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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Piercing the Corporate Veil: Due Process and Corporate Identity in Kukan v. Reyes
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may pierce the corporate veil, emphasizing due process and finality of judgment.
Retrenchment in the Philippines: Balancing Business Needs and Employee Rights
The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on valid retrenchment, including fair selection criteria and the 30-day notice requirement to DOLE.
Tax Refunds vs. Tax Liabilities: Understanding Set-Offs in Philippine Tax Law
The Supreme Court explains when a tax refund claim can be denied due to an underpayment—and why set-off rules apply differently in tax cases.
Maintaining Decorum: Court Employees and the Duty of Ethical Conduct
The Supreme Court fined and reprimanded two court employees for shouting at each other inside a courtroom, stressing that decorum is required of all judicial personnel.
Illegal Strike Consequences: Reinstatement Rights and Separation Pay in Labor Disputes
Supreme Court clarifies illegal strike consequences, reinstatement rights, and separation pay for union members in labor disputes.
HLURB Jurisdiction vs Regular Courts: Protecting Subdivision Buyers' Rights
When does HLURB have exclusive jurisdiction over subdivision disputes? The Supreme Court clarifies the boundary between regular courts and the housing regulator.
Defining Accident in Seafarer Disability Claims: CBA Provisions Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies when a seafarer's injury counts as an but a seafarer may still be entitled to full disability benefits under other CBA provisions.
Illegal Strikes AND Employee Rights Balancing Labor Actions AND CBA Obligations
Seafarers Disability Injury vs Accident: When Full Compensation Applies
Supreme Court clarifies when a seafarer's injury qualifies as an accident and when full disability compensation under a CBA applies.
Retrenchment vs Illegal Dismissal: When Business Downturns Justify Employee Separation
Learn when retrenchment is valid under Philippine labor law and how procedural lapses affect separation pay and employee rights.
Breach OF Trust Examining THE Legal Implications OF Parental Rape IN THE Philippines
A father convicted of simple rape despite charges of qualified rape; the Court explains why minority and relationship must both be proven.
Illegal Strike Consequences and Employee Rights: Lessons from Alcantara v. Court of Appeals
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when strikes become illegal, who faces termination, and what reinstatement rights employees retain.
Dishonesty in Public Service: Forfeiture of Eligibility for Examination Irregularities
Court dismisses clerk of court for using a proxy in the 1988 civil service exam, ruling dishonesty forfeits eligibility and all benefits.
Judicial Seniority in the Court of Appeals: Date of Appointment Controls
The Supreme Court settles how CA justices' seniority is determined—by appointment date, not transmittal or barcode.
Attendance Registration and Dishonesty in Government Service: Lessons from the Supreme Court
The Supreme Court clarifies when failure to register attendance is a minor violation and when it amounts to dishonesty warranting dismissal.
Reconstituted Land Titles vs. Prior Sales: How the Supreme Court Upholds a Buyer's Right
The Supreme Court ruled that a reconstituted title does not erase a prior registered sale, and that laches does not bar a buyer who acted promptly to protect his land.
Bank Not Subsidiarily Liable Without Clear Obligation: Prudential Bank v. Abasolo
Supreme Court rules a bank is not subsidiarily liable for a loan officer's alleged promises absent a clear obligation or written request.
Bank Liability for Loan Proceeds: Third Party Beneficiaries and Breach of Contract
When is a bank liable to a third party for loan proceeds? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of bank liability and third-party beneficiary claims.
Failing the Chain: Drug Evidence Mishandling Leads to Acquittal in Drug Cases
A buy-bust team’s failure to comply with Section 21, RA 9165, and the chain of custody rule led to an acquittal in People v. Carin.
Finality Prevails: The Consequences of Untimely Appeals in Philippine Civil Procedure
Learn how the Supreme Court treats late appeals in civil cases, why finality matters, and the strict rules on appeal periods.
THE Importance OF Chain OF Custody IN Drug Cases Ensuring Integrity OF Evidence
Bank Not Liable for Employee's Promise to Seller: Relativity of Contracts in Loan Proceeds Release
Supreme Court rules bank not subsidiarily liable for employee's alleged promise to pay seller directly from loan proceeds, citing relativity of contracts.
Illegal Strikes and Reinstatement: Balancing Rights and Responsibilities in Labor Disputes
Philippine law on illegal strikes and reinstatement: what workers and employers must know about protected concerted activity and its limits.
Illegal Strike and Backwages: What Workers Should Know Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on backwages for employees who join illegal strikes, and when separation pay may be granted instead of reinstatement.