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: When One Company Can Be Liable for Another’s Debts
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a company may be held liable for another's obligations, including labor-only contracting and solidary liability.
Paid-Up Capital vs Authorized Capital Stock: Wage Order Exemption Rules in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that wage order exemptions use paid-up capital, not authorized capital stock, in Central Textile Mills v. NWPC.
Addressing Judicial Delay: Penalties and Solutions for Efficient Case Resolution in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court imposes fines and directives to address judicial delay, emphasizing the 90-day decision rule and court efficiency.
Clerk of Court Negligence: Duty to Certify Court Documents Properly
A clerk of court's failure to certify copies of court documents is negligence. Learn the duties and consequences from a Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
Eyewitness Testimony and the Perils of Alibi in Philippine Criminal Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on eyewitness identification, alibi as weak defense, and treachery in murder cases.
Executive Clemency and Pending Appeals: When Can a Pardon Be Granted?
Philippine Supreme Court rules pardons granted while an appeal is pending are void, explaining the constitutional limits on executive clemency.
When Can Dishonesty Lead to Employee Termination? A Philippine Labor Law Perspective
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when dishonesty justifies dismissal, distinguishing serious offenses from minor lapses in this labor law case analysis.
Rape Conviction Upheld: Credibility of Testimony and Delayed Reporting in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on rape conviction, witness credibility, and delayed reporting explained in plain language.
Thirteenth Month Pay vs Year-End Bonus: What Philippine Law Requires
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a year-end bonus counts as 13th month pay and when employers must pay both.
Execution Pending Appeal: When Can a Court Enforce a Decision Immediately
Philippine Supreme Court explains the strict rules for execution pending appeal, including notice, good reasons, and timing.
Libel Damages and Filing Fees: What Philippine Criminal Cases Require
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when filing fees must be paid for damages claims in libel criminal cases, and why splitting appeals is prohibited.
When Can an Employee Claim Retirement Benefits After Termination: Philippine Case Study
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when an employee terminated for redundancy can still claim voluntary retirement benefits under a company program.
Rape Conviction and Consent: Credibility and Evidence in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on attempted rape clarifies consent, credibility, and evidence standards in criminal cases.
Trade Secrets vs Employee Rights Know Your Boundaries
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when employer claims of trade secrets justify dismissal, and the limits of confidentiality policies.
Successor Liability in Philippine Labor Law: When a New Company Inherits Labor Obligations
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a successor company can be held liable for its predecessor's labor obligations.
Understanding Insubordination in the Workplace: When Can an Employee Be Dismissed?
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when refusal to obey orders justifies dismissal for insubordination, with practical guidance for employers and employees.
Overseas Workers Compensation Who Pays When Injury Strikes Abroad
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that overseas employers may not be liable for medical benefits when the host country's social insurance law places that burden on a state fund.
Rape and Incest: When Family Betrayal Meets Justice in the Philippines
A Philippine Supreme Court case on a son raping his mother, explaining the rules on credibility, denial, and penalties for incestuous rape.
Mutuality of Contracts: Why Banks Cannot Unilaterally Change Interest Rates
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains why banks cannot unilaterally raise loan interest rates without borrower consent, citing mutuality of contracts.
When a Judge's Error Becomes Grave Abuse of Discretion: Lessons from Santiago Land Development
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a judge's mistake in denying a motion to dismiss rises to grave abuse of discretion correctable by certiorari.
Replevin Actions and Chattel Mortgagees: When the Mortgagor Must Be Impleaded
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a chattel mortgagee must implead the mortgagor in a replevin action to foreclose on a vehicle.
Perfecting an Appeal: Understanding the Importance of Procedural Compliance in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on strict procedural compliance in appeals and the limits of administrative interpretation of law.
Just Compensation and Landowner Rights in Philippine Land Reform
Philippine Supreme Court rules landowners who reject DAR valuation must still be paid promptly, protecting their right to just compensation under CARP.
Rape Conviction: The Role of Intimidation and Consent in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that intimidation, not just force, proves rape; a stepfather's moral ascendancy over a child victim is key.