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.
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Independent Contractors vs Regular Employees: Defining the Boundaries of Employer Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies when a principal is not the employer of a contractor's workers, and why the regular employment test does not apply in trilateral arrangements.
Breach of Contract and Bad Faith: Airlines' Liability for Downgraded Seats
Philippine Airlines held liable for downgrading a passenger's business class seat to economy, with the Supreme Court affirming damages for breach of contract in bad faith.
Balancing Privacy and Due Process: Evidence Admissibility in Philippine Administrative Cases
When do illegally obtained evidence become inadmissible in administrative cases? The Supreme Court clarifies constitutional limits.
Cityhood Denied: How Income Requirements Protect Local Governments
The Supreme Court struck down 16 cityhood laws for violating the Constitution's requirement of uniform criteria in the Local Government Code.
Registered Vehicle Owners Face Liability Even After Selling the Car
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why registered vehicle owners remain liable for accidents even after selling their car.
Seafarer Compensation Rights: Work-Related Injury Claims and Pre-Existing Conditions in Philippine Maritime La
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on seafarer compensation for work-related injuries despite pre-existing conditions, and the legal standards for disability claims.
Excise Tax Refund: Who Is the Proper Claimant Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies that only the statutory taxpayer—the manufacturer—may claim excise tax refunds, even if the burden was shifted to the buyer.
Solidary Liability of Recruitment Agencies: Protecting Overseas Workers' Right to Fair Compensation
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on recruitment agencies' solidary liability for overseas workers' unpaid wages and the prescriptive period for money claims.
Medical Negligence: The Duty to Consider Existing Conditions During Treatment
Philippine Supreme Court rules on seafarer disability claims, company-designated physician assessments, and the duty to consider pre-existing conditions.
Resignation vs Termination: When a Resignation Letter Is Not Enough in Philippine Labor Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a resignation is not voluntary and how employers must prove it to defeat illegal dismissal claims.
Theft by Deceit Conviction Stands Despite Missing Testimony and Affidavit of Desistance
Supreme Court affirms estafa conviction even with missing transcript and complainant's affidavit of desistance, clarifying key criminal procedure rules.
Motion for Reconsideration as a Prerequisite to Supreme Court Review in Election Cases
The Supreme Court rules that a COMELEC Division resolution must first be elevated to the Commission en banc before it can be questioned before the High Court.
Just Compensation in Expropriation: When Is Land "Taken"?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when property is and "adjustment factor" to account for the time elapsed since the taking.
Legality of Appointments: Balancing Appointee Rights and Preventing Midnight Appointments
The Supreme Court clarifies who may challenge a disapproved appointment and explains why the midnight-appointment ban does not bind local executives.
Mandatory Suspension Safeguarding Public Service Integrity
Explore the Supreme Court's ruling on mandatory suspension of public officials and its role in preserving public service integrity.
Police Power vs Customs Authority: The Limits of Search and Seizure in the Philippines
When can police search cargo without customs authority? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits in Boac v. People.
Independent Contractor or Employee: The Four-Fold Test in Philippine Labor Law
When is an insurance agent an employee, not an independent contractor? The Supreme Court explains the four-fold test and the crucial "control test" in Tongko v. Manulife.
Upholding Ethical Conduct: Dismissal and Forfeiture of Benefits for Grave Misconduct in the Judiciary
Explore the Supreme Court's ruling on judicial misconduct, emphasizing accountability, ethical standards, and the consequences of grave offenses in the judiciary.
Mandatory Drug Testing Under RA 9165: What the Supreme Court Upheld and Struck Down
The Supreme Court upheld random drug testing for students and employees but struck down mandatory tests for candidates and criminal suspects.
Drug Testing and Constitutional Rights: The Supreme Court's Balancing Act in the Philippines
The Supreme Court upheld random drug testing for students and employees but struck down mandatory tests for candidates and accused persons.
Forum Shopping in Mortgage Disputes: When Causes of Action Differ
Supreme Court clarifies when simultaneous mortgage foreclosure and damages suits do not constitute forum shopping, explaining the test for identity of causes of action.
Corporate Authority: When Can a President Bind a Corporation Without a Board Resolution
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a corporate president can sign pleadings and bind the company without a board resolution.
Breach of Contract vs Illegal Dismissal: When Labor Arbiters Have Jurisdiction
The Supreme Court clarifies when a breach of contract claim falls under labor arbiter jurisdiction in U-Bix v. Hollero.
Deposition Denied: Balancing Discovery Rights and Diligence in Court Proceedings
When can a court deny a deposition? The Supreme Court explains the limits of discovery rights when a party delays proceedings.