to a valid execution sale. Learn the rules from a 2016 Supreme Court ruling.
When a Father's Duty Becomes a Crime: The Law on Incestuous Rape in the Philippines
The Supreme Court affirms the conviction of a father for raping his 12-year-old daughter, clarifying the rules on qualified rape, sexual assault, and damages.
Theft by Deceit, Overseas Job Scams, and Illegal Recruitment Law in the Philippines
A close look at how Philippine law treats illegal recruitment and large-scale estafa, and why the Supreme Court demands solid proof before property is seized.
Tax Assessments Invalid Notices and Taxpayer Due Process in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on invalid tax assessment notices and taxpayer due process rights explained in plain language.
Insubordination vs Due Process: Employee Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when a lawyer may buy a client's property without violating ethics, and what this means for employee rights.
Project vs Regular Employment: Defining Worker Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when construction workers are regular employees, not project-based, and the employer's burden of proof.
Rape of Persons with Intellectual Disability: Consent and Criminal Liability in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies that sexual intercourse with a person with intellectual disability constitutes rape, as they cannot give valid consent.
When Family Driver Claims Mask Illegal Dismissal: Protecting Employee Rights in the Philippines
Supreme Court rules that labeling a company driver as a "family driver" cannot defeat illegal dismissal claims and full backwages.
Refusal to Bargain: Protecting Workers' Right to Collective Bargaining in the Philippines
The Supreme Court rules that an employer's refusal to bargain and waiver schemes constitute unfair labor practice under Philippine law.
Protecting Workers: Illegal Dismissal and the Rights of Pakyaw Employees in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that pakyaw workers are regular employees entitled to security of tenure, holiday pay, and service incentive leave pay.
Corporate Mergers and Employee Rights: Understanding Job Security in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court rules that corporate mergers do not terminate employees' jobs; absorbed workers continue employment with the surviving corporation.
Project vs Regular Employment: Understanding Security of Tenure in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains when project employees become regular workers and how security of tenure applies in Philippine construction labor law.
Breach of Trust Dismissal for Falsifying Court Documents in the Philippines
Supreme Court disbars lawyer who misappropriated client funds and engaged in double-dealing, violating the Code of Professional Responsibility.
Treachery Defined: How Eyewitness Testimony Secures Murder Convictions in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains how treachery qualifies killing as murder and why a consistent eyewitness account outweighs an alibi defense.