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.
Transferee Recruitment Agency Liability: Protecting Overseas Workers
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a transferee recruitment agency can be held liable for illegal dismissal of an overseas worker.
When a Creditor's Actions Cross the Line: Abuse of Rights in Philippine Contract Law
Learn when a creditor's enforcement actions become unlawful abuse of rights under Philippine law, with practical guidance.
Litis Pendentia in the Philippines: Stopping Duplicate Lawsuits
Learn when Philippine courts dismiss duplicate lawsuits for litis pendentia, the requisites, and how to prevent splitting a cause of action.
Employee vs. Partner in the Philippines: The Villaruel Case on Proof of Partnership
When is a worker an employee, not a partner? The Villaruel case clarifies the burden of proof and protects workers' labor rights.
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.
Illegal Recruitment in the Philippines: Employer Duties and Employee Rights
Understand illegal recruitment in the Philippines, employer responsibilities, and employee rights based on a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Project vs Regular Employee: What Brahm Industries Teaches About Valid Dismissal
The Supreme Court clarifies the difference between project and regular employees, and the due process required for lawful dismissal in the Philippines.
Overriding Commissions After Retirement: Employee Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether employees can claim commissions earned before retirement but paid after. Learn the rules.
Conditional vs. Absolute Sale: How Philippine Courts Determine True Property Ownership
Philippine courts look beyond contract labels to determine if a sale is absolute or conditional. Learn the key rules from a landmark Supreme Court case.
Employers Bad Faith Actions Employee Rights AND Remedies IN THE Philippines
Learn how Philippine law protects employees and passengers from employer bad faith, with remedies and damages explained in plain language.
Franchise Boundaries: When NPC Can Supply Power Over Existing Franchises
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when NPC may directly supply power within areas covered by existing electric franchise holders.
Mortgage Contracts and Future Advances: Understanding the Scope of Security in Philippine Law
When does a real estate mortgage cover future loans beyond the stated amount? The Supreme Court explains in Quintanilla v. RCBC.
Insurable Interest: Can a Landlord Claim Insurance on a Tenant's Property?
Philippine Supreme Court rules a landlord cannot claim fire insurance proceeds on a tenant's merchandise without insurable interest. Learn the key principles.
When Can a Seaman Be Dismissed: Understanding Seafarer Rights and Obligations
Learn the legal grounds for dismissing a seaman in the Philippines, plus the rights and obligations of seafarers under Philippine maritime law.
Equitable Mortgage vs. Pacto de Retro Sale: When a "Sale" Is Really a Loan
Philippine law presumes certain "sales with right to repurchase" are equitable mortgages, protecting borrowers from unfair lending arrangements.
Right of Repurchase in Philippine Real Estate: Pacto de Retro Rules Explained
Learn the rules on pacto de retro sales and the right of repurchase in Philippine real estate, including annotation duties and judicial requirements.
Conditions vs. Warranties in Philippine Sales Contracts: The Power Commercial Case
Learn how Philippine law distinguishes contract conditions from warranties, and when a seller's failure to deliver possession justifies rescission.
Illegal Recruitment in Large Scale: Elements and Penalties Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains what makes illegal recruitment "large scale" and why it amounts to economic sabotage.
Solidary Liability Holding Principals Accountable FOR Wage Violations OF Contractors IN THE Philippines
Learn how Philippine labor law holds principals solidarily liable for wage violations of their contractors and the rules on valid dismissal.
Common Carriers and Passenger Safety: The Standard of Extraordinary Diligence in Philippine Law
Philippine law requires common carriers to exercise extraordinary diligence in ensuring passenger safety. This article explains the legal standard and its practical implications.
Lease Abandonment and Tenant Rights: The Paterno v. Court of Appeals Case
The Supreme Court's ruling in Paterno v. Court of Appeals clarifies when a tenant's departure amounts to lease abandonment and what it means for landlords and occupants.
Leasehold Improvements: Lessee Rights and Obligations Under Philippine Law
Understand lessee rights to improvements under Article 1678 of the Civil Code, and why lessees are not builders in good faith.
Retroactivity and Creditability of Wage Increases in Collective Bargaining Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when CBA wage increases retroact and whether they can be credited against future mandated wage increases.
When Is a Lawyer Liable for a Missed Appeal? Lessons from Sattar v. Lopez
The Supreme Court clarifies when a lawyer may be disciplined for a missed appeal, and when the client's own neglect is to blame.