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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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.
Contractual Negligence: Defining the Scope of Liability in Service Agreements
A Supreme Court ruling on surety bonds clarifies when a contractor's breach triggers full liability, and how compensation applies.
Waiver of Defenses: How Untimely Pleadings Shape Construction Disputes
A contractor's unpaid claim was revived by the Supreme Court, which ruled that defenses not raised in the answer are deemed waived under Rule 9.
Bidding and Government Contracts: No Automatic Right to Award Without Post-Qualification
The Supreme Court clarifies that being the lowest bidder in a government project does not automatically entitle a contractor to the award—post-qualification is mandatory.
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.
Enforceability of Oral Contracts: Protecting Contractors' Rights Through Quantum Meruit
Oral contracts are binding in the Philippines. Learn how quantum meruit protects contractors who complete work without written agreements.
Enforcement of Government Contracts: Recovery Allowed Despite Lack of Funds Certification
Supreme Court allows contractor recovery for government equipment leases despite missing funds certification, citing quantum meruit and equity.
Piercing the Corporate Veil When Labor Rights Trump Corporate Fiction in Illegal Dismissal Cases
When a contractor is a labor-only scheme, the principal becomes the true employer. The Supreme Court pierces the corporate veil to protect workers' rights.
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.
Coca-Cola Route Helpers: Regular Employees Despite Agency Transfers
Philippine Supreme Court rules route helpers remain regular Coca-Cola employees despite transfers to labor contractors, applying stare decisis.
Labor-Only Contracting: When a Principal Becomes the True Employer
The Supreme Court clarifies when a contractor is merely a labor-only contractor and who may question that arrangement.
Breach of Contract and Surety Bonds: When Extensions Don't Discharge a Surety
A contractor's failure to complete works on time triggers liability for breach and its surety's bond, even when extensions are granted.
Philippine Airlines v. Ligan: When Contracting Arrangements Hide Labor-Only Contracting
Supreme Court affirms that PAL illegally dismissed workers hired through a labor-only contractor, reinforcing security of tenure protections.
When Does the State Pay in Government Contracts? The Agency Question
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a contractor can hold the government liable for a subcontractor's unpaid services under an agency theory.
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.
Progress Billings AND Contractual Obligations Upholding Contractors Valuation IN Construction Disputes
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.
Independent Contractor vs Labor-Only Contracting: When the Principal Is Not the Employer
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a contractor is truly independent, shielding the principal from employer liability.
Retirement Fund Obligations: When a Company Is Liable for Employee Separation Pay
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a principal company becomes liable for separation pay of a contractor's employees, explained in plain language.
Slippage in Construction Contracts: Government Immunity and Contractor Accountability
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on government immunity in construction contracts and contractor liability for project delays and slippage.
Substandard Work Contractor Liable FOR Rectification Costs Despite Acquittal IN Estafa Case
A contractor acquitted of estafa can still be civilly liable for defective work. The Supreme Court explains rectification costs under the Civil Code.
Contractor Liability for Substandard Electrical Installations: Mackay v. Caswells
When can a contractor be held liable for defective work? The Supreme Court clarifies contractor obligations under Article 1715 of the Civil Code.
Independent Contractor vs Employee: Employer Duties in Labor Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a contractor is legitimate, not labor-only, and who bears employer responsibilities in illegal dismissal cases.