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.
Labor-Only Contracting: When a Principal Becomes the True Employer
Supreme Court clarifies labor-only contracting and employer-employee relationship, holding principals liable for benefits when contractors lack capital or control.
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.
Unpaid Purchase Price: When a Deed of Absolute Sale Is Void for Lack of Consideration
A deed of sale without actual payment is void from the start. Learn the Supreme Court's ruling and key lessons.
Supreme Court Voids 'Right to Top' Clause in Government Asset Sale: Osmeña v. PSALM
The Supreme Court invalidated a 'right to top' provision in a government land lease, reaffirming that competitive public bidding protects public interest.
Supreme Court Upholds Conviction for Large-Scale Illegal Recruitment and Estafa
The Supreme Court affirmed a conviction for large-scale illegal recruitment and estafa, clarifying the elements of both crimes and the penalties imposed.
Illegal Recruitment in Large Scale and Estafa: Conviction Upheld by Supreme Court
Learn how the Supreme Court affirmed convictions for illegal recruitment in large scale and estafa, and what this means for overseas job seekers.
Third Party Beneficiaries and Compromise Agreements: When Excluded Parties Cannot Claim Benefits
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when compromise agreements benefit only named parties, not excluded third parties under stipulation pour autrui.
Citizenship by Naturalization: Balancing National Sovereignty and Refugee Protection
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on naturalization of a refugee, clarifying the "lucrative income" requirement and reciprocity under the Naturalization Law.
Accountability in Recruitment: Penalizing Illegal Recruiters for Economic Sabotage and Estafa
Learn how Philippine courts penalize illegal recruitment as economic sabotage and estafa, and what this means for overseas job seekers.
Indispensable Parties in Loan Disputes: The Land Bank v. Cacayuran Rule
Why failing to implead an indispensable party voids court rulings in loan agreement disputes, explained through Land Bank v. Cacayuran.
Avoiding Forum Shopping in Philippine Construction Disputes: Key Lessons from Dynamic Builders
Learn how the Supreme Court's ruling in Dynamic Builders clarifies forum shopping rules and injunctive relief in Philippine construction disputes.
When Public Interest Meets Private Contracts: The SM Land v. BCDA Ruling on Development Projects
The Supreme Court ruled that government agencies cannot cancel accepted unsolicited proposals by invoking public interest, upholding contractual obligations.
Unjust Enrichment When A Failed Contract Requires Restitution
When a promised subcontract falls through, can the money paid be recovered? The Supreme Court explains unjust enrichment and restitution.
Disbarment for Bigamy Upholding Marital Sanctity and Legal Ethics in the Philippines
Explore how Philippine courts treat bigamy as a grave offense affecting a lawyer's moral fitness and professional standing.
Employees Compensation for Leukemia: Proving Increased Occupational Risk
A widow's claim for EC death benefits failed because she could not prove her husband's security guard work increased his leukemia risk.
Service Charges and CBA Terms: When Negotiated Contracts Are Exempt in Labor Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when service charges are due under a CBA, and how negotiated contracts and special rates are exempt.
Mutuality of Contracts: When Banks Cannot Unilaterally Raise Interest Rates
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on Silos v. PNB explains why unilateral interest rate hikes violate the mutuality principle in loan contracts.
When a Blessing Becomes an Illegal Marriage Ceremony: The Ronulo Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when a priest's blessing of a couple without a marriage license becomes an illegal marriage ceremony under Article 352 of the Revised Penal Code.
Unjust Enrichment When Illegal Contracts Require Restitution
The Supreme Court explains when the in pari delicto doctrine yields to the public policy against unjust enrichment in illegal contracts.
When Teaching Doesn't Cover All: Narrowing the Scope of Occupational Disease Compensation
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that being listed as an occupational disease does not automatically make an illness compensable under Philippine law.
When Post-Employment Death Isn't Necessarily Non-Compensable: Establishing Causation in Seafarer Benefit Claim
A seafarer's death after repatriation may be compensable, but only with substantial evidence of work-related causation, not mere presumption.
Tax Treaty Benefits vs. BIR Rules: The Deutsche Bank Ruling on Prior Application
The Supreme Court clarifies that failure to comply with the BIR's prior application rule does not automatically bar tax treaty relief.
Quitclaims and Labor Rights: Can Waivers Extinguish Employer Liability
When can a quitclaim bar an employee's labor claims? The Supreme Court explains solidary liability and waiver validity.
Quitclaims and Labor Rights: Can Waivers Extinguish Employer Liability?
When can a quitclaim bar an employee's labor claims? The Supreme Court explains solidary liability and valid waivers in Vigilla v. PCCr.