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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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.
Mining Contract Transfers: When New Laws Don't Apply Retroactively
Supreme Court ruling on FTAA transfers, presidential approval requirements, and the non-retroactive application of the Philippine Mining Act of 1995.
Agrarian Justice Delayed: Determining Just Compensation in Land Reform Cases
When should just compensation be valued—at land taking or payment? The Supreme Court clarifies in Meneses v. DAR.
Self Defense OR Murder Examining Intent AND Evidence IN Philippine Criminal LAW
Board Resolution Required for Corporate Legal Representation: United Paragon Mining v. CA
Corporate officers cannot file suits or sign verifications for a corporation without a board resolution authorizing them, as United Paragon Mining v. CA shows.
Behest Loans and the Ombudsman's Discretion: When Courts Refuse to Intervene
The Supreme Court affirms the Ombudsman's dismissal of behest loan charges against DBP officials, underscoring the wide discretion given to the Ombudsman in determining probable cause.
Forcible Entry and Prior Possession: What Must Be Proven in Philippine Property Disputes
Learn how Philippine courts decide forcible entry cases by examining prior physical possession, evidence rules, and the limits of ownership claims.
Revoking Mining Rights: Strict Compliance and Government Authority Over Natural Resources
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on exploration permit validity, agency, assignment requirements, and government power over forest reserves.
WHO Bears THE Burden Determining Valid TAX Remittance When Agents Fail
Philippine Mining Disputes: DENR Jurisdiction vs. Court Authority
When do Philippine courts, not the DENR, decide mining contract disputes? The Supreme Court clarifies the boundary in Asaphil v. Tuason.
Mining Rights vs Property Rights: Balancing Public Benefit and Just Compensation
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on the Mining Act of 1995, explaining when entry into private lands becomes compensable taking.
Simulated Contracts in the Philippines: Intent, Validity, and the Valerio Case
Learn how Philippine courts decide simulated contracts by examining party intent, absolute vs. relative simulation, and the Valerio ruling.
Defining the Boundaries of Rape When Contact Does Not Constitute Penetration
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when sexual contact without penetration constitutes rape, examining the legal definition and elements of the crime.
When A Guilty Plea Doesnt Equal Guilt Examining Treachery AND Intent IN Philippine Homicide LAW
Moral Damages Count in Determining Court Jurisdiction in Quasi-Delict Cases
The Supreme Court rules that moral damages claims are part of the jurisdictional amount in quasi-delict cases for physical injuries.
Per Diem Is the Limit: Examining Compensation for Water District Directors
The Supreme Court clarifies that water district directors may receive only per diems under PD 198, not other allowances or benefits.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: Suing Corporate Officers in Their Personal Capacity
The Supreme Court clarifies when corporate officers may be held personally liable for actions taken under their corporate roles, examining the coconut levy cases.
Sinking Funds and Legal Claims: Determining Rights in Contested Assets
Learn how Philippine courts resolve competing claims over contested property, using the Ingusan v. Santos case as a guide.
Eminent Domain and Easements: Determining Just Compensation for Transmission Lines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on just compensation for transmission line easements, including procedural rules on appeals in expropriation cases.
TAX Refunds FOR Mining Firms R A 1435 VS Later TAX Code Amendments
When Obiter Dicta Blur THE Lines Examining Judicial Overreach IN Government Project Disputes
Usufruct Rights and Survey Authority: Determining Land Boundaries in NHA v. Court of Appeals
A look at how the Supreme Court resolved conflicting surveys over a seven-hectare usufruct, and the rules on boundary determination.
Permissive Joinder of Parties and the Totality Rule in Vehicular Accident Claims
Learn how the Supreme Court applied permissive joinder and the totality rule in determining jurisdiction for vehicular accident claims.