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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Understanding the Limits of Government Agency Compensation: The Lumauan vs COA Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when government employees must return disallowed allowances, explaining the rules on COLA integration and liability.
Navigating Employee Rights During Government Reorganization Insights From RA 6656
The Supreme Court clarifies the rights of permanent employees under RA 6656 when a government agency undergoes reorganization.
Compulsory Insurance for OFWs: When Agency-Hired Coverage Applies
The Supreme Court clarifies when overseas Filipino workers are covered by compulsory insurance, and what happens when contracts are renewed.
When Does Government Bidding Apply to Credit Programs? A Procurement Law Guide
The Supreme Court clarifies that government procurement rules do not apply to credit programs where the agency merely facilitates loans, not purchases.
Sale vs Agency: When Unpaid Vendors Are Not Guilty of Estafa
The Supreme Court clarifies when a failed real estate deal is a breach of contract, not estafa, and why unpaid vendors cannot be criminally liable.
Presidential Authority vs COA: Qualified Political Agency in Government Employee Benefits
Philippine Institute for Development Studies v. COA clarifies the doctrine of qualified political agency and limits on presidential delegation.
Government Agencies and Surety Bonds in Real Property Tax Disputes: The PMO v. CTA Ruling
When can a government agency skip the surety bond in real property tax cases? The Supreme Court clarifies in PMO v. CTA.
When GSIS Rules Fail: The Publication Requirement and the Limits of Agency Power
The Supreme Court nullified GSIS PPG No. 171-03 for lack of publication, reaffirming that legislative rules need notice and effectivity.
Overseas Workers' Money Claims: Labor Arbiter Jurisdiction and Agency Solidary Liability
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies Labor Arbiter jurisdiction over overseas workers' illegal dismissal claims and recruitment agencies' solidary liability.
Quitclaims and Illegal Dismissal: Understanding Employee Rights and Waivers in the Philippines
When is a quitclaim valid? The Supreme Court explains the rules on waivers and illegal dismissal in Vergara v. CDM Security Agency.
Lingnam Restaurant Case: Labor-Only Contracting Makes Principal the Employer
Supreme Court clarifies when a manpower agency is a labor-only contractor, making the client the true employer liable for illegal dismissal.
When Government Contracts Meet Congressional Oversight: The Limits of Compromise Agreements
The Supreme Court clarifies that compromise agreements involving government claims above P100,000 require congressional approval, not just COA or agency action.
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 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.
PD 242 and Intra-Government Tax Disputes: Who Decides When BIR Faces Another Agency?
Supreme Court clarifies that PD 242 governs disputes solely between government entities, giving the DOJ Secretary jurisdiction over BIR-PSALM VAT cases.
Government Spending on Refresher Courses That Benefit Both Employees and the Agency
Supreme Court rules government agencies may fund refresher courses that prepare employees for eligibility exams when the agency also benefits.
Upholding Environmental Standards Fines FOR Water Pollution AND THE Importance OF Accredited Laboratories
Supreme Court affirms ₱2.79M fine on condominium corporation for water pollution, stressing deference to agency findings and accredited lab testing.
Successor Government Agencies Bound by Prior Lease Agreements: Key Lessons from PMO v. PIC
When a government agency takes over another's assets, it also inherits lease obligations. The Supreme Court explains why.
Upholding Contractual Obligations: The Duty to Remit Funds in Agency Agreements
When can an agent withhold funds from a principal? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of an agent's right of retention and the duty to remit.
Independent Contractor vs Labor-Only Contractor: Who Is the True Employer in Philippine Law?
The Supreme Court clarifies when a manpower agency is a true independent contractor and when a principal becomes liable as employer.
Defining the Employer: Supreme Court Clarifies Independent Contractor vs Labor-Only Contracting
Supreme Court clarifies when a manpower agency is a true independent contractor and when the principal becomes the real employer.
Valid Notarization and Agency Substitution in Property Disputes: Villaluz v. Land Bank
A look at when a principal is bound by a substitute agent's mortgage, and why notarization matters in property transactions.
Union Dues and Agency Fees: When Can Labor Unions Validly Increase Them?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the documentary requirements for valid union dues and agency fee increases under the Labor Code.
Union Dues Increase: Supreme Court Requires Strict Compliance for Agency Fees
The Supreme Court ruled that increased union agency fees require strict compliance with Labor Code approval and documentation requirements.