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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Defining the Employer: Coca-Cola's Control Over Contracted Salesmen
When is a contractor a labor-only contractor? The Supreme Court clarifies employer liability and control over contracted salesmen.
Breach of Trust Dismissal Upheld for Financial Controller's Mismanagement
Supreme Court rules financial controller validly dismissed for gross neglect, serious misconduct, and loss of trust and confidence.
Control Is Key: Hospital Supervision Determines Employer-Employee Relationship With Resident Doctors
Supreme Court rules hospital control over resident doctors creates employer-employee relationship, entitling them to labor law protections.
Constructive Possession of Illegal Drugs: Proximity Alone Is Not Enough
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that mere presence near illegal drugs does not prove constructive possession; dominion and control are required.
Independent Contractor or Employee: The Four-Fold Test in Philippine Labor Law
When is an insurance agent an employee, not an independent contractor? The Supreme Court explains the four-fold test and the crucial "control test" in Tongko v. Manulife.
Seafarer Disability Claims: When the Company Doctor's Fit-to-Work Assessment Prevails
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on seafarer disability claims: the company-designated physician's fit-to-work certification controls absent a third-doctor review.
Exterior vs Interior Contract Interpretation and Obligations in Philippine Law
Supreme Court rules on contract interpretation: plain meaning controls unless ambiguity exists, and obscurity cannot favor the drafting party.
Freelance or Employee? The Test for Newspaper Columnists in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains when a newspaper columnist is an independent contractor, not an employee, under the control test.
When Is a Newspaper Columnist an Employee? The Orozco Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies when a newspaper columnist is an independent contractor, not an employee, under the control test.
Jurisdictional Boundaries Resolving Labor Disputes Involving Government Chartered Corporations
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that labor disputes in government-owned or controlled corporations with original charters fall under the Civil Service Commission, not the NLRC.
Simple vs Destructive Arson: Intent, Information Adequacy, and Penalty
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies simple vs destructive arson, emphasizing the information's allegations control the crime charged and penalty.
Family Feuds and Corporate Control: Navigating Share Ownership Disputes in Philippine Corporations
The Supreme Court clarifies how Philippine courts resolve family disputes over corporate shares, trusts, and injunctions.
Independent Contractor vs Employee: The Control Test in Philippine Labor Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the control test distinguishing independent contractors from employees in labor disputes, using a restroom concessionaire case.
Distinguishing Employees From Independent Contractors: The Control Test in Philippine Labor Law
Philippine Supreme Court explains the control test for distinguishing employees from independent contractors in labor law disputes.
Mandatory Tender Offers Protecting Minority Shareholders In Indirect Acquisitions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling that indirect acquisitions triggering control of a public company require a mandatory tender offer.
Mandatory Tender Offers and Indirect Acquisitions: Protecting Minority Shareholders
The Supreme Court ruled that indirect acquisitions triggering control of a public company are subject to the mandatory tender offer rule.
Presidential Authority and Government Reorganization Scope and Limitations
The Supreme Court affirms the President's broad power to reorganize executive departments, citing constitutional control, statutory grants, and good faith requirements.
Possession Beyond Ownership: Constructive Possession in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court explains constructive possession in drug cases—control and dominion matter more than ownership. Learn the rules from Quelnan v. People.
Urban vs Agricultural Pesticides: Understanding FPA Jurisdiction in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies that the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority regulates only agricultural pesticides, not urban pest control products.
Control Test and Regular Employment: When a Retainer Is Not an Employer-Employee Relationship
The Supreme Court explains when a company doctor under a retainer agreement is not a regular employee under the control test.
Setting the Critical Date for Electric Rate Refunds in the Philippines
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a refund claim over utility charges is barred by prescription, and why the date of payment, not discovery, controls.
The Ombudsman's Control Over Special Prosecutors: Limits on Prosecutorial Authority
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on the Ombudsman's authority over special prosecutors and the limits of prosecutorial discretion in criminal cases.
Employee Status Under the Control and Economic Reality Tests in Labor Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies how the control test and economic reality test determine employee status in Philippine labor law.
Executive Power vs Legislative Authority: Streamlining Government IDs in the Philippines
The Supreme Court upheld EO 420 on unified government IDs, clarifying the limits of presidential power of control.