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.
Unmasking Express Trusts in Philippine Property Law: Co-Ownership vs True Ownership
When a deed of sale is actually an express trust, the titled "owner" holds only as trustee. This case explains the difference.
When Managerial Discretion Becomes Defiance: Willful Disobedience in Philippine Labor Law
Explore when a manager's independent judgment crosses the line into willful disobedience, a valid ground for dismissal under Philippine labor law.
Court Discretion and Deadlines: Why Philippine Courts Can Deny Postponements and Cost You Your Case
Learn from the Pepsi Number Fever case why Philippine courts can deny postponements and declare waiver of evidence rights.
Employee Transfers Constructive Dismissal Navigating Company Prerogatives IN THE Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts balance company prerogatives against employee rights in transfer and dismissal cases, with key rules explained.
Labor-Only Contracting vs. Legitimate Job Contracting: Supreme Court Clarifies Employer Liability
The Supreme Court explains the difference between labor-only contracting and legitimate job contracting, and who bears liability for workers' claims.
Navigating Agrarian Disputes: DAR's Role in Ejectment Cases Explained
Understand the Supreme Court's ruling in Caraan v. CA on the DAR's preliminary determination of tenancy and its effect on ejectment cases.
When Can an Employer Refuse a Work Order? Employee Rights in the Philippines
Philippine law protects employees from unjust dismissal. Learn when a work order can be refused and what employers must prove to terminate a worker.
When Dismissal Fails: The Burden of Proof in Drug-Related Termination Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies employer's burden of proof in drug-related dismissals, requiring clear evidence, not speculation, for valid termination.
When a Successor Company Inherits Illegal Dismissal Liability: The Alfante Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when a successor corporation can be held liable for the illegal dismissal acts of its predecessor, and how backwages are computed.
When Is Detention NOT Illegal: Understanding Serious Illegal Detention in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains when detention is not illegal and why consent and credible evidence matter in serious illegal detention cases.
Motion for Reconsideration Deadlines in Labor Cases: The CEU Lesson
Learn how a missed Motion for Reconsideration deadline made a labor decision final and executory in Centro Escolar University v. NLRC.
Seaworthiness and Insurance Subrogation in Philippine Maritime Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on shipowner liability for unseaworthy vessels, insurer subrogation rights, and the limited liability rule.
Witness Testimony and the Standard of Proof in Philippine Criminal Law
How Philippine courts weigh eyewitness testimony against denial and alibi in criminal cases, explained through a murder conviction.
Can Employers Ban Marriage? The Illegality of Anti-Marriage Policies in the Philippines
Philippine law bans anti-marriage policies for women. Learn the rules, the PT&T case, and what to do if dismissed for getting married.
Corporate Identity Crisis CAN A Company Sue Under AN Unregistered Name
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether a company can sue under an unregistered corporate name, explained in plain language.
Election Protests and Succession: Ensuring Electoral Integrity After a Candidate's Death
The Supreme Court rules that election protests survive a candidate's death, ensuring the people's true choice prevails.
Successor Liability in Philippine Labor Law: When New Owners Inherit Labor Obligations
Learn when a successor company inherits a predecessor's labor obligations under Philippine law, based on the Caliguia ruling.
How Philippine Courts Interpret Lease Agreements and Advance Deposits
Clear lease terms and receipts control contract interpretation. Learn from a Supreme Court ruling on advance deposits and rescission.
Falsification of Public Documents: Understanding Intent and Presumptions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on falsification of public documents, explaining the presumption of authorship when one possesses and uses forged titles.
Habitual Absences vs Security of Tenure: Balancing Employee Rights and Employer Prerogatives in Dismissal Case
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when habitual absences justify dismissal, balancing employee security of tenure against employer prerogatives in shipping.
Filling Vacancies in Local Government: A Guide to Appointments in the Philippines
Who appoints replacements for vacant local council seats? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules under the Local Government Code.
Probable Cause and Issuance of Arrest Warrants: The Roberts Case Explained
When must a judge examine records before issuing warrants? The Roberts case clarifies probable cause and arrest warrant rules.