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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Final Executory Labor Judgments Cannot Be Appealed: King Integrated Security Services v. Gatan
Labor judgments that become final and executory can no longer be appealed — only executed. The Supreme Court explains why.
Lis Pendens When A Money Claim Doesnt Cloud Property Title
A money claim for construction services does not justify a notice of lis pendens on property titles, explains the Supreme Court.
Contract Interpretation Enforcing Equitable Compensation FOR Extended Services
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on equitable compensation for extended construction management services in Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas v. Santamaria.
Harbor Pilot Fees Interpreting Scope AND Authority IN Maritime Services
Quantum Meruit: Fair Compensation for Legal Services Without a Fixed Fee
Philippine Supreme Court explains how lawyers are paid under quantum meruit when no fixed fee exists, using Racoma v. CNWD.
Electricity Pilferage: When Tampering With Utility Meters Is Proven and Who Bears Liability
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on electricity pilferage, tampering evidence, and liability of consumers for unregistered consumption in utility services.
Constructive Dismissal When Employer Actions Force Resignation: Hyatt Taxi Services vs. Catinoy
Preventive suspension beyond 30 days and conditional reinstatement can amount to constructive dismissal, as ruled in Hyatt Taxi Services vs. Catinoy.
When Can a Lawyer Withdraw Services? Ethical Boundaries Explained
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when lawyers may withdraw from a case and when withdrawal becomes unethical misconduct warranting discipline.
Finality of Tax Assessments: Timeliness, Gross Receipts, and the Security Guard Case
A look at Protector's Services v. CIR on tax assessment finality, prescriptive periods, and what counts as gross receipts.
VAT on Services: When "Trade or Business" Does Not Require Profit Motive
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that VAT applies to services rendered for a fee even without profit motive. Learn the rules.
Public Bidding Prevails Miaas Duty TO Ensure Fair Contracts FOR Security Services
Understanding Attorney's Fees in the Philippines: Quantum Meruit and Fair Compensation
Learn how Philippine courts determine attorney's fees through quantum meruit, ensuring fair compensation for legal services rendered.
When Is a Legislative Franchise Required for Philippine Air Transport Operations
The Supreme Court clarifies when a legislative franchise is needed to operate domestic air services in the Philippines.
Amending Pleadings: When Can You Change Your Legal Strategy Mid-Case?
Learn when Philippine courts allow supplemental or amended complaints to change relief sought mid-case, based on Superclean Services v. HDMF.
Public Bidding in Government Contracts: The NFA Security Services Case
The Supreme Court nullified NFA's negotiated security contracts, reaffirming that public bidding is the rule in government procurement, not the exception.