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.
PAGCOR License Requirements in the Philippines: A Step-by-Step Guide
Learn the PAGCOR license requirements in the Philippines, the application process, and what gaming operators must know under the PAGCOR Charter.
PIGO License Philippines: What It Is and How PAGCOR Regulates It
Learn what a PIGO license in the Philippines is, how PAGCOR regulates Philippine Inland Gaming Operators, and what the law says.
Casino Compliance in the Philippines: PAGCOR and AML Obligations
Learn casino compliance in the Philippines, including PAGCOR licensing and anti-money laundering obligations under Philippine law.
AML Compliance for Philippine Gaming Operators: PAGCOR and RA 11930 Rules
Learn AML compliance requirements for Philippine gaming operators, including PAGCOR rules and RA 11930 reporting duties under the AMLA.
Illegal Gambling vs PAGCOR in the Philippines: Where's the Line?
Understand the line between illegal gambling and PAGCOR-regulated gaming in the Philippines, including what makes betting operations lawful.
How to Get an E-Games License in the Philippines from PAGCOR
Learn how to get an e-games license in the Philippines from PAGCOR, including the legal basis, scope, and key steps for applicants.
When Can a Judge Be Disciplined for Rulings in a Criminal Case? Lessons from Bloomberry v. Luna
A look at when judges face discipline for trial rulings, witness disqualification, and courtroom conduct, citing the Supreme Court's 2024 ruling.
Navigating Employment Status: Contract of Service vs Regular Employment in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when workers in government-owned corporations are contract of service workers, not regular employees entitled to security of tenure.
Jurisdiction and Due Process: When Courts Cannot Act Without Serving Notice
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when courts acquire jurisdiction over respondents and why proper service of notice is essential to due process.
COA Disallowances and the Limits of Audit Power Over PAGCOR Funds
The Supreme Court clarifies that COA's audit jurisdiction over PAGCOR is limited to specific funds, not all corporate expenditures.
Seafarer Disability Claims: Proving Work-Related Injury in Maritime Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a seafarer's injury is work-related and compensable, and why bare allegations fail.
When Probationary Employment Becomes Regular: The Umali v. Hobbywing Rule
Explore when a probationary employee becomes regular by operation of law, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Umali v. Hobbywing Solutions.
Seafarer Basketball Injury Held Work-Related Under Bunkhouse Rule
Supreme Court rules seafarer's basketball injury on board is work-related under the Bunkhouse Rule and Personal Comfort Doctrine.
Seafarer Disability Claims: When Payment Becomes Final Despite a Reversed Award
A Supreme Court ruling on seafarer disability benefits, the 120-day rule, and when conditional payment becomes final satisfaction of judgment.
Seafarers Disability Claims Upholding Company Doctors Assessment Absent Third Opinion
Supreme Court clarifies when a company-designated physician's disability grading prevails over a seafarer's private doctor in POEA-SEC claims.
Tax Exemption for PAGCOR Licensees: Understanding the Scope of PD 1869
The Supreme Court clarifies that PAGCOR licensees remain exempt from corporate income tax on gaming operations under PD 1869.
Perfecting an Appeal: Why Timely Payment of Fees Is Critical in Philippine Courts
Learn why timely payment of appellate docket fees is mandatory in Philippine courts and how failure to perfect an appeal can be fatal to a case.
Casino Chips, Ownership, and the Presumption of Title: Subic Bay Legend Resorts v. Fernandez
A casino confiscated chips from two players, claiming they were stolen. The Supreme Court ruled on ownership, possession, and bad faith.
Buy-Bust Operations: Minor Inconsistencies Won't Save Drug Sellers From Conviction
The Supreme Court explains why minor inconsistencies in police testimony do not destroy a buy-bust case, and why frame-up defenses rarely succeed.
Upholding Dismissal for Dishonesty When Casino Employees Betray Public Trust
Supreme Court reinstates dismissal of PAGCOR dealers who declared void craps throws as good dice, defrauding the house.
When Onboard Recreation Becomes Work-Related: Seafarer Disability Claims Under the POEA-SEC
The Supreme Court clarifies when injuries from onboard recreational activities are compensable under the POEA-SEC and the Bunkhouse Rule.
Seafarers Disability When Standard Contracts Limit Compensation For Illnesses
SC rules basketball injury on board is work-related under the Bunkhouse Rule, entitling seafarer to disability benefits.
PAGCOR v. Fontana: Contracts Bind Government Agencies Too
Supreme Court rules PAGCOR must honor its casino MOA with Fontana, affirming that contracts bind government agencies.
Jurisdictional Boundaries Resolving Labor Disputes Involving Government Chartered Corporations
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that labor disputes in government-owned or controlled corporations with original charters fall under the Civil Service Commission, not the NLRC.