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.
Seafarers' Rights: Protecting Overseas Workers From Illegal Dismissal
Supreme Court ruling protects Filipino seafarers from illegal dismissal when they seek ITF or CSR help for labor grievances.
Defining Confidential Employees: Union Membership and Collective Bargaining Rights in the Philippines
Supreme Court clarifies who qualifies as a confidential employee barred from union membership, and how bargaining units are determined.
Interpreting Retrenchment Programs Doubts Favor THE Worker
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how retrenchment program separation benefits should be interpreted in favor of workers.
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.
Mortgage Foreclosure in the Philippines: Protecting Your Rights Against Unilateral Interest Rate Hikes
Learn how the Supreme Court protects borrowers from unilateral interest rate hikes and what notice is required in Philippine mortgage foreclosures.
Conditions vs. Warranties in Philippine Sales Contracts: The Power Commercial Case
Learn how Philippine law distinguishes contract conditions from warranties, and when a seller's failure to deliver possession justifies rescission.
SEC Jurisdiction Over Corporate Controversies: The Lozano v. De Los Santos Test
When does the SEC have jurisdiction over corporate disputes? The Supreme Court clarifies the two-element test in Lozano v. De Los Santos.
Due Process in NLRC Appeals: When Procedural Lapses Don't Erase Just Cause
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on probationary employee dismissal, due process requirements, and NLRC appellate review standards in labor disputes.
Confidential Employees and Security of Tenure: What PAGCOR v. Salas Teaches
The Supreme Court clarifies that a position's actual functions, not its legal label, determine if an employee is truly confidential.
Understanding Retirement Benefits in the Philippines: Employee Rights and Employer Obligations
A look at Philippine retirement benefits law, covering employee rights, employer obligations, and key rules under the Labor Code.
Receivership in the Philippines: When Courts Appoint a Receiver Under Rule 59
Learn when Philippine courts may appoint a receiver under Rule 59, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Commodities Storage & Ice Plant Corp. v. CA.
When a Wage Order Exemption Fails: The Distressed Establishment Rule
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling on wage order exemptions for distressed establishments and the cut-off for measuring losses.
Final Judgments Are Immutable: Goking v. Villaraza on Execution Limits
A final judgment cannot be altered through a motion for execution. Goking v. Villaraza explains the limits of post-judgment remedies.
Principals Liability FOR Contractors Wage Violations KEY Protections FOR Workers IN THE Philippines
When can a principal be held liable for a security agency's failure to pay minimum wage? The Supreme Court explains joint and solidary liability under Philippine law.
The Duty to Prosecute Appeals: Why Inaction Can Get Your Appeal Dismissed in the Philippines
Philippine law requires appellants to actively prosecute their appeals. Learn why waiting for court notices can lead to dismissal.
Management Prerogative in the Philippines: Abolishing Positions Legally
When can a Philippine employer abolish a position without facing illegal dismissal claims? The Supreme Court explains the limits of management prerogative.
Void Contracts: When Lack of Consent Invalidates a Sale
A sale by an unauthorized board is void. Learn the consent requirement in Philippine contract law from this Supreme Court ruling.
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.
Leasehold Improvements: Lessee Rights and Obligations Under Philippine Law
Understand lessee rights to improvements under Article 1678 of the Civil Code, and why lessees are not builders in good faith.
Rescission vs Ejectment: Jurisdiction in Philippine Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when ejectment is premature: a contract to sell must first be rescinded before filing for possession.
Corporate Liability vs Personal Guarantee: Surety Agreements in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a continuing surety agreement covers corporate debts and when it does not bind the surety.
Accomplice Liability in Robbery: The Limits of Conspiracy in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when a getaway driver and lookout are accomplices, not conspirators, in robbery cases.
Pledge vs. Corporate By-Laws: Who Wins in Stock Ownership Disputes?
A bank's pledged shares were sold by a club for unpaid dues. The Supreme Court ruled on who prevails.
Accomplice Liability: How Participation Level Determines Criminal Responsibility
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a participant in a crime is an accomplice, not a principal, and how courts determine the proper penalty.