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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
When an Appropriation Ordinance Is Enough: Mayor's Consultancy Contracts Upheld
Supreme Court clarifies when a line-item in an appropriation ordinance suffices as prior authorization for a mayor's contracts.
Creditable Government Service: When Consultancy Work Counts for Justice Retirement Benefits
Supreme Court ruling on crediting consultancy work as government service for retirement benefits of justices under RA 9946.
Regular Employment vs Consultancy: Defining the Line in Illegal Dismissal Cases
A consultant labeled regular employee: how control and supervision define employment status in illegal dismissal cases under Philippine law.
Independent Contractor vs Employee: Control Test in Consultancy Agreements
The Supreme Court clarifies when a consultant is an independent contractor, not an employee, using the four-fold test and control test.
Circumventing Disqualification Orders Through Consultancy Contracts Warrants Lawyer Suspension
Lawyer suspended for violating court disqualification by serving as "consultant" to government agency while performing employee duties.
Disguised Employment and the Lawyer's Duty to Obey Court Orders
When a consultancy is really employment, a lawyer cannot use it to evade a court's disqualification order. The Supreme Court explains why.
Usury Under Scrutiny: How the Supreme Court Uncovers Hidden Interest in Loan Agreements
In First Metro Investment Corp. v. Este del Sol, the Supreme Court exposed underwriting and consultancy fees as cloaks for usurious interest in a 1978 loan.
Enforceability of Consultancy Agreements: Influence Peddling and Public Policy
When a consultancy agreement rests on influence peddling with government officials, Philippine courts will not enforce it as against public policy.