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.
Separation Pay in the Philippines: How to Compute It Correctly
Learn how separation pay is computed in the Philippines under the Labor Code, who qualifies, and what employees are entitled to receive.
Final Pay in the Philippines: What It Includes and the 30-Day Deadline
Final pay in the Philippines must be released within 30 days of separation. Learn what it includes and the rules on payment.
Just Cause vs. Authorized Cause: The Two Legal Ways to Terminate an Employee
Understand the difference between just cause and authorized cause for employee termination in the Philippines under the Labor Code.
Capital Gains Tax on Real Property in the Philippines: Rates and Filing
Learn the capital gains tax rate on real property in the Philippines, how it is computed, and when to file.
How to Properly Close a Business with the BIR in the Philippines
Learn the correct steps to close a business with the BIR in the Philippines, including tax clearance, final returns, and avoiding penalties.
Business Permit Requirements Philippines: A Complete Guide for 2025
Learn the business permit requirements in the Philippines, including local business tax, barangay clearance, and renewal deadlines for new and existing businesses.
How to File a Small Claims Case in the Philippines
Step-by-step guide on how to file a small claims case in the Philippines for money owed, with practical tips for first-time litigants.
Data Privacy Act Compliance Checklist for Philippine Businesses
A practical Data Privacy Act compliance checklist for Philippine businesses covering NPC registration, privacy notices, security measures, and breach reporting.
Data Breach Notification in the Philippines: The 72-Hour Rule
Learn the 72-hour data breach notification rule in the Philippines under the Data Privacy Act, including who must notify, what to report, and penalties.
Cross-Border Data Transfers Under the Philippine Data Privacy Act
Learn the rules for cross-border data transfers in the Philippines under the Data Privacy Act, including lawful bases, accountability, and compliance.
Data Privacy Act Penalties in the Philippines: Fines and Criminal Liability
Understand the Data Privacy Act penalties in the Philippines, including fines and imprisonment for unauthorized processing, breaches, and disclosure.
Employee Data Privacy Philippines: Employer's Guide to the Data Privacy Act
Learn how the Data Privacy Act of 2012 protects employee data in the Philippines and what employers must do to comply.
Fintech Regulation in the Philippines: BSP Rules and Licensing
Fintech regulation in the Philippines is shaped by BSP rules, the E-Commerce Act, and the Data Privacy Act. Learn the key legal requirements here.
Cybersecurity Law in the Philippines: Compliance and Incident Response
Learn Philippine cybersecurity law compliance under the Cybercrime Prevention Act and Data Privacy Act, including penalties and incident response duties.
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.
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 an Appeal Is Dismissed for Late Brief: The Licup Ruling on Substantial Justice
The Supreme Court nullified the CA's dismissal of an appeal due to a late brief, citing substantial justice and liberty interests.
BSP Bank Closure Powers: What the Supreme Court Ruling Means for Depositors
The Supreme Court upheld the BSP's power to close banks without prior hearing, protecting depositors while limiting legal challenges.
When Can a Writ of Possession Be Challenged? Property Rights Explained
A recent Supreme Court ruling clarifies when buyers of condominium units or parking slots can challenge a writ of possession issued after foreclosure.
Foreclosure Suit as Sufficient Demand: Goldland Tower Ruling Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies when filing a foreclosure lawsuit itself serves as the legal demand required to put a debtor in default under Philippine law.
Foreclosure Prescription: When Does a Bank's Right to Foreclose Expire?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that extrajudicial foreclosure filings do not stop the 10-year prescription period for mortgage actions under Article 1142.
Simple Misconduct in Philippine Courts: Consequences and Employee Benefits
A judge's office closure during work hours led to simple misconduct liability and clarified rules on benefits eligibility in the judiciary.
Attorney Misconduct in Real Estate Deals: A Case Study in Ethical Duties
A lawyer's three-year suspension for executing multiple deeds of sale shows why ethical duties bind attorneys in personal real estate transactions.
Judges and Business Interests: Navigating Ethical Boundaries in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a judge's private business interest becomes an ethical violation, and what judges must do to stay compliant.