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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Unfair Labor Practice Dismissals: Employee Rights to Moral and Exemplary Damages
Supreme Court ruling on unfair labor practice dismissals, moral damages, and the rule against splitting causes of action in the Philippines.
Public Bidding Discretion: When Government May Reject a Bid Without Court Interference
Supreme Court clarifies government's broad discretion in public bidding awards, protecting decisions absent grave abuse, fraud, or unfairness.
Lawyer Reprimanded for Unfair Dealing: Suzuki v. Tiamson on Legal Ethics
A lawyer's refusal to register a deed and acknowledge payments led to a reprimand. Learn the ethical rules from Suzuki v. Tiamson.
Can a Foreign Corporation Sue for Unfair Competition in the Philippines?
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether a foreign corporation not doing business locally can pursue unfair competition claims.
Jurisdiction in Unfair Competition Cases: RTC vs MTC Explained
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that Regional Trial Courts, not Metropolitan Trial Courts, have jurisdiction over unfair competition cases under the Intellectual Property Code.
Union Busting Disguised as Redundancy: Protecting Workers' Right to Organize
When can a company's "redundancy" program be struck down as illegal dismissal and unfair labor practice? The Supreme Court explains.
Constructive Dismissal: When a Work Reduction Becomes Unfair Labor Practice
When does reducing workdays become constructive dismissal? The Supreme Court explains in Unicorn Safety Glass v. Basarte.
Constructive Dismissal and Management Prerogative: When Transfers Cross the Line
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on constructive dismissal, unfair transfers, and the limits of management prerogative in labor law.
Upholding Ethical Duty Lawyers Cannot Exploit Court Orders FOR Unfair Advantage
Burger Battle: Protecting Trademarks and Preventing Unfair Competition in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies trademark infringement and unfair competition tests in the McDonald's "Big Mac" vs. "Big Mak" case.
Protecting Brand Identity: Jurisdiction Over Unfair Competition Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies which court hears unfair competition cases under the Intellectual Property Code, settling a jurisdictional question.
Equitable Mortgage Protecting Borrowers From Unfair Sale Agreements
Attorney Suspended for Misrepresenting Facts in Court to Gain Unfair Advantage
Lawyer suspended six months for filing a false reformation case to profit from a client's land sale, violating professional ethics.
Treachery Defined: How Philippine Courts Determine Unfair Advantage in Murder Cases
Learn how Philippine courts define treachery in murder cases through the Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Hammer.
Unfair Competition VS Parallel Importation Balancing Intellectual Property Rights AND Free Trade
When Arbitration Clauses in Employment Contracts Become Unfair: The Magellan Case
The Supreme Court explains when arbitration clauses in employment contracts are void for giving one side too many arbitrators.
Judicial Accountability When Ignorance of the Law Leads to Suspension
A judge's unfamiliarity with basic bail rules in a murder case led to a P20,000 fine for gross ignorance of the law.
Equitable Mortgage vs. Pacto de Retro Sale: When a "Sale" Is Really a Loan
Philippine courts look beyond contract labels. Learn how Articles 1602 and 1603 protect borrowers from disguised loans and unfair foreclosure.
Equitable Mortgage vs. Sale With Right to Repurchase: Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a "sale with right to repurchase" is actually an equitable mortgage, protecting borrowers from unfair foreclosure.
Equitable Mortgage vs Pacto de Retro Sale: Protecting Property Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a sale with right to repurchase is actually an equitable mortgage, protecting property owners from unfair transactions.
Deadfreight and Demurrage in Charter Parties: NFA v. Hongfil Shipping
Supreme Court clarifies when charterers owe deadfreight but not demurrage, and when corporate officers escape personal liability.
Unmasking Equitable Mortgages in the Philippines: When a Deed of Sale Isn’t Really a Sale
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a deed of absolute sale is actually an equitable mortgage, protecting borrowers from unfair land deals.
Management Prerogative vs. Unfair Labor Practice: Work Schedules and Paid Lunch Breaks
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when changing work schedules and removing paid lunch breaks is valid management prerogative, not unfair labor practice.
Malicious Prosecution: Probable Cause and Legal Malice in Unfair Competition Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when filing unfair competition charges constitutes malicious prosecution, requiring proof of absent probable cause and legal malice.