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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
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.
When Courts Can Pierce the Corporate Veil to Reach a Natural Person's Assets
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling on reverse piercing of the corporate veil, allowing creditors to reach corporate assets to satisfy a judgment against a controlling individual.
Regular Employment vs Independent Contractor: The Control Test in Philippine Labor Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when construction workers are regular employees, not independent contractors, using the four-fold test and control test.
Balancing Property Rights When Homeowner Access Clashes With Association Control
Local Autonomy vs Centralized Control: Who Appoints Metro Cebu Water District Directors
Supreme Court ruling on whether the Cebu City Mayor or the Provincial Governor appoints MCWD board members under P.D. 198.
Local Autonomy vs Centralized Power: Who Decides on Water Governance
Supreme Court ruling on who appoints water district boards when cities fail the 75% threshold, balancing local autonomy against centralized control.
When a "Retainership" Is Really Employment: The Control Test and Security of Tenure
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a retainership agreement masks an employer-employee relationship, applying the control test to protect security of tenure.
Local Autonomy vs Central Control: Presidential Power in Hospital Devolution
The Supreme Court upholds Executive Order No. 567 devolving Taguig-Pateros District Hospital to the City of Taguig, clarifying presidential power.
Independent Contractor vs Employee: The Right of Control Test in Philippine Labor Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the right of control test distinguishing independent contractors from employees in Valeroso v. Skycable.
Corporate Control and Stock Ownership: Resolving Disputes in Philippine Corporations
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies how stock ownership disputes affect corporate elections and why prior rulings cannot be overstretched.
Labor-Only Contracting: When a Principal Becomes the True Employer
Supreme Court clarifies labor-only contracting and employer-employee relationship, holding principals liable for benefits when contractors lack capital or control.
Labor-Only Contracting and Illegal Dismissal: Solidary Liability of Principal and Contractor
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on labor-only contracting, control test, and solidary liability for illegal dismissal under the Labor Code.
Dispositive Portion Prevails When DOJ Resolution Body Conflicts With Fallo
When a DOJ resolution's body conflicts with its dispositive portion, the fallo controls. Learn the rule from Santiago v. Bello IV.
When Doubts Linger: Examining Witness Identification and the Unfolding of Justice in Kidnapping Cases
The Supreme Court affirms kidnapping convictions, clarifying the defense of uncontrollable fear and the weight of positive witness identification.
Corporate Control Belongs to the Board, Not External Agreements
Supreme Court rules the board of directors holds corporate control, voiding external agreements that bypass it.
Protecting Workers Employers Faulty Systems Cannot Justify Employee Penalties
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled that employers cannot penalize workers for systemic failures beyond their control.
Regular Employment vs Talent Contract: Defining Employer-Employee Relationships in Media
How the Supreme Court distinguished regular employees from talents in ABS-CBN's TV Patrol Bicol case, applying the control test.
Possession Trumps Ownership: Upholding Conviction for Illegal Firearms Based on Control, Not Title
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that illegal possession of firearms requires control, not ownership. Conviction upheld on constructive possession.
Mining Rights and State Control: Resolving Disputes in the Diwalwal Gold Rush Area
The Supreme Court rules on the Diwalwal gold rush dispute, clarifying state control over mineral resources and the roles of mining regulatory bodies.
Custodia Legis: When Courts Cannot Touch Funds Held by Another Court
Explaining the custodia legis rule from Solidbank v. Goyu & Sons: a court cannot interfere with funds under another court's control.
Safeguarding Independence: Presidential Disciplinary Power Over Deputy Ombudsman Declared Unconstitutional
The Supreme Court strikes down Section 8(2) of RA 6770, affirming the Ombudsman's constitutionally guaranteed independence from presidential disciplinary control.
Corporate Control vs Government Sequestration: Defining Jurisdiction in Intra-Corporate Disputes
When a sequestered corporation faces an intra-corporate dispute, which court has jurisdiction? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules.
Delayed Justice Determining Fair Compensation FOR Government Land Seizure
When the government takes property without expropriation, what value controls? The Supreme Court clarifies the rule on just compensation.
Employer-Employee Relationship: The Control Test and SSS Coverage for Farm Workers
When does a farm worker become a regular employee entitled to SSS coverage? The Supreme Court explains the control test and its implications.