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.
Suing the Government: Understanding State Immunity in the Philippines
A pharmaceutical company's bid dispute clarifies when government officials can be sued despite state immunity.
Employer Liability for Employee Death in the Philippines Even in Fortuitous Events
Philippine employers may be liable for employee death caused by fortuitous events under Article 1711 of the Civil Code, as explained in Candano Shipping Lines v. Sugata-on.
Right of Pre-emption for Adjoining Landowners in the Philippines: A Guide
Learn how Article 1622 protects adjoining landowners of small urban lots, explained through the Supreme Court case Contreras v. Alcantara.
Local Government Authority and Ordinance Enforcement: A Guide for Businesses
Learn how the Supreme Court affirmed a city mayor's duty to enforce local ordinances, and what this means for businesses operating under reclassified zones.
Illegal Strikes and Return-to-Work Orders: What Philippine Labor Law Requires
When can a strike be declared illegal in the Philippines? The Supreme Court explains the binding effect of assumption and return-to-work orders.
Burden of Proof in Constructive Dismissal Cases Philippine Labor Law Explained
Understand the burden of proof in constructive dismissal cases under Philippine labor law, and how employees can establish illegal dismissal claims.
Non-Compete Clauses in Philippine Employment: When Post-Employment Restrictions Are Valid
The Supreme Court explains when non-compete clauses in employment contracts are valid and enforceable under Philippine law.
Administrative Power in the Philippines: Data Protection for Public Interest
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on FPA's proprietary data protection under P.D. 1144, upholding administrative power for public interest.
Reopening Criminal Cases in the Philippines: The Hearing Requirement Under Rule 119
When can a Philippine court reopen a criminal case before judgment? The rules require a hearing—and the Supreme Court has enforced that requirement.
Fixed-Term Contracts in the Philippines: When Are They Valid? Caparoso v. Court of Appeals Explained
Understand when fixed-term employment contracts are valid in the Philippines, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Caparoso v. Court of Appeals.
Ejectment Case Jurisdiction in the Philippines: MTC vs RTC After Bejar v. Caluag
Filing an ejectment case in the wrong court risks dismissal. Learn how Bejar v. Caluag clarifies MTC vs RTC jurisdiction.
Preliminary Investigation Rights and the Definition of Rape: Key Lessons from De Castro
Learn when the right to preliminary investigation is waived and why finger insertion constitutes rape through sexual assault under Philippine law.
Buy-Bust Operations and Warrantless Arrests Under RA 9165: What the Supreme Court Said
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when buy-bust arrests are valid without a warrant and how penalties are imposed under RA 9165.
Land as Attorney’s Fees: Enforcing Written Contracts for Legal Services in the Philippines
Philippine courts uphold written attorney’s fee contracts, even those paid in land, provided the essential elements of a valid contract are present.
When Is a Buy-Bust Operation Legal in the Philippines? Key Rules from People v. Nicolas
Philippine courts uphold buy-bust operations as valid drug enforcement, even without prior surveillance. Learn the essential elements and your rights.
Who Can Question a Bigamous Marriage? Lessons from Amor-Catalan v. Catalan
A Philippine Supreme Court case clarifies who has legal personality to question a bigamous marriage and the need to prove foreign divorce decrees.
Prescription Periods in Labor Disputes: Why Filing on Time and in the Right Court Matters
A Supreme Court ruling on prescription of money claims in labor cases, and why filing in the wrong court can be fatal.
Suspension of Claims Against Corporations Under Rehabilitation: Philippine Law Explained
Learn how corporate rehabilitation suspends all claims, including labor cases, under Philippine law, based on the PAL v. Zamora ruling.
Estate Settlement Venue and Remarriage After Foreign Divorce: Key Philippine Rules
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies estate settlement venue means actual residence, and a Filipino divorced by a foreign spouse may remarry.
Philippine Wage Orders: The Limits of Regional Wage Board Authority
The Supreme Court rules that regional wage boards cannot grant across-the-board increases to all workers, only minimum wage earners.
Can an RTC Annul a DARAB Decision? Jurisdiction in Agrarian Disputes
RTCs generally cannot annul DARAB decisions—they are co-equal bodies. Appeals must go to the Court of Appeals.
Partial Signatures Full Liability Understanding Contracts To Sell CO Owned Property IN THE Philippines
Learn when a contract to sell co-owned property binds all owners, even with only some signatures, under Philippine law.
Moonlighting and Misconduct: When a Second Job Leads to Legal Trouble in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on loss of trust and confidence as just cause for dismissing managerial employees who engage in misconduct.
Proving Employee Abandonment: Key Lessons from a Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies what employers must prove to establish employee abandonment—and why mere absence is not enough.