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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Employee vs Independent Contractor: Key Factors in Philippine Labor Law
The Supreme Court clarifies the control test distinguishing employees from independent contractors, using an insurance agent case as guide.
Can a Defective Oath Disqualify a Candidate? The Amora Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies when a defective oath in a Certificate of Candidacy can—and cannot—disqualify a candidate.
Accountability of Court Personnel Handling Judiciary Funds and Fiduciary Duties
Supreme Court ruling on clerks of court and cash clerks liable for shortages in judiciary funds, and the consequences of negligence and dishonesty.
Donation vs Devise: How Philippine Courts Distinguish Property Transfers
Philippine Supreme Court explains how to tell a donation inter vivos from a devise, and why the distinction decides who owns the property.
PDIC Investigation vs Examination: When Is Monetary Board Approval Required
The Supreme Court clarifies when PDIC needs Monetary Board approval—investigation and examination are distinct powers under the PDIC Charter.
Attorney Suspended for Deceitful Land Sale: Ethical Standards in Philippine Law Practice
Discover how a lawyer's deceptive land sale led to suspension, and learn key ethical rules for Philippine attorneys.
Psychological Incapacity and the Adultery Defense: What Yambao v. Republic Teaches About Marital Nullity
The Supreme Court clarifies the high bar for declaring a marriage void due to psychological incapacity under Article 36.
Just Compensation in Eminent Domain: Valuing Property at the Time of Taking
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how just compensation in expropriation is determined by the property's value and character at the time of taking.
Missed Filing Deadlines in Philippine Courts: Lessons from Barangay Dasmariñas vs. Creative Play Corner School
Learn how strict Philippine court filing deadlines are, and why a missed extension cost Barangay Dasmariñas its case before the Court of Appeals.
Contract to Sell vs Dacion en Pago: Protecting Subdivision Lot Buyers in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains how PD 957 protects subdivision lot buyers even when a developer transfers the property to a bank through dacion en pago.
Attorney Ethics: When Filing Pleadings for Deceased Clients Is Not Dishonesty
The Supreme Court clarifies when a lawyer's act of filing pleadings for deceased clients amounts to dishonesty, and when it does not.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Procedure Protects Your Rights
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to broken chain of custody and procedural lapses. Learn your rights.
Intra-Corporate vs Illegal Dismissal: Where to File Your Case
Learn when a dismissal case is intra-corporate or a labor dispute, and which forum has jurisdiction, based on a 2011 Supreme Court ruling.
When Are Warrantless Arrests and Searches Legal in the Philippines
Learn when Philippine law allows warrantless arrests and searches, the legal limits, and what to do if your rights are violated.
Forcible Entry Understanding Possession Procedure AND Timelines IN THE Philippines
Philippine Foreclosure Law: Why Publication Is Non-Negotiable for Banks
Philippine Supreme Court rules banks must prove newspaper publication in foreclosure sales; failure voids the entire proceeding.
Excise Tax Refunds: Who Can Claim for Petroleum Products Sold to International Carriers
Learn who may claim excise tax refunds on petroleum products sold to international carriers under Philippine law, based on a Supreme Court ruling.
When Can a Judge Be Held Liable: Lessons from Rubin v. Judge Aguirre
The Supreme Court clarifies when judges face administrative liability, distinguishing mere errors from misconduct requiring bad faith or malice.
Unutilized Creditable Withholding Tax: Proving Claims for Refund or Tax Credit
The Supreme Court clarifies what a taxpayer must prove to claim a refund of unutilized creditable withholding taxes, and what need not be proven.
Circumstantial Evidence IN Philippine Homicide Cases When Indirect Proof Leads TO Conviction
When a Void Marriage Decree Can Be Issued Without Waiting for Property Liquidation
Supreme Court clarifies that Article 36 void marriage decrees need not wait for property liquidation under Article 147 of the Family Code.
Overcoming Jurisdictional Hurdles in Philippine Property Disputes: The Philippine Veterans Bank Case
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified jurisdictional boundaries between courts and DARAB in expropriation cases involving agrarian reform lands.
Breach of Trust: Dismissal for Dishonesty and Grave Misconduct in Philippine Courts
A clerk of court's falsified receipts and unreported collections led to dismissal for dishonesty and grave misconduct in this Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
Navigating Career Executive Service CES Understanding Eligibility FOR Managerial Government Positions IN THE P
The Supreme Court clarifies that Career Executive Service eligibility is required only for presidential appointees, not all managerial government positions.