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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Docket Fees Are Mandatory: GSIS Must Pay for Permissive Counterclaims
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: even government agencies like GSIS must pay docket fees for permissive counterclaims or lose jurisdiction over them.
Grave Coercion in Property Takeovers: The Navarra Ruling Explained
The Supreme Court ruled that forceful property repossession, even with a debt claim, constitutes grave coercion under Philippine law.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: Due Process and Corporate Identity in Kukan v. Reyes
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may pierce the corporate veil, emphasizing due process and finality of judgment.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When Are Corporate Officers Personally Liable for Labor Claims?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when corporate officers may be held personally liable for illegal dismissal awards, requiring clear proof of bad faith.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: Establishing Alter Ego Liability in Philippine Law
When can a court disregard separate corporate personality and hold a subsidiary liable for its parent's debts? The Supreme Court explains.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When Courts Hold Subsidiaries Liable
Philippine Supreme Court explains when courts may disregard corporate fiction and hold a subsidiary liable for a parent company's obligations.
Job Evaluations and Employee Entitlements: Clarifying the Scope of Management Prerogative
Supreme Court clarifies that union security clauses cannot justify dismissal for exercising the right to self-organization during the freedom period.
Demand Is Key to Rescission Rights in Philippine Contract Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that demand is essential before rescission or foreclosure rights can be exercised under contract law.
Falsification Ruling Clarifies Document Alteration and Judicial Discretion in Criminal Cases
Supreme Court clarifies when document alterations constitute falsification and how courts should exercise discretion in criminal proceedings.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When Is a Corporation Liable for Ill-Gotten Wealth?
A look at when corporations can be held liable for ill-gotten wealth, and why the Supreme Court dismissed cases against corporate fronts in Republic v. Sandiganbayan.
Piercing THE Corporate Veil When CAN A Parent Company BE Liable FOR A Subsidiarys Debt
Contractual Obligations Upholding Interest Rates AND Attorneys Fees IN Commercial Agreements
Mining firm's sand and gravel extraction taxed despite mining lease; SC clarifies permit exemptions and tax liability.
Rape Conviction Upheld: Victim Testimony and Positive Identification in Philippine Law
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction, ruling that a victim's positive identification and credible testimony can overcome alibi and denial defenses.
Tortious Interference Protecting Distributorship Rights in Philippine Commerce
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on tortious interference with exclusive distributorship contracts and the liability of third parties who induce breach.
Upholding Court Integrity: Dismissal for Grave Misconduct in Record Tampering
A clerk of court who overcharged filing fees and issued fake receipts faces dismissal, forfeiture of benefits, and criminal prosecution.
Death Pending Appeal Extinguishes Criminal and Civil Liability: People v. Paniterce
When an accused dies while appeal is pending, both criminal and civil liability ex delicto are extinguished under Article 89 of the Revised Penal Code.
Energy Sector Disputes Clarifying Jurisdiction Between the ERC and DOE
Supreme Court clarifies which agency hears energy disputes: the ERC's jurisdiction is limited, while the DOE handles distribution issues.
Court Premises Are Not for Commercial Use: A Lesson in Judicial Dignity
Philippine Supreme Court rules that Halls of Justice must be used exclusively for judicial functions, not commercial activities like raffle draws.
Withdrawal of Application Can Overcome Misrepresentation Claims in Overseas Employment
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a worker's withdrawal of application defeats claims of misrepresentation and non-issuance of receipts against recruitment agencies.
Unregistered Trade Names Protected Under Philippine IP Law: Coffee Partners v. San Francisco Coffee
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that unregistered trade names are protected from infringement under RA 8293, requiring only prior use in commerce.
Piercing the Form: How Allegations Determine Parties in HLURB Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies that allegations in a complaint, not its title, determine who are parties to an HLURB case.
Zoning Regulations Balancing Property Rights and Community Welfare in Urban Development
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on zoning laws, property rights, and homeowners associations opposing high-rise construction in commercial zones.
Retroactivity of Laws and Vested Rights in Bank Liquidation: PDIC v. Stockholders of Intercity Bank
When can a new law apply to an ongoing bank liquidation? The Supreme Court explains the rule on retroactivity and vested rights.
Judicial Reconstitution of Title: Proving Loss of Prior Source Documents
Supreme Court clarifies evidence needed for judicial reconstitution of lost titles under RA 26, applying Bercede guidelines.