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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
Control Test vs Independent Contractor: Manila Water Ruling on Labor-Only Contracting
Supreme Court explains when a contractor is labor-only, not independent, and when workers become regular employees under Philippine labor law.
Estafa Conviction Upheld for Deceit in Mobilization Fund Scheme
Supreme Court affirms estafa conviction for contractor who misrepresented ability to mobilize equipment and misappropriated P600,000 mobilization fund.
Independent Contractor vs Employee: Defining the Lines in Media Talent Engagements
The Supreme Court clarifies when a TV or radio host is an independent contractor, not an employee, using the control test.
MSU Liable for Official Actions: Contractual Obligations and University Presidents
Supreme Court rules Mindanao State University bound by official acts of its presidents, estopped from denying contract payments to contractor.
Defining Independent Contractors: The Control Test in Philippine Labor Law
The Supreme Court clarifies the control test for distinguishing independent contractors from employees, protecting workers' rights under Philippine labor law.
Quantum Meruit in Government Contracts: COA Overpayment Recovery Upheld
Supreme Court affirms COA's power to recover overpayments from government contractors under quantum meruit, even in void contracts.
Mutuality of Contracts: No Unilateral Price Escalation Without Clear Basis
Contractors cannot unilaterally raise prices without proof and written authority. The Supreme Court explains mutuality of contracts.
When a Sale-Leaseback Is Really a Loan: Cebu Contractors Consortium v. Court of Appeals
The Supreme Court ruled that a sale-leaseback arrangement was actually an equitable mortgage, not a true financing lease, and ordered the contract reformed.
When Contractors Overstate Work: COA's Audit Power and Quantum Meruit in Government Projects
The Supreme Court affirms COA's power to determine actual work accomplished and recover overpayments from government contractors under quantum meruit.
Written Agreements Prevail: Recovery of Additional Construction Costs Requires Prior Authorization
Contractors cannot recover extra construction costs without written authorization and agreed pricing under Article 1724 of the Civil Code.
Contractual Obligations Upholding Agreed Upon Interest Rates in Construction Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court affirms 2% monthly interest on unpaid construction balance, enforcing contractual stipulations between owner and contractor.
Employee vs Independent Contractor: How the Control Test Decides Labor Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the control test in distinguishing employees from independent contractors, using a movie theater painter's illegal dismissal case.
When a Contractor Becomes a Condominium Buyer: HLURB Jurisdiction Explained
Supreme Court clarifies that contractors receiving condominium units as payment are or "purchase" includes any contract to buy, purchase, or otherwise acquire for valuable consideration a condominium
The Control Test in Illegal Dismissal Cases: De los Santos v. NLRC
How Philippine courts determine the real employer using the control test, and why a labor-only contractor cannot shield a company from liability.
Employee vs Independent Contractor: SSS Coverage for Farmworkers in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a "pakyaw (piece-rate) basis considered an employee entitled to compulsory Social Security System (SSS) coverage? The ruling is a reminder that the label used b
Employee vs. Independent Contractor: The Four-Fold Test Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court's ruling in Corporal v. NLRC clarifies when workers are true employees, not independent contractors, under Philippine labor law.
Quantum Meruit in Government Contracts: What Contractors Must Know
The Supreme Court clarifies when contractors can recover payment from the government and the limits of the quantum meruit principle.
Independent Contractor vs Employee: Key Distinctions in Philippine Labor Law
When is a worker an employee, not an independent contractor? The Supreme Court explains the tests in this Philippine labor case.
Contractor's Tax Assessments: Prescription Periods and Gross Receipts Rules
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on tax assessment prescription periods, contractor's tax on security agency gross receipts, and protest deadlines under the NIRC.
Contractors Lien vs Preliminary Attachment: Rights in Construction Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a contractor's lien applies and how preliminary attachment works in construction payment disputes.
Contractor's Lien vs. Insolvency: Enforcement Rights in Construction Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when a contractor's lien under Article 2242 of the Civil Code can be enforced, and the proper remedy for wrongful attachment.
Wage Order Obligations: Contractor and Principal Liability in Security Service Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when security agencies can recover wage order increases from principals under solidary liability rules.
Independent Contractor vs Employee: Supreme Court Clarifies Labor Law Distinction
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a worker is an independent contractor's employee rather than the principal company's regular employee.
Employee vs. Independent Contractor: The Four-Fold Test Under Philippine Law
Philippine courts use the four-fold test to distinguish employees from independent contractors. Control is the key factor.