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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Regular Employee Status: Distinguishing Independent Contractors From Labor-Only Contracting
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when workers are regular employees despite agency transfers, distinguishing independent contractors from labor-only contracting.
Regular Employment vs Contractual Work: Defining Employer-Employee Relationships in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts determine regular employment, labor-only contracting, and employer liability using the Coca-Cola bottlers case.
Regular Employment and Labor-Only Contracting: Lingat v. Coca-Cola Bottlers
Supreme Court clarifies when agency-hired workers are regular employees of the principal employer, and the limits of labor contracting.
Deception Beyond the Contract: Criminal Liability for Diverting Investments Without Consent
When an investment agent diverts funds to another company without the investor's consent, criminal liability may arise under Article 318 of the Revised Penal Code.
Probable Cause and Graft Liability When a Governor's Request Shapes Public Bidding
Supreme Court ruling on graft liability of DPWH-ARMM officials for irregularities in infrastructure projects, including premature contractor mobilization.
Work-Related Death Benefits for Seafarers: Proving Causation Under the POEA Contract
A seafarer's heirs must prove work-related death and death during employment to claim benefits. This case explains the rules.
Seafarer Death Benefits: When Illness Is Not Work-Related Under the POEA Contract
The Supreme Court denies death benefits to a seafarer's heirs, ruling lung cancer from smoking was not work-related and death occurred beyond the contract term.
Accountability in Public Works: Good Faith and Due Diligence in Government Contracts
The Supreme Court clarifies when public officials may invoke good faith and reliance on subordinates in government contracts, and when they must verify.
Contractual Obligations Prevail: Storage Fees Due Despite Customs Hold Order
Supreme Court clarifies that a Bureau of Customs hold order does not relieve a consignee from paying arrastre storage fees under its contract.
Gopio v. Bautista: Security of Tenure for OFWs and the Limits of Contractual Termination Clauses
The Supreme Court voided a contract clause allowing an employer to dismiss an overseas worker on any ground with one month's pay, reaffirming security of tenure for OFWs.
Interest After Foreclosure: When Contractual Obligations Continue to Run
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when interest stops after foreclosure, emphasizing contractual obligations and the immutability of final judgments.
Unlicensed Contractors and Unfulfilled Promises: Recouping Losses From Defective Renovations
Learn how Philippine law treats defective renovation work by unlicensed contractors and the remedies available to homeowners seeking compensation.
Third Party Interference: Protecting Exclusive Distributorship Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when third parties can be liable for interfering with exclusive distributorship contracts under Philippine law.
Reformation of Instruments When a Written Contract Fails to Reflect True Intentions
Philippine Supreme Court explains when courts may reform a written contract to reflect the parties' true intentions, citing Article 1359.
Disallowance of Separation Benefits When Contractual Status Impacts Entitlement
Supreme Court affirms COA disallowance of separation pay for period when employee was contractual, but excuses good-faith refund.
Breach of Contract and Estafa: Developer Liability for Unfulfilled Property Sale
When a developer fails to deliver titles after full payment, both civil and criminal remedies may apply. The Supreme Court clarifies when estafa and P.D. 957 violations arise.
Constructive Dismissal Employers Burden TO Prove Fair Treatment AND Contractual Obligations
Learn the requisites for preliminary injunction in the Philippines and why disputed rights and compensable damages defeat the remedy.
Preliminary Injunction Requires Clear Right, Not Just a Contract Claim
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when preliminary injunctions may issue, emphasizing clear legal rights and irreparable injury requirements.
Contractor Relationships and the Test for Employer Liability in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the control test for employer liability in contractor relationships, and the duties of lawyers and notaries.
Rent Suspension and Earnest Money: Balancing Rights in Lease and Sale Agreements
The Supreme Court clarifies when lessees may suspend rent and when earnest money in a contract to sell may be forfeited.
Earnest Money in a Contract to Sell: When Buyers Lose Their Deposit
The Supreme Court explains when earnest money in a contract to sell may be forfeited and when lessees may suspend rent under Article 1658.
Independent Contractor vs Labor-Only Contracting: Protecting Workers' Rights
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between legitimate independent contractors and labor-only contracting in Mago v. Sun Power Manufacturing Limited.
Perfected Construction Contract Award Trumps Suspension
A bidder's acceptance of a notice to proceed perfects a construction contract; a later suspension does not undo it. The Supreme Court explains.
Employer Liability in Labor-Only Contracting: Allied Banking Corp. v. Calumpang
When a bank's janitorial contractor is a labor-only contractor, the bank becomes the true employer—liable for illegal dismissal claims.