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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FIRB Approval of Tax Incentives in the Philippines: How Registered Enterprises Qualify
FIRB approval of tax incentives in the Philippines depends on registration with an Investment Promotion Agency and the scope of the approved project under the SIPP.
Manning Agency License Philippines: DMW Requirements and How to Apply
A manning agency license in the Philippines is issued by the DMW Secretary to recruit and place seafarers. Here is what the law requires and how the process works.
Illegal Recruitment Liability of Officers and Principals in the Philippines
Who is criminally and civilly liable for illegal recruitment in the Philippines? Learn how RA 10022 holds agency officers, principals and agents accountable.
Recruitment Agency Branch License in the Philippines: DMW Rules for Branches and Extension Offices
A recruitment agency branch license in the Philippines requires separate DMW authority before operating outside your registered address. Here is how it works.
DMW Escrow Requirement for Recruitment Agencies: Capital and Deposit Rules
The DMW escrow requirement for a recruitment agency is at least PhP 1,500,000, on top of a minimum capitalization of PhP 5,000,000 for manning agencies.
Manning Agreement Philippines: How Licensed Manning Agencies Work
A manning agreement in the Philippines is the arrangement between a licensed manning agency and a foreign principal for recruiting and placing Filipino seafarers.
Maritime Labor Standards in the Philippines: How Seafarers Are Trained, Certified and Protected
Maritime labor standards in the Philippines cover STCW training, MARINA certification, medical fitness and manning agency rules that protect Filipino seafarers.
Disputes with Philippine Government Agencies and LGUs Over Contracts
Facing a dispute with a Philippine government agency or LGU over a contract? Learn how procurement rules, LGU powers, and remedies shape your case.
Forged Payrolls and Denied Rights: Protecting Overseas Workers From Wage Theft
The Supreme Court reinstates wage claims of OFWs against a recruitment agency, ruling that forged payrolls cannot defeat workers' right to just compensation.
SEC Quasi-Legislative Power: When Courts Can Review Agency Regulations
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may review SEC regulations and why injunctions against the agency were improper in the PSE voting rights case.
When a Recruitment Employee Is Not Liable for Illegal Recruitment: Toston v. People
The Supreme Court in Toston v. People clarifies that a recruitment agency's mere employee is not automatically liable for illegal recruitment.
Zero-Rated VAT on Manning Services: When a Foreign Principal Is Not "Doing Business" in the Philippines
Supreme Court clarifies when a foreign shipping company receiving manning services from a Philippine agency is not in the Philippines.
When a Bank's Auction Purchase Benefits the Mortgagor: PNB v. Tad-y
A bank that buys mortgaged property at a tax auction may hold it in trust for the mortgagor under the mortgage's agency clause.
Independent Contractor vs Labor-Only Contracting: Protecting Employee Rights
The Supreme Court clarifies when a manpower agency is a labor-only contractor, making the principal the real employer and solidarity liable.
Agency Coupled With Interest Irrevocability AND Protection OF Third Party Rights IN Lease Agreements
Explaining when an agency coupled with interest becomes irrevocable, protecting the agent's rights and third-party interests in lease agreements.
Due Process and the Right to Notice: Protecting Fair Legal Proceedings
When a government agency fails to notify a party of an adverse decision, it violates due process and voids the ruling.
Seafarers’ Right to Disability Benefits When Employer Refuses Medical Attention
When a manning agency ignores a seafarer’s request for medical attention, it cannot use that failure to defeat a disability claim.
Pre-Incorporation Contracts and Personal Liability: Lessons from Hao v. Galang
When does a corporate officer become personally liable for pre-incorporation contracts? The Supreme Court clarifies agency rules in Hao v. Galang.
Navigating Employee Incentives Understanding THE Limits OF Government Agency Compensation Powers
The Supreme Court affirms COA's disallowance of CNA incentives given to non-rank-and-file SSS employees, clarifying limits on agency compensation powers.
Seafarer Claims and Agency Transfers: What the Supreme Court Ruled
Learn how agency transfers affect seafarer liability claims, including the original manning agency's continuing responsibility under Philippine law.
Security Guard Negligence and Damnum Absque Injuria: Lessons from a Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling on security agency liability, negligence, and the principle of damnum absque injuria, explained for property owners and agencies.
Proper Party in Reversion Cases: AFAB v. F.F. Cruz and State Ownership of Public Lands
When can a government agency sue to cancel titles over public lands? The Supreme Court clarifies reversion actions and real party in interest rules.
SEC v. COA: Retained Income, Provident Funds, and the Limits of Agency Discretion
The Supreme Court ruled on when government agencies may use retained income for personnel benefits, and who must refund disallowed amounts.
Seafarer Rights and Agency Duties: The Corpuz Case on POEA Contract Substitution
A Supreme Court ruling on seafarer disability claims, the 3-day medical exam rule, and agency liability for contract substitution.