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.
Starting a Business in the Philippines with a Foreign Partner: Legal Structures and Ownership Rules
A practical guide to foreign ownership rules, business structures, and registration steps for Filipino-foreign ventures in the Philippines.
Attorney-Client Loans Under the CPRA: When Borrowing From a Client Is Allowed
The Supreme Court clarifies when lawyers may borrow from clients under the CPRA, balancing ethical duties with legitimate commercial dealings.
When a Corporate Officer Escapes Civil Liability for a Bounced Check Under BP 22
The Supreme Court clarifies that an acquitted corporate officer cannot be held personally liable for a dishonored corporate check under BP 22.
Overtime Rights Security Guard DTRs As Proof Of Extra Hours
Security guards can prove overtime work through DTRs countersigned by the client. A 2024 Supreme Court ruling explains the rules.
Bill Deposits and Consumer Rights: What the Supreme Court Said in Colmenares v. ERC
The Supreme Court upheld bill deposits as valid but dismissed the challenge on procedural grounds. Here's what consumers should know.
Enforced Disappearance and the Writ of Amparo: What the Tayo Ruling Means
The Supreme Court reaffirms the Writ of Amparo as a remedy for enforced disappearance, holding police accountable for failing to investigate.
Usufruct vs. Co-Ownership: When a Usufructuary Can Eject a Co-Owner
The Supreme Court clarifies that a usufructuary can eject a co-owner during the usufruct period, protecting family property arrangements.
Using an Alias in the Philippines: When It Becomes a Crime and the Pequero Case
Using a name different from your registered birth name can be a crime. Learn the rules, penalties, and lessons from a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Floating Status in Philippine Labor Law: When Suspension Becomes Illegal Dismissal
Learn when an employee's floating status becomes illegal dismissal under Philippine law, based on a 2024 Supreme Court 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.
Gross Misconduct and Insubordination in Philippine Government Service: A Guide for Employees
Learn how the Supreme Court defines gross misconduct and insubordination in government service, and the penalties that follow.
Execution Pending Appeal in Support Cases: Protecting Women and Children Under RA 9262
The Supreme Court clarifies when support awards in VAWC cases may be executed pending appeal, protecting women and children from economic abuse.
Probationary Employment in the Philippines: Understanding Regularization Standards
The Supreme Court clarifies when probationary employees may be validly terminated for failing to meet regularization standards under Philippine law.
GSIS Housing Loans and Insurance: Protecting Heirs' Rights After a Borrower's Death
A Supreme Court ruling on GSIS housing loans clarifies when Sales Redemption Insurance applies and how heirs can save a deceased borrower's property from cancellation.
HIV Status and Illegal Dismissal: Philippine Labor Law Protections for OFWs
The Supreme Court ruled that terminating an OFW solely because of HIV status is illegal dismissal, affirming Philippine law protections.
When Does a Right to Radio Frequencies Vest? The NOW Telecom Ruling
A legislative franchise does not guarantee radio frequencies. The Supreme Court explains why spectrum use is a privilege.
Foreclosure Judgments Must State Amount and Payment Period: Lontoc v. Tiglao
A foreclosure judgment must specify the exact amount due and the payment period under Rule 68, Section 2, or it cannot be executed.
Secret Detention Cells and Detainee Rights Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms the Ombudsman's dismissal of criminal charges over an alleged secret detention cell, while reminding authorities of detainee rights standards.
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.
Overvaluing Property When Does It Become A Crime Under Philippine Banking Laws
The Supreme Court clarifies when a bank appraiser's overvaluation of property becomes a crime under the General Banking Law, requiring proof of intent to influence the bank.
3G Frequency Allocation and the NTC's Regulatory Discretion: Lessons from Next Mobile v. NTC
The Supreme Court affirms the NTC's broad discretion in allocating 3G frequencies, clarifying the limits of judicial review over technical regulatory decisions.
Theft vs. Robbery in the Philippines: The Element of Force Explained
Understand the difference between theft and robbery under Philippine law, and how the element of force affects criminal liability and penalties.
Preliminary Attachment in the Philippines: Safeguarding Claims Without Overreach
The Supreme Court clarifies when preliminary attachment is proper, stressing strict compliance with Rule 57 to prevent abuse.
Possession of Fake Currency in the Philippines: Knowledge and Intent Under Article 168
Philippine law punishes possession of counterfeit currency only when knowledge and intent to use are proven. The Supreme Court clarifies this in a recent ruling.