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.
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Presidential Approval Required for PCAB Rules: Cooperative Licensing Case
Supreme Court ruling: PCAB regulations on contractor licensing need presidential approval, protecting construction cooperatives from forced incorporation.
Contractor Licensing in the Philippines: PCAB vs. DTI Jurisdiction Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies that PCAB, not DTI, has jurisdiction over complaints against unlicensed contractors in the Philippines.
Labor-Only Contracting in the Philippines: Employer Responsibilities and Employee Rights
The Supreme Court clarifies labor-only contracting rules, employer liability, and employee rights in illegal dismissal cases involving contractors.
Independent Contractor vs. Employee: The Control Test in Philippine Labor Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when a "freelancer" is really a regular employee under Philippine labor law, using the control test.
Can a Subcontractor Sue the Project Owner Directly? CIAC Jurisdiction Explained
Subcontractors can claim unpaid amounts from project owners under Article 1729, but the dispute must go through CIAC arbitration, not regular courts.
Independent Contractor vs Employee: Proving Employment Status in Illegal Dismissal Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies how courts distinguish independent contractors from regular employees in illegal dismissal disputes, emphasizing the burden of proof on claimants.
Independent Contractor or Employee? Supreme Court Clarifies Labor-Only Contracting in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when a registered contractor is actually labor-only, making the principal the direct employer.
Appeal Bond for Labor-Only Contractors: Solidary Liability and NLRC Appeals
When must a labor-only contractor post an appeal bond? The Supreme Court clarifies solidary liability and appeal perfection rules.
Regular vs. Project Employment: Key Insights from a Recent Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies when fixed-term project employment is valid and how to distinguish a legitimate independent contractor from labor-only contracting.
Independent Contractor vs Labor-Only Contracting: Protecting Employee Rights
The Supreme Court clarifies when a manpower agency is a labor-only contractor, making the principal the real employer and solidarity liable.
Solidary Liability in Labor Standards: Protecting Employee Wage Claims
When a contractor fails to pay wages, the principal employer can be held solidarily liable. The Supreme Court clarifies the rules.
Stare Decisis and Employer Status in Labor Contracting Disputes
The Supreme Court applies stare decisis in labor contracting cases, reaffirming that Consolidated Building Maintenance, Inc. is a legitimate job contractor.
Quantum Meruit: Fair Compensation for Government Contracts Despite Procedural Flaws
When can a contractor recover payment for services rendered to the government despite an invalid contract? The Supreme Court explains quantum meruit.
Contractor or Employer: Defining the Boundaries of Labor-Only Contracting in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when a contractor is a legitimate job contractor rather than a labor-only contractor, and who is the true employer.
Independent Contractor vs Employee: How Unique Skills Determine Employment Status in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when unique skills and talent make a worker an independent contractor, not an employee, in Philippine labor law.
Labor-Only Contracting in the Philippines: Employer Responsibilities and Employee Rights
The Supreme Court clarifies when a contractor is a labor-only contractor, making the principal the real employer with full liability.
Employee vs. Independent Contractor in Real Estate: The Four-Fold Test Explained
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when real estate sales agents are employees or independent contractors, and why the distinction matters.
Construction Contract Disputes: Supreme Court Ruling on Delay and Contractor Obligations
A look at a 2021 Supreme Court ruling on construction delays, variation orders, and contractor liability for unfinished work.
Malversation and Anti-Graft Laws: Lessons from Sarion v. People on Public Fund Management
A Supreme Court ruling on malversation clarifies the duty of public officials to verify disbursements, with key lessons for government and contractors.
Estafa Misappropriation Requires a Duty to Deliver: Vicente v. People
The Supreme Court acquits a contractor of estafa, ruling that a mere debt, without a duty to deliver funds, is not misappropriation.
Understanding the Limits of COA Jurisdiction Over Final Court Judgments in Money Claims Against the Government
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when the COA can deny money claims against the government, and when contractors can recover under quantum meruit.
Understanding the Legal Boundaries of Performance Incentives in Government Agencies
Explore how the Supreme Court limits COA's power over final judgments on money claims, ensuring fair compensation for government contractors.
Labor-Only Contracting: When a Contractor Becomes a Mere Agent of the Employer
The Supreme Court clarifies labor-only contracting rules in Ortiz v. Forever Richsons, protecting regular employees from illegal dismissal.
Employee vs Independent Contractor: Landmark Ruling on Regular Employment
Supreme Court clarifies when fixed-term contracts are invalid and workers become regular employees entitled to security of tenure.