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.
Contractual Obligations Upholding Clear Terms In Waiver Agreements
The Supreme Court enforces the plain terms of a waiver agreement, ruling that clear contractual stipulations prevail over claims of unexpressed intent.
Illegal Recruitment in Large Scale: When a Recruiter's Agent Still Faces Criminal Liability
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a recruiter's agent can be liable for illegal recruitment in large scale despite a licensed agency's SPA.
In Pari Delicto: When Both Parties Are at Fault, Neither Can Sue in Construction Contracts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on in pari delicto in construction contracts where both parties knowingly violated the law, barring recovery.
Sovereign Immunity Contracts With Foreign States AND Waiver OF Immunity
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling in Republic of Indonesia v. Vinzon on foreign sovereign immunity, waiver clauses, and embassy maintenance contracts.
When Can a Corporate President Bind the Corporation? Lessons from Inter-Asia v. Asia Industries
A corporate president can bind the corporation even without board authority under apparent authority. Learn the rules from this Supreme Court case.
Contractual Obligations Prevail: Bank's Right to Offset Debts Despite Trustee-Beneficiary Claims
Supreme Court ruling on when a bank may validly apply a borrower's funds to settle debts, even amid trustee-beneficiary claims.
Regular Employment Status and the Limits of Prior Judgments in Labor Cases
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a prior money claim judgment bars a later case for confirmation of regular employment status.
Illegal Recruitment Acquittal: Why Promises by Relatives Do Not Convict a Recruiter
The Supreme Court clarifies when a person may be acquitted of illegal recruitment and estafa, and the proof required for conviction.
The Binding Force of a Signed Affidavit of Full Payment and the Absence of Fraud in Subcontracting Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on the binding effect of a signed affidavit of full payment and the absence of fraud in subcontracting agreements.
Distinguishing Recruitment From Simple Assistance Labor Code Violations Examined
Supreme Court clarifies what constitutes illegal recruitment versus mere assistance in finding work, requiring proof of specific acts.
Upholding Contractual Agreements: Trust Receipts and Surety Agreements in Loan Obligations
The Supreme Court reaffirms that contracts are the law between parties, enforcing stipulated interest, penalties, and service charges in trust receipt loan transactions.
Interest on Penalties: The Limits of Compounding in Loan Obligations
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when interest may be charged on unpaid penalty charges in loan contracts, and when courts may reduce unconscionable penalties.
Sale vs Commodatum: Property Rights and Contractual Intent in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how to distinguish sale from commodatum, and why proving ownership in recovery actions requires clear evidence of title and identity.
Right of First Refusal Validity and Enforceability in Philippine Contract Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a right of first refusal is valid and enforceable in property and contract disputes.
Deceptive Recruitment Establishing Guilt In Large Scale Illegal Recruitment Cases
Learn how deceptive recruitment schemes establish guilt in large-scale illegal recruitment cases under Philippine law.
Void Marriages and Inheritance Rights: Determining Legal Heirs in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on void marriages, death benefits, and who qualifies as legal heirs under the Family Code.
When a Judicial Decree of Nullity Is Not Required for Remarriage Under the Civil Code
The Supreme Court explains when a void first marriage needs no judicial declaration before a second marriage, under the Civil Code regime.
Navigating Illegal Recruitment in the Philippines: Understanding Large-Scale Fraud and Estafa
Learn how Philippine courts distinguish illegal recruitment in large scale from estafa, the penalties involved, and what this means for overseas job seekers.
Piercing the Veil of Unregistered Organizations When Philippine Representatives Become Personally Liable
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when officers of unregistered associations face personal liability for organizational debts.
Protecting Dreams Preventing Scams Lessons From The Linda Sagaydo Illegal Recruitment Case
The Supreme Court affirmed Linda Sagaydo's conviction for illegal recruitment in large scale and estafa, offering key lessons for overseas job seekers.
Work-Related Heart Disease: Proving Your Employee Compensation Claim in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on work-related heart disease claims under PD 626, and what evidence employees need to prove compensability.
Proving Work-Related Illness Claims: Substantial Evidence Standard in Philippine Employee Compensation
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies substantial evidence standard for work-related illness compensation claims under P.D. 626, as amended.
Union Dues and Attorney's Fees: Protecting Employee Rights in Collective Bargaining
The Supreme Court clarifies when attorney's fees can be charged to union members and the strict rules on check-off deductions.
Judicial Overreach: When a Judge Solemnizes Marriage Outside Jurisdiction
A judge who solemnized a marriage outside his court's jurisdiction and failed to register it was fined P5,000. Learn the rules.