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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Piercing the Corporate Veil: Clarifying Liability for Subsidiary Obligations
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a parent corporation may be held liable for its subsidiary's obligations, and when it cannot.
Jurisdiction vs Exercise of Jurisdiction: Upholding Court Authority Despite Procedural Errors
The Supreme Court clarifies that jurisdiction over labor cases persists despite procedural lapses, and rules on retirement age, CBA benefits, and tax refund claims.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When Officers Face Personal Liability for Corporate Debt
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when corporate officers can be held personally liable for corporate debts, and when piercing the corporate veil is justified.
Quitclaims in Labor Disputes: When Voluntary Settlements Are Valid and Binding
The Supreme Court clarifies when quitclaims in labor disputes are valid, emphasizing voluntary agreement and reasonable settlement over mere allegations of coercion.
Carrier Negligence and the Timely Notice Rule for Damaged Cargo in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on carrier liability for damaged goods and why timely notice under Article 366 of the Code of Commerce is crucial.
Timely Notice IS KEY Understanding Carrier Liability IN Damaged Goods Claims Under THE Code OF Commerce
When cargo arrives damaged, the clock starts ticking. Learn how Article 366 of the Code of Commerce can bar a claim entirely if notice is late.
Lost Chance to Repurchase: Understanding Time Limits in Property Sales with Right of Repurchase
The Supreme Court ruled that a vendor's right to repurchase property must be exercised within four years from the time the condition triggering it occurs.
Real Property TAX Penalties Illegal Overcharges AND Taxpayer Protection Under THE Real Property TAX Code
Commercial Lease vs Residential Tenancy: Right of First Refusal Under Urban Land Reform
When does a long-term lessee get a right of first refusal? The Supreme Court clarifies PD 1517's limits.
Compulsory Counterclaims: No Certificate of Non-Forum Shopping Required
The Supreme Court clarifies that compulsory counterclaims need no certificate of non-forum shopping, as they are not initiatory pleadings.
Separation Pay Despite Valid Dismissal: The Rule on Just Causes in Philippine Labor Law
Philippine Commercial International Bank v. Abad explains when a validly dismissed employee may still receive separation pay under social justice.
Overcoming Fraud in Land Titles: Good Faith Acquisition and Reconveyance
Learn how good faith purchase protects land titles from fraud and when reconveyance is the proper remedy under Philippine law.
Piercing THE Corporate Veil When Does A Corporate Officer Become Personally Liable
Piercing the Corporate Veil: Protecting Labor Rights When Corporate Identities Blur
When two corporations share management, payroll, and offices, courts may pierce the corporate veil to protect workers' rights and claims.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When Officers Face Personal Liability
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when corporate officers may be held personally liable for contractual obligations, explaining the limits of piercing the corporate veil.
Unlawful Detainer and Estate Possession: Lessons from Umpoc v. Mercado
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on unlawful detainer, estate administrators' possessory rights, and unregistered deeds in ejectment cases.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When Corporate Officers Face Personal Liability in Estafa Cases
When can a corporate officer be personally liable for estafa? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of corporate personality and criminal liability.
Piercing the Veil When Trust Turns to Deceit in Property Disputes
When a foreigner entrusts money to friends to buy property, but the deed names them as owners, Philippine courts apply solutio indebiti to compel reconveyance.
Dismissal for Late Docket Fee Payment: Strict Timelines in Certiorari Petitions
Learn how late docket fee payment and wrong remedy choices can doom certiorari petitions, based on Mercado v. Court of Appeals.
Piercing the Corporate Veil When Tax Avoidance Becomes Evasion
The Supreme Court explains when tax planning crosses the line into tax evasion, and when a stockholder's estate can be held liable for corporate tax deficiencies.
Piercing THE Corporate Veil Establishing Individual Liability IN Financial Transactions
When Election Rules Override Commercial Contracts: The Chavez v. COMELEC Precedent
Can election rules force removal of product endorsements featuring a candidate? The Supreme Court says yes, explaining why.
Upholding Notarized Contracts Overcoming Forgery Claims In Property Sales
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on notarized deeds, forgery claims, and expert testimony in property sales.