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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Piercing the Corporate Veil: Holding Parent Companies Liable for Labor Violations in the Philippines
When can a corporation be held liable for another entity's labor violations? The Supreme Court explains the doctrine of piercing the corporate veil.
Frivolous Lawsuits, Court Integrity, and Ethical Lawyer Conduct in the Philippines
The Supreme Court fines a lawyer for filing a frivolous administrative complaint, reaffirming ethical duties and the protection of judicial integrity.
Defining Obscenity in Philippine Law: Liability for Immoral Publications
The Supreme Court clarifies how Philippine law defines obscenity and who may be held liable for selling or exhibiting pornographic materials.
COA Audit Not Mandatory for Utility Rate Changes: Meralco Case Analysis
Supreme Court clarifies that COA audit is not a prerequisite to ERC rate approvals, settling a key administrative law question.
Understanding Qualified Rape and the Effect of RA 9346 on Death Penalty Cases
A Supreme Court ruling on incestuous rape clarifies qualified rape elements, victim credibility standards, and how RA 9346 converts death sentences to reclusion perpetua.
Accountability in the Courts: Understanding Neglect of Duty and Judicial Audits in the Philippines
A 2006 Supreme Court ruling clarifies the duties of judges and clerks of court in judicial audits, and the consequences of neglect of duty.
Quashing an Information: Limits on Amendment and Filing New Charges in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a quashed information can be amended or refiled, explained in plain language.
Protecting Your Property: Why Notice Is Crucial in Philippine Tax Sales
Learn how the Supreme Court nullified a tax sale for lack of proper notice to the true owner, and what this means for property buyers and owners in the Philippines.
Rescission Rights in Pacto de Retro Sales: When Can a Seller Reclaim Property
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a seller can rescind a pacto de retro sale and reclaim property from a defaulting buyer.
Psychological Incapacity Mere Marital Infidelity IS NOT Enough FOR Annulment
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that psychological incapacity under Article 36 requires more than mere marital infidelity or irreconcilable differences.
Legislative Contempt Ends When Inquiry Ends: Roque v. House Quad Committee
Supreme Court clarifies that legislative contempt and detention orders lapse once the congressional inquiry terminates or Congress expires.
Judge Fined P21,000 for Gross Ignorance in Issuing Injunction Without Hearing
Supreme Court fines judge P21,000 for granting TRO extension and preliminary injunction without the mandatory summary hearing under Rule 58.
DARAB Jurisdiction: Why Agrarian Disputes Over Joint Ventures Belong to the DAR
The Supreme Court clarifies that disputes over joint ventures on agrarian land fall under DARAB jurisdiction, not regular courts.
When Are Employee Confessions in Internal Investigations Admissible in Court?
Learn when employee confessions in internal investigations are admissible in Philippine courts, based on Supreme Court rulings on voluntariness and due process.
DOLE Philippines v. Esteva: Labor-Only Contracting and Regular Employment Rights
Supreme Court ruling on labor-only contracting, regular employment, and employer liability in DOLE Philippines v. Esteva (G.R. No. 161115).
Ombudsman's Authority and Due Process: Protecting Rights in Preliminary Investigations
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that preliminary investigation requires due process, not just procedural compliance.
Government Incentives When Must Employees Repay Disallowed Benefits
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when government employees must refund disallowed incentive benefits, distinguishing good faith recipients from approving officers.
Setting the Critical Date for Electric Rate Refunds in the Philippines
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a refund claim over utility charges is barred by prescription, and why the date of payment, not discovery, controls.
Falsifying Time Records in Public Service: A Path to Dishonesty Charges
Learn how falsifying time records leads to dishonesty charges in Philippine public service, based on a Supreme Court ruling.
Spousal Consent and Mortgage Validity: Protecting Marital Property Rights
Learn how spousal consent protects marital property from fraudulent transfers, based on a Philippine Supreme Court ruling on void titles.
When a Motion to Inhibit Is Not Contempt: The Tabao Case on Judicial Restraint
The Supreme Court clarifies when a lawyer's motion to inhibit a judge crosses the line into contempt—and when it does not.
Squatters Rights in Ejectment Cases: Possession Disputes Between Informal Settlers
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on squatters rights in ejectment cases—prior physical possession matters even between informal settlers on public land.
Agrarian Reform and Succession Rights of Legal Heirs Over Claimed Tillers' Rights
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether legal heirs of a CLOA awardee prevail over alleged tillers in agrarian reform disputes.
Torrens Title and Fraud: Protecting Land Ownership from Deceitful Transactions
The Supreme Court voided a Torrens title obtained through fraud, ruling that the principle of indefeasibility does not shield titles tainted by deceit.