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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Treachery and Conspiracy: When Presence Makes You an Accomplice, Not a Principal
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a bystander at a murder scene becomes an accomplice rather than a conspirator, and how treachery is proven.
Cityhood Laws and Equal Protection: The League of Cities Doctrine
The Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of 16 cityhood laws, ruling that Congress validly exempted certain municipalities from higher income requirements.
Surety Bonds Solidary Liability Despite Contract Rescission
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on surety bonds: rescission of the principal contract does not automatically release the surety from liability.
Joint and Solidary Liability of Recruitment Agencies for OFW Claims
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on recruitment agencies' joint liability with foreign principals for overseas workers' money claims.
Solidary Liability of Recruitment Agencies: Protecting Overseas Filipino Workers' Rights
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on recruitment agencies' solidary liability with foreign principals for OFW claims, explained in plain language.
When Outsourcing Obscures Employment: Labor-Only Contracting in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when a contractor is merely a labor-only contractor, making the principal the true employer. Learn the rules.
Contract of Legal Services: When a Mayor's Authority Binds a Municipality
Supreme Court ruling on when a municipal mayor's contract binds the LGU, limits of Sangguniang Bayan authorization, and judgment on the pleadings.
Municipal Immunity vs Contractual Obligations: Balancing Public Interest and Private Rights
Supreme Court clarifies when local governments can be sued on contracts and why their properties remain protected from attachment.
Valid Service of Summons on Residents Temporarily Abroad: The Palma Case
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that substituted service of summons is valid for residents temporarily out of the country, and explains when voluntary appearance waives jurisdictional objections.
Valid Summons Substituted Service Permissible FOR Filipinos Temporarily Abroad
Substituted service of summons is valid for Philippine residents temporarily abroad, per the Supreme Court in Palma v. Galvez.
Agency and Mortgage Law: When an Agent’s Signature Does Not Bind the Principal
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when an authorized agent’s mortgage signature binds only the agent, not the principal, and the role of laches.
Cityhood Laws and Equal Protection: Defining Legislative Power in Local Governance
The Supreme Court upholds cityhood laws exempting municipalities from RA 9009's income requirement, affirming Congress's plenary power.
Public Hearing Imperative Invalidating Ordinances Without Community Input
A municipal ordinance imposing goodwill fees without a valid prior public hearing is void, the Supreme Court rules.
Employer Control Determines Employment Status: The PLDT Security Guard Case
When a security agency's contract ends but guards remain at their posts under the principal's direction, an employer-employee relationship may arise.
Breach of Public Trust: Dishonesty and Gross Negligence Leading to Dismissal
When a municipal treasurer's repeated financial irregularities amount to grave misconduct, dismissal from service is the warranted penalty.
Sangguniang Bayan Concurrence in Municipal Appointments: A Mandatory Requirement
The Supreme Court ruled that municipal appointments require Sangguniang Bayan concurrence; without it, the appointment is invalid regardless of tenure.
Accomplice Liability in Rape With Homicide: Clarifying the Degree of Participation
The Supreme Court clarifies when a witness to a crime becomes an accomplice, not a principal, in rape with homicide.
Agency Liability When Authorizing a Third Party Leads to Responsibility
A principal can be held liable for its agent's actions even if the agent loses the property. Learn the rules on agency and authorization.
Philippine Airlines and the MCIT: Franchise Tax Exemptions Under PD 1590 Explained
The Supreme Court ruled PAL is exempt from the minimum corporate income tax under its franchise. Learn the reasoning.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When a Principal Becomes the True Employer in Labor-Only Contracting
When is a principal the real employer? The Supreme Court clarifies labor-only contracting rules in Iligan Cement Corporation v. IEWU-SPFL.
Illegal Dismissal and Employee Misconduct: Balancing Rights and Responsibilities in Employment Law
Learn how the Supreme Court balanced illegal dismissal claims against employee misconduct in Palteng v. United Coconut Planters Bank.
Malversation Conviction Upheld: Signature on Audit Report as Evidence of Accountability
The Supreme Court holds that a municipal treasurer's signature on a COA cash examination report is an acknowledgment of accountability for public funds.
Labor-Only Contracting: When a Principal Becomes the True Employer
Supreme Court ruling on labor-only contracting and when a principal becomes the true employer of contractual workers.
Continuing Surety Agreements: When a Surety Is Liable for Another's Loan
Philippine Supreme Court explains continuing surety agreements and when a surety becomes liable for a principal debtor's obligations.