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.
When a Recruitment Employee Is Not Liable for Illegal Recruitment: Toston v. People
The Supreme Court in Toston v. People clarifies that a recruitment agency's mere employee is not automatically liable for illegal recruitment.
Ethical Boundaries for Court Personnel: Consequences of Soliciting Fees for Favorable Outcomes
Court stenographer dismissed for gross misconduct after soliciting P248,000 from a litigant, promising to fix an annulment case.
Behest Loans in the Philippines: Understanding Anti-Graft Law and Due Diligence
Learn how Philippine courts define behest loans, the role of RA 3019, and why loan repayment does not erase potential graft liability.
Accomplice Liability in Direct Bribery: The Gerunda Case Explained
Learn how the Supreme Court defined accomplice liability in direct bribery cases, using the Gerunda ruling to explain key legal principles.
Labor-Only Contracting vs Legitimate Job Contracting: Key Distinctions and Employer Responsibilities
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between labor-only contracting and legitimate job contracting, and the employer liabilities that follow.
Understanding Special Leave Benefits for Women: Insights From a Landmark Supreme Court Case
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies the procedural requirements for special leave benefits for women, emphasizing the importance of the three-day notice rule in motions.
Reviving Accountability: Condonation Doctrine and Preventive Suspension in Philippine Governance
Supreme Court clarifies the condonation doctrine and preventive suspension rules for public officers facing administrative and criminal liability.
Independent Contractor vs Employee: Proving Employment Status in Illegal Dismissal Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies how courts distinguish independent contractors from regular employees in illegal dismissal disputes, emphasizing the burden of proof on claimants.
Perpetual Disqualification: When Does It Take Effect in Philippine Law?
The Supreme Court clarifies when the accessory penalty of perpetual disqualification from public office takes effect under Philippine law.
SALN Compliance: Government’s Duty to Notify and Consequences of Non-Compliance
The Supreme Court clarifies that government agencies must follow the mandatory review and compliance procedure before penalizing officials for SALN errors or omissions.
Retrenchment in the Philippines: Proving Business Losses Under Article 298
Retrenchment is legal only if employers prove serious, ongoing losses. The Philphos case shows what evidence courts require.
Conflict of Interest: When Can a Government Lawyer Represent a Public Official in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when a government lawyer's representation of a public official becomes a conflict of interest and unauthorized practice of law.
Bunkhouse Residency and Voter Registration: The Bascon Ruling Explained
The Supreme Court affirms that workers living in employer-provided bunkhouses can establish voter residency, provided they meet legal requirements.
When Agrarian Disputes Are Really Contract Cases: DAR v. Lapanday Foods
The Supreme Court clarifies when disputes over CARP lands are ordinary contract cases, not agrarian disputes under DAR jurisdiction.
Mitigating Circumstances and Gross Neglect of Duty: Reassessing Penalties in Judiciary Misconduct
The Supreme Court modifies dismissal to suspension for a clerk of court guilty of gross neglect, appreciating mitigating circumstances under amended Rule 140.
Negligence in Handling Government Funds: A Landmark Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies when public officers may be held liable for negligence in handling government funds and the right to speedy disposition of cases.
Unlawful Termination Employer Liability FOR Extended Business Suspension AND Retrenchment Requirements
When a business suspension exceeds six months and retrenchment rules are ignored, employers face illegal dismissal liability. Learn the rules.
Illegal Dismissal: Employer Liability After a Prolonged Business Suspension
When a business suspension exceeds six months, employers must validly terminate or recall workers. Learn the rules from a 2023 Supreme Court ruling.
Bank Negligence in the Philippines: The BDO v. Seastres Case on Extraordinary Diligence
When banks fail to exercise extraordinary diligence, they can be held fully liable for unauthorized withdrawals, as the Supreme Court ruled in BDO v. Seastres.
Illegal Dismissal of Cooperative Officers: CDA, Not Labor Tribunals, Has Jurisdiction
The Supreme Court clarifies that illegal dismissal complaints by cooperative officers fall under CDA jurisdiction, not labor tribunals.
Breach of Public Trust: Dishonesty and Neglect in Handling Court Funds
Supreme Court rules on liability of government officers for disallowed funds, emphasizing good faith and diligence in public service.
Dishonesty in Government Service: When Is It Grounds for Dismissal?
The Supreme Court clarifies when dishonesty in government service warrants dismissal, distinguishing serious, less serious, and simple dishonesty.
When Does a Company Bonus Become a Demandable Right in the Philippines?
Learn when a company bonus becomes a demandable right under Philippine law, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Maternal vs. Coca-Cola Bottlers.
OFW Illegal Dismissal: Philippine Labor Laws Protect Workers Abroad
Philippine labor laws protect OFWs from illegal dismissal, even abroad. Learn the rules on retrenchment, due process, and remedies.