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.
Judicial Accountability: Timely Decisions and Ethical Conduct on the Bench
The Supreme Court holds judges accountable for delayed decisions and retirement violations, imposing fines on a retired judge.
Presumption of Work Relatedness Protecting Seafarers' Rights to Disability Benefits
SC ruling clarifies that seafarers' non-listed illnesses enjoy a disputable presumption of work-relatedness, easing their burden of proof.
When Can an Agent Delegate Authority? The Rule on Substitution Under Philippine Law
Philippine law presumes an agent may appoint a substitute unless prohibited. Learn the rules, limits, and risks from a Supreme Court ruling.
Insubordination in the Workplace: Defining the Scope of Employee Duties and Employer Authority
The Supreme Court clarifies when an employee's refusal to follow orders is insubordination and when it is a justified defense against dismissal.
Assignees of Bank Mortgagee Entitled to Shorter Redemption Period Under General Banking Law
Supreme Court rules assignees of a bank mortgagee benefit from the shorter three-month redemption period under the General Banking Law.
When a Lawyer Buys a Client's Property: The Business Deal Exception
The Supreme Court clarifies when a lawyer's purchase of a client's property is a valid business deal, not a breach of professional ethics.
Negligence in Supervision: Employer's Right to Terminate for Gross Neglect of Duty
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a supervisor's failure to oversee staff constitutes gross and habitual neglect, justifying dismissal.
Reinstatement Orders Are Immediately Executory: What Employers Must Know
A dismissed employee must be reinstated even while appeal is pending; failure to do so means paying accrued wages.
Project Employees: When Length of Service Does Not Mean Regular Employment
Supreme Court clarifies that project employees may be validly terminated upon project completion, even after years of continuous service.
Subrogation and Compensation When Payment of Another's Debt Extinguishes Obligations
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on legal subrogation and compensation when a business buyer pays the seller's unpaid bills.
Constructive Dismissal: When Cutting Work Hours Violates Employee Rights
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when reducing work hours becomes constructive dismissal, and what employers must prove to justify it.
Labor-Only Contracting: Identifying the True Employer and Protecting Workers' Rights
The Supreme Court clarifies who the true employer is in labor-only contracting arrangements, protecting workers' rights under Philippine law.
When Arbitration Clauses Bind Non-Signatories: Nominees and Related Contracts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when arbitration clauses extend to nominees and subsequent related agreements under RA 9285.
Assignment of Mortgage and BSP’s Foreclosure Authority Hinges on Valid Deed
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a bank may foreclose a mortgage assigned to it, requiring a valid deed of assignment.
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.
Final Liquidation Court Orders Prevail Over Collection Suits: Solidbank v. CA
A final liquidation court order cannot be overturned by a trial court in a separate collection suit, explains the Supreme Court in Solidbank v. CA.
Constructive Dismissal When a Transfer and Floating Status Become Illegal Termination
When do a transfer and floating status cross the line into constructive dismissal? The Supreme Court explains in ICT Marketing v. Sales.
Personnel Actions and the Courts: When CSC Jurisdiction Yields to Judicial Review
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when courts may hear personnel actions involving public officers despite CSC jurisdiction.
Ombudsman's Probable Cause Discretion and Grave Abuse in Public Official Cases
Courts rarely interfere with the Ombudsman's probable cause findings unless grave abuse of discretion is clearly shown. This case explains the rule.
Novation Requires Clear Creditor Consent Protecting Banks IN Debt Assumption Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on debt assumption, assignment of credit, and the need for creditor consent under Civil Code.
Assignment of Contractual Rights: Consent Requirements and Third Party Obligations in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when contractual assignment binds the debtor and when assignee consent is required under Civil Code.
Upholding Integrity: Attorney Liability for Notarial Register Errors in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court holds notary public liable for erroneous notarial register entries, stressing the duty to record every notarial act accurately.
COA Auditors Barred From Agency Benefits: Nacion v. COA
Supreme Court affirms COA's discipline of auditor who received bonuses, housing, and car loans from audited agency MWSS.
Assignment of Credit vs. Assumption of Liability: Clarifying a Bank's Role in Property Development
When a bank buys a developer's receivables, does it inherit the developer's obligations to buyers? The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction.