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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Union Rights vs Managerial Prerogatives: Defining Supervisory Roles in Labor Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies who counts as a supervisory employee eligible to join a union, and the proper remedy for appealing labor decisions.
Solidary Liability of Overseas Employment Agencies in Illegal Dismissal Claims
When can a Philippine recruitment agency be held solidarily liable with a foreign employer for illegal dismissal? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits.
Breach of Contract: Enforcing Penalty Clauses in Government Projects
Explaining when penalty clauses bind contractors in government projects, based on a Supreme Court ruling on DBP and PD 1594.
Dishonesty Beyond Duty: Upholding Dismissal in PAGCOR Case
The Supreme Court ruled that dishonesty need not be work-related to justify dismissal from government service, affirming PAGCOR's dismissal of a branch manager.
When Court Officials Clash: Professional Conduct in the Philippine Judiciary
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge and clerk's public quarrel, and what it means for decorum in the judiciary.
Judicial Restraint vs Workplace Conduct: Defining Boundaries of Authority and Decorum in the Philippine Judici
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge's abuse of authority and a clerk's misconduct clarifies decorum standards for all judiciary personnel.
Dishonesty and Due Process: When Breach of Trust Justifies Termination
Supreme Court affirms dismissal of sales clerk for unauthorized scrap metal sale, clarifying just cause and due process in Philippine labor law.
Aliens Cannot Recover Funds for Land Bought in a Filipino's Name
Supreme Court rules an alien who bought Philippine land in a Filipino spouse's name cannot claim reimbursement, upholding the constitutional ban on foreign land ownership.
Alien Land Ownership Prohibition: Constitutional Limits and Equity Claims
Philippine constitutional law bars aliens from owning land, even through trust or reimbursement claims. Learn from Muller v. Muller.
Situs of Service Determines Income Tax Liability for Nonresident Aliens in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court rules that for nonresident aliens, income tax depends on where services are actually rendered, not where the payor resides.
Doubt and Acquittal: Assessing Witness Credibility in Attempted Murder Cases
The Supreme Court acquits Gerardo Biong of attempted murder, stressing that credible testimony, not just a credible witness, is required for conviction.
When a Seafarer's Quitclaim and Delay Bar Disability Claims: The Famanila Case
The Supreme Court explains when a seafarer's quitclaim is valid and how prescription periods bar late disability claims.
Repatriation and Citizenship: Strict Requirements for Reacquiring Filipino Citizenship
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies strict requirements for repatriation under RA 8171, including political or economic necessity and proper procedure.
Quitclaims and Retirement Benefits: Protecting Employees From Unfair Waivers
Philippine Supreme Court rules quitclaims cannot waive judgment awards if payment covers only retirement benefits. Learn the safeguards.
Breach of Contract When Fault Is Shared: Losses Lie Where They Fall
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on shared fault in contract breach—losses stay with the party that suffers them. Learn the rules.
Custody Rights and Habeas Corpus in Philippine Child Custody Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when habeas corpus is proper in custody disputes and how the tender-years rule applies.
Restarting the Clock: Minimum Corporate Income Tax and the Revival of Thrift Banks
When a closed bank reopens as a thrift bank, when does its MCIT grace period begin? The Supreme Court settles the rule.
Limits on Self-Representation When a Lawyer Is Required in Court
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a party may appear without counsel and why mixing self-representation with a lawyer's appearance is not allowed.
When Can NEA Administrators Suspend or Remove Electric Cooperative Officers
Supreme Court clarifies when NEA administrators may validly suspend or remove electric cooperative officers under PD 269.
MCIT Grace Period for Reopened Banks: The Manila Banking Corporation Ruling
Supreme Court clarifies when a bank that reopens after receivership starts its four-year MCIT grace period under the Tax Code.
Attorney's Fees in Estate Proceedings: Mandamus Not a Remedy When Fees Are Redetermined
When a probate court redetermines attorney's fees, a prior writ of execution is superseded, and mandamus cannot compel its enforcement.
When Public Duty and Private Conduct Collide: A Judge’s Venue Ruling Upheld
The Supreme Court affirms a judge’s dismissal of a case for improper venue, clarifying exclusive venue stipulations in loan contracts.
Tenancy vs Ownership: When Claiming the Land Defeats Tenant Status
Supreme Court clarifies when a person cannot claim both tenancy and ownership over agricultural land, and which court has jurisdiction.
Exclusive Venue Stipulations: When "Exclusively" Means What It Says
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a contractual venue stipulation is truly exclusive and binding on the parties.