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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Coslaps Limited Jurisdiction Resolving Land Disputes AND Forum Shopping
When can a government agency act on a land dispute without violating due process? The Supreme Court explains in Primetown v. Juntilla.
Employer Responsibility in Outsourcing: When a Client Is Not the Employer
The Supreme Court explains when a company that hires security guards through an agency is not their employer, and the four tests that determine employer-employee relationships.
Upholding Disciplinary Authority: Administrative Dismissal Despite Procedural Technicalities
The Supreme Court affirms that a government agency's disciplinary authority prevails over procedural technicalities in administrative dismissal cases.
Upholding Relocation Surveys When Court Orders Meet Agency Expertise IN Land Disputes
When a Lawyer's Authority Dies With the Client: Lessons From A.C. No. 5182
A lawyer cannot rely on a special power of attorney after the client's death. The Supreme Court's ruling on agency, trust duties, and lawyer accountability explained.
Service of Court Decisions on Government Entities: The Lead Counsel Rule Explained
When must court decisions be served on a government agency's lead counsel? The Supreme Court clarifies service rules and appeal periods.
Liability for Security Guard Actions: Clarifying Employer Responsibility in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a business is liable for a security guard's wrongful acts and when the security agency bears responsibility.
When Courts Must Independently Assess Criminal Case Dismissals: Judicial Discretion vs Agency Authority
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when courts may independently review prosecutorial dismissals of criminal cases versus deferring to agency authority.
Certiorari vs Appeal: Choosing the Correct Remedy Against Government Decisions
The Supreme Court reminds litigants that certiorari cannot replace a lost appeal, and that the remedy against many agency decisions is a timely petition for review.
Accountability Beyond Authority Illegal Recruitment Despite Agency Affiliation
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on illegal recruitment liability for unregistered agency representatives, with practical compliance guidance.
Illegal Recruitment in Large Scale: When a Recruiter's Agent Still Faces Criminal Liability
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a recruiter's agent can be liable for illegal recruitment in large scale despite a licensed agency's SPA.
Solidary Liability Ensuring Wage Compliance In Security Service Contracts
When a security agency underpays guards, the client company can be held jointly and severally liable under the Labor Code.
Affidavit Ambiguity in Manning Agency Liability: A Philippine Maritime Law Lesson
Philippine Supreme Court rules on how ambiguous affidavits of undertaking by manning agents should be interpreted in maritime claims.
When Agents Exceed Authority Understanding Reimbursement Rights IN Philippine LAW
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on agency, reimbursement rights, and the limits of an agent's authority under civil law.
Travel Agency Liability: Ordinary Care, Not Common Carrier Duties
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that travel agencies owe ordinary diligence, not the extraordinary care required of common carriers.
Civilianizing the Coast Guard Appointments and the Reach of the Commission on Appointments
Explaining why Philippine Coast Guard officers need no CA confirmation once the agency is civilianized under the DOTC.
Circumventing Disqualification Orders Through Consultancy Contracts Warrants Lawyer Suspension
Lawyer suspended for violating court disqualification by serving as "consultant" to government agency while performing employee duties.
Executive Power vs Legislative Domain: Defining Reorganization Authority in Philippine Sports Governance
A 2003 Supreme Court ruling on EO 81 clarifies the President's power to reorganize the Executive Branch and transfer agency functions.
Agency and Real Estate Sales: The Necessity of Written Authority
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why an agent's authority to sell land must be in writing, or the sale is void.
Government Contracts Void When Bid Exceeds Congressional Appropriation
Supreme Court rules a winning bidder cannot compel a government agency to formalize a contract when the bid exceeds the amount appropriated by Congress.
Agency LAW When A Letter OF Authority Binds A Corporation
Solidary Liability of Co-Principals in Agency: Agent May Collect Full Commission From Any Principal
When co-owners appoint an agent for a common transaction, they are solidarily liable. The agent can collect the full commission from any one of them.
Public Bidding AND Administrative Discretion When Courts Defer TO Agency Expertise
Residential vs Agricultural Land: Resolving Land Use Classification and Tenant Rights
Supreme Court clarifies when land is residential and exempt from agrarian reform, plus the rules on irrevocable agency coupled with interest.