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.
Illegal Recruitment in the Philippines: Penalties and How to Report It
Learn the penalties for illegal recruitment in the Philippines under RA 8042, as amended by RA 10022, including fines, imprisonment, and how to file a complaint.
Direct Hiring of OFWs in the Philippines: Rules and Prohibitions
Learn the rules on direct hiring of OFWs in the Philippines, including prohibited acts, illegal recruitment penalties, and how to verify licensed agencies.
OFW Employment Contract Philippines: POEA Rules and Standard Terms Explained
Understand the OFW employment contract Philippines POEA rules require, including standard terms, illegal recruitment, and worker protections under Philippine law.
Unlicensed Recruitment Upholding Protection FOR Migrant Workers
The Supreme Court affirms convictions for illegal recruitment by unlicensed recruiters, clarifying penalties and reinforcing protections for overseas Filipino workers.
Serious Misconduct and Employee Dismissal in the Philippines: What Employers Must Prove
Philippine law requires wrongful intent, not just a mistake, to dismiss an employee for serious misconduct. Learn what employers must prove.
When a Recruitment Employee Is Not Liable for Illegal Recruitment: Toston v. People
The Supreme Court in Toston v. People clarifies that a recruitment agency's mere employee is not automatically liable for illegal recruitment.
Illegal Recruitment and Estafa: When Overseas Job Promises Turn Into Crimes
The Supreme Court clarifies when fake overseas job offers constitute illegal recruitment and estafa, and explains the penalties under Philippine law.
Upholding Ethical Conduct Attorney Sanctioned for Overreach and Notarial Misconduct
Supreme Court disciplines lawyer for exceeding search warrant limits and notarizing brother's certificate, affirming ethical boundaries.
Trademark Ownership in the Philippines: When Bad Faith Defeats First-to-File
Prior use can defeat a first-to-file trademark application if the applicant acted in bad faith. Learn the rule and its exceptions.
Understanding Illegal Recruitment and Estafa Convictions in Philippine Law
A look at how Philippine courts convict illegal recruiters and swindlers, and what proof is needed.
Billboard Regulations in the Philippines: Permits, Due Process, and the Power Ads Ruling
Learn the legal rules for billboard permits in the Philippines, including the Power Ads case and the due process protections for advertisers.
Understanding Illegal Recruitment and Human Trafficking: Insights From a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Cas
The Supreme Court explains the elements of illegal recruitment and trafficking in persons in a case involving a worker bound for Beijing.
Due Process in Administrative Actions: Fair Notice in Recruitment Cases
The Supreme Court rules that administrative due process requires furnishing the accused with the evidence against them, not just a hearing.
Termination Disputes and Choice of Law: Protecting Philippine Labor Rights in Cross-Border Employment
Philippine labor tribunals can hear termination disputes involving foreign employers; Philippine law applies when the worker's duties are performed here.
Illegal Recruitment and Estafa: Protecting OFWs From Unlicensed Recruiters
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when unlicensed recruiters face life imprisonment and estafa penalties for defrauding overseas job seekers.
Overseas Dreams, Local Schemes: Illegal Recruitment in Large Scale and Economic Sabotage
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on large-scale illegal recruitment, syndicate liability, and penalties for overseas employment fraud.
Illegal Recruitment in Large Scale: Key Lessons from a Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
A look at what makes illegal recruitment a crime of economic sabotage, who can be held liable, and the penalties involved.
Deceptive Promises in Overseas Job Scams: Illegal Recruitment and Estafa
Supreme Court ruling explains when fake overseas job promises constitute both illegal recruitment in large scale and estafa.
When Can a Generic Term Like "Ginebra" Be Protected as a Trademark?
The Supreme Court clarifies when a generic word like "Ginebra" may acquire trademark protection through secondary meaning, and why preliminary injunctions demand a clear right.
Illegal Recruitment: Simple vs Large Scale — A Crucial Distinction in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when illegal recruitment becomes large scale, and why the number of victims matters in Philippine criminal law.
Illegal Recruitment Conviction Stands Even Without Direct Misrepresentation of Authority to Deploy Workers Abr
The Supreme Court affirms that giving the impression of ability to send workers abroad, without express claims of authority, constitutes illegal recruitment.
Illegal Recruitment by Non-Licensees and the Promise of Overseas Jobs
The Supreme Court clarifies when a non-licensee can be liable for illegal recruitment in large scale under RA 8042.
Balancing Infant Health and Commercial Freedom: Limits on Restricting Breast Milk Substitute Ads
The Supreme Court struck down parts of the DOH's 2006 rules banning breast milk substitute ads, ruling the agency exceeded the Milk Code.
Illegal Recruitment: The Fine Line Between Referral and Criminal Activity
When does helping a neighbor find overseas work become illegal recruitment? The Supreme Court clarifies the line in this 2006 ruling.