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.
Enforcing Arbitration: Why Contract Validity Doesn't Always Matter in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains the separability doctrine: an arbitration clause survives even if the main contract is challenged.
Philippine VAT Zero-Rating for Services: The "Doing Business Outside the Philippines" Requirement
Supreme Court clarifies VAT zero-rating for services requires the recipient to be doing business outside the Philippines, not just payment in foreign currency.
Missed Deadlines Dismissed Cases Understanding Failure TO Prosecute IN Philippine Courts
Understand how Philippine courts handle failure to prosecute and missed deadlines, and why procedural rules may be relaxed in labor cases.
Welga ng Bayan and Illegal Work Stoppage: What Philippine Employees Should Know
Joining a welga ng bayan without notice can be an illegal work stoppage. Learn the rules from the Biflex case.
When Courts Can Compel Disclosure of Foreign Currency Deposits in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when courts may compel banks to disclose foreign currency deposits despite the secrecy rule under RA 6426.
Regular Employment Status and Labor-Only Contracting: The San Miguel Corporation Case
Learn how the Supreme Court protected a worker's regular employment status against labor-only contracting schemes in San Miguel Corporation v. NLRC.
Lost Deals: Why a Vague "Yes" Isn't Enough to Seal a Property Sale in the Philippines
A buyer's "conforme" to a seller's price without agreeing on payment terms is only a counter-offer. Learn from Villanueva v. PNB.
Lost Your Labor Case Appeal? The Supreme Court on Mandatory Appeal Bonds
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why employers must post an appeal bond to perfect a labor appeal, and the consequences of failing to do so.
Novation and Insurance Claims: Contractual Obligations in Secured Transactions
When a mortgaged car is carnapped, does insurance payment extinguish the loan? The Supreme Court clarifies novation rules.
Conjugal Partnership and Surety Agreements: When a Spouse's Guaranty Does Not Bind the Family
When a husband signs a surety agreement for a third party, the conjugal partnership is not automatically liable. Here's why.
Who's the Boss? Determining Employer Liability in Labor-Only Contracting
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a principal employer becomes solidarily liable with a labor-only contractor for workers' claims.
Constructive Dismissal When Employer Actions Force Employee Resignation
Understand constructive dismissal in Philippine labor law, when employer actions force resignation, and the burden of proof on employers.
Docket Fees and Dismissal: Balancing Procedural Rules With Substantial Justice
The Supreme Court affirms that appellate courts may relax procedural rules on briefs to serve substantial justice, not strict technicality.
Business Closure in the Philippines: Navigating Layoffs and Employee Rights During Financial Distress
Learn the rules on business closure in the Philippines, including separation pay, notice requirements, and employee rights when a company shuts down due to losses.
When Is Employee Termination Illegal? Key Rules from a Supreme Court Ruling
Learn when termination becomes illegal under Philippine labor law, based on a Supreme Court ruling on unjustified dismissal and procedural lapses.
Tax Exemptions for Philippine Airlines: Understanding the "In Lieu of All Other Taxes" Provision
The Supreme Court ruled that PAL's franchise tax option exempts it from all other taxes, including the 20% final withholding tax on bank deposits.
Balancing Right to Work and Employer Prerogative: Absences and Termination
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when excessive absences justify dismissal, emphasizing proportional penalties and employer burden of proof.
Employer Liability for Negligent Employee: Quasi-Delict vs Subsidiary Liability
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when employers face direct liability for employee negligence under Article 2180, Civil Code, distinct from subsidiary criminal liability.
Tolerance Ends Ownership Rights Prevail In Unlawful Detainer Disputes
SC ruling: mere tolerance of occupation ends when property is sold; new owner may eject occupants via unlawful detainer.
Public Land vs Private Claim: Military Reservations and the Limits of Land Acquisition in the Philippines
The Supreme Court voids a title over land inside Fort Bonifacio, ruling military reservations are inalienable public land.
New Trial After Final Judgment: The Dinglasan Case on B.P. 22 and Procedural Remedies
When can a convicted accused seek a new trial based on newly discovered evidence? The Supreme Court explains the limits.
Finality Prevails: Why Attempts to Reopen a Settled Bouncing Checks Case Fail
The Supreme Court explains why final judgments cannot be reopened through belated claims of newly discovered evidence in a B.P. 22 case.
Dilatory Tactics and the Five-Year Rule: When Delaying Execution Backfires
The Supreme Court condemns a losing party's dilatory tactics that delayed execution of a final judgment for years, clarifying the five-year rule on execution by motion.
Falsified Documents Can Transfer Property in the Philippines: The Legal Reality
Can forged deeds transfer land in the Philippines? Philippine law says no—but the legal system has limits. Learn the rules on falsified documents.