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.
Reversion Rights After Expropriation: What MCIAA v. Chiongbian Means for Landowners
When government expropriation is unconditional, former owners generally cannot reclaim land even if the public purpose ends. Learn the rules.
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.
Lease Agreements in the Philippines: Why Written Consent Before Construction Matters
Learn how the Supreme Court's ruling in Bugatti v. Baguilat underscores the need for a perfected lease contract before construction begins.
Good Faith and Falsification: When Honest Belief Defeats Criminal Intent in Public Documents
The Supreme Court in Layug v. Sandiganbayan ruled that good faith and absence of damage can defeat a falsification charge.
When Can an Employer Terminate an OFW Due to Illness? The Medical Certificate Rule
Philippine law requires a medical certificate from a competent public health authority before an employer can validly terminate an OFW due to illness.
Sandiganbayan Jurisdiction Over Local Officials: The Salary Grade 27 Rule Explained
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled that a public official's position classification, not actual salary, determines Sandiganbayan jurisdiction.
Piece-Rate Workers Can Be Regular Employees: The Lambo v. NLRC Ruling
How the Supreme Court ruled that piece-rate tailors are regular employees entitled to full labor rights under Philippine law.
Expropriation in the Philippines: Provisional Deposit and Writ of Possession Explained
Understand how the 1997 Rules on expropriation allow the government to take property upon depositing assessed value, and what this means for owners.
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.
Right of Way Easements in the Philippines: The Least Prejudice Rule and Due Process
Philippine courts require hearing all affected landowners in right of way disputes. Learn the least prejudice rule from Almendras v. Court of Appeals.
Writ of Possession in Expropriation: When Demolition Is Implied | Philippine Law
In expropriation cases, a writ of possession can include the power to demolish structures. Learn the rule from Knecht v. Desierto.
Volunteer or Employee? The Control Test in Philippine Labor Law
Learn how the control test determines employee status in the Philippines, using the landmark Filipinas Broadcasting v. NLRC case.
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.
Anti-Fencing Law in the Philippines: Possession and Legal Presumptions
The Anti-Fencing Law criminalizes dealing in stolen goods. Mere possession creates a presumption of fencing. Learn how to protect yourself.
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.
When Can an Employer Assign Tasks Outside Your Job Description? Philippine Labor Law
Philippine law limits management prerogative. Learn when an employer can assign tasks outside your job description and your rights.
Builder in Good Faith in the Philippines: Rights Under Property Law
When can a mistaken builder claim good faith under Philippine law? The Supreme Court's ruling in Pleasantville clarifies the rights of builders and landowners.