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.
Constructive Dismissal of OFWs: When Unbearable Work Conditions Amount to Illegal Termination
The Supreme Court clarifies when unbearable working conditions abroad amount to constructive dismissal of OFWs, entitling them to back wages and damages.
Attorney’s Lien vs. Client’s Rights: When Can a Lawyer Withhold a Passport in the Philippines?
The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of an attorney’s retaining lien, ruling that lawyers cannot withhold a client’s passport or other essential documents.
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.
Project vs Regular Employment: Defining Job Security in the Philippines
Understand the Supreme Court's distinction between project and regular employment, and what it means for job security under Philippine labor law.
Accountability for False Promises: Illegal Recruitment and Estafa Conviction Analyzed
The Supreme Court affirms conviction for illegal recruitment in large scale and estafa, clarifying liability for false promises of overseas employment.
Seafarer Claims and Agency Transfers: What the Supreme Court Ruled
Learn how agency transfers affect seafarer liability claims, including the original manning agency's continuing responsibility under Philippine law.
Illegal Dismissal of OFWs: Full Contract Pay Upheld by Supreme Court
The Supreme Court reaffirms that illegally dismissed OFWs are entitled to their full salaries for the unexpired portion of their contracts, striking down the three-month cap.
OFW Illegal Dismissal: Full Salary for Unexpired Contract, Not Just 3 Months
The Supreme Court affirms that illegally dismissed OFWs are entitled to full salaries for the unexpired portion of their contracts, striking down the three-month cap as unconstitutional.
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.
When Can You Intervene in a Philippine Case? Cayanan v. North Star Analysis
Learn when courts allow intervention in Philippine cases through Cayanan v. North Star, and how civil liability survives criminal acquittal.
Burden of Proof in Labor Cases: Supreme Court Upholds Employee Rights in Wage Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that employers bear the burden of proof in labor standards cases, protecting workers' claims for unpaid wages.
Transferee Recruitment Agency Liability and OFW Claims: The Grand Placement Case
Explaining when a transferee recruitment agency assumes liability for OFW claims, and why evidence still matters in monetary disputes.
Illegal Recruitment in Large Scale: When a Recruiter's Agent Still Faces Criminal Liability
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a recruiter's agent can be liable for illegal recruitment in large scale despite a licensed agency's SPA.
Deceptive Recruitment Establishing Guilt In Large Scale Illegal Recruitment Cases
Learn how deceptive recruitment schemes establish guilt in large-scale illegal recruitment cases under Philippine law.
When Can an Employer Terminate an OFW Due to Illness? The Medical Certificate Rule
Philippine law requires a medical certificate from a competent public health authority before an employer can validly terminate an OFW due to illness.
Transferee Recruitment Agency Liability: Protecting Overseas Workers
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a transferee recruitment agency can be held liable for illegal dismissal of an overseas worker.
Illegal Recruitment and Estafa in the Philippines: Key Lessons from a Supreme Court Case
Learn how Philippine courts handle illegal recruitment and estafa, and what job seekers must know to avoid scams.