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 Can Stockholders Be Held Liable for Corporate Debts
The Supreme Court clarifies that stockholders of a close corporation are not automatically personally liable for corporate debts, explaining the limits of piercing the corporate veil.
Replevin and Vehicle Sales: When Entrusting Your Car Makes You Lose Ownership
A Supreme Court ruling on replevin clarifies when entrusting a vehicle to an agent for sale transfers ownership, and what claimants must prove.
Overcoming the Presumption of Work-Relatedness in Seafarer Disability Claims
A seafarer's cavernoma claim fails when company doctors' findings are consistent and the seafarer fails to prove work-connection.
Protecting Victims: How Family Can Petition for Protection Orders Under the Anti-VAWC Law
The Supreme Court clarifies that a victim's family can file for protection orders under the Anti-VAWC Law, even after a criminal complaint is dismissed.
Credit Card Debt Collection: Proving the Basis of Claims in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on credit card collection cases: creditors must prove the basis of claims, not just submit a statement of account.
Redundancy and Fair Compensation: Balancing Business Needs and Employee Rights in Termination
The Supreme Court clarifies when redundancy dismissals are valid and when separation pay falls short of the Labor Code's requirements.
When Attorney Negligence Doesnt Equal Extrinsic Fraud Protecting Final Judgments
The Supreme Court clarifies that a lawyer's negligence, without malice or connivance with the adverse party, does not constitute extrinsic fraud to annul final judgments.
Acts of Lasciviousness Under RA 7610: Scope of Child Sexual Abuse Defined
The Supreme Court clarifies when acts of lasciviousness fall under RA 7610's child abuse provisions, not just the Revised Penal Code.
Judicial Accountability: Timely Decisions and Ethical Conduct on the Bench
The Supreme Court holds judges accountable for delayed decisions and retirement violations, imposing fines on a retired judge.
Navigating NCIP Jurisdiction in Indigenous Peoples Rights Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when the NCIP has jurisdiction over ancestral domain disputes and when regular courts take over.
Notarizing Without Personal Appearance: The Cost of a Notary's Lapse
The Supreme Court suspends a lawyer-notary for six months and permanently bars him from notarial commission for notarizing a deed without the parties' personal appearance.
COA Disallowance of Irregular Government Funds: Good Faith Restitution Rule Explained
Supreme Court rules on COA disallowance of DBP car subsidy, clarifying when good faith excuses refund of disallowed government benefits.
Good Faith AND Government Liability Protecting Public Officials From Personal Liability IN Disallowed Payments
Client Bound by Counsel's Negligence? SC Relaxes Rules in Pontillas Construction Dispute
Supreme Court reminds courts that procedural rules serve justice, not hinder it, in a case involving counsel's lapses.
SALN Non-Disclosure: Intent Matters in Administrative Penalties for Public Officials
The Supreme Court clarifies that mere SALN omissions do not automatically mean dishonesty—intent to deceive must be shown.
Forum Shopping and Probable Cause: Safeguards Against Abuse in Anti-Money Laundering Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of freeze orders and bank inquiries in AMLA cases, penalizing forum shopping and demanding real probable cause.
Project Employees Remain Non-Regular Despite Repeated Rehiring: Herma Shipyard Case
Supreme Court clarifies that project employees performing necessary tasks and repeatedly rehired do not automatically become regular employees.
Official Overreach When A Mayors Discretion Becomes Illegal Disadvantage
Insurance Proceeds AND Corporate Rehabilitation Land Banks Obligation TO Reimburse
Project Employees vs Regular Employees: When Contracts Determine Labor Status
Supreme Court clarifies when project-based employees remain project employees despite repeated rehiring and performing tasks necessary to business.
Constructive Dismissal, Demotion, and Anti-Union Acts as Illegal Termination
When demotion and anti-union harassment amount to constructive dismissal, and how corporate mergers affect liability.
Project vs Regular Employment: Defining Boundaries of Fixed-Term Contracts in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when project-based employees become regular employees and the validity of fixed-term contracts in Philippine labor law.
Mandamus and Barangay Funds: The Imperative of a Clear Legal Right
A barangay official ousted by final court ruling cannot compel fund release via mandamus without a clear legal right.
Speedy Disposition of Cases: Balancing Delay and Due Process in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies the balancing test for inordinate delay in preliminary investigations, affirming that prosecutors must justify delays.