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.
Condonation Doctrine: Can Re-Elected Officials Be Disciplined for Prior Misconduct
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether re-election condones prior administrative misconduct of local elective officials.
Workplace Violence and Employee Misconduct: When Can You Be Dismissed in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when fighting in the workplace and a history of misconduct justify dismissal of an employee.
Employee Misconduct and Valid Dismissal: Lessons from Flores v. NLRC
When can an employer validly dismiss an employee for misconduct? The Supreme Court's ruling in Flores v. NLRC provides clear guidance.
Deducting Bad Debts in the Philippines: Proving Worthlessness for Tax Purposes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the strict requirements for deducting bad debts for tax purposes, emphasizing documentary proof of worthlessness.
Perfecting Appeals: The Importance of Surety Bonds in Philippine Labor Cases
Learn why posting a surety bond on time is mandatory and jurisdictional in appeals from POEA decisions to the NLRC.
When Can an Employer Assign Tasks Outside Your Job Description? Philippine Labor Law
Philippine law limits management prerogative. Learn when an employer can assign tasks outside your job description and your rights.
Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law: Application and Implications
How Philippine courts apply treachery as a qualifying circumstance in murder, explained through the 1996 Supreme Court ruling in People v. Caritativo.
Injunctions and Property Rights: When Courts Will Intervene
A clear property right is essential for an injunction. The Supreme Court explains the rules in Far East Bank v. Court of Appeals.
Retroactive Application of Penal Laws: When Does a Lighter Sentence Apply
Explaining when Philippine courts apply a new, lighter penal law retroactively, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Magtibay.
Estafa vs Breach of Contract: When a Civil Wrong Becomes a Crime
The Supreme Court clarifies when failure to return leased property crosses from civil breach to criminal estafa, requiring criminal intent.
Dishonesty in the Workplace: When Does It Warrant Dismissal in the Philippines?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when employee dishonesty justifies dismissal versus when a lesser penalty like separation pay is proper.
State Witness vs Prosecution Witness: Key Differences in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies the legal distinction between a state witness and a prosecution witness in criminal cases.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When Philippine Corporate Officers Are Personally Liable
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when corporate officers can be held personally liable for labor claims, explaining the doctrine of piercing the corporate veil.
Independent Contractor vs Employee: The Right of Control Test in Philippine Labor Law
Understand the right of control test that distinguishes an independent contractor from an employee under Philippine labor law, as explained in Sandigan Savings v. NLRC.
Perfecting Appeals Understanding Timelines AND Motions FOR Reconsideration IN Philippine Courts
Learn why filing a motion for reconsideration with the NLRC is mandatory before seeking certiorari from the Supreme Court.
Termination of School Administrators: Qualification Standards and Due Process
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when schools may terminate administrators for lacking qualifications, and the due process required.
Jurisdiction in Public Sector Compensation Disputes: DBM vs CSC-MSPB
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling on which agency has jurisdiction over position classification and compensation disputes in government service.
Rape Conviction Upheld: Credibility of Witnesses and the Weakness of Alibi in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court affirms rape conviction, explaining why witness credibility prevails over alibi and how trivial inconsistencies do not destroy a complainant's testimony.