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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DTI Consumer Complaint in the Philippines: How to File and What Happens Next
File a DTI consumer complaint in the Philippines the right way: where to go, what to prepare, and how the Consumer Act protects you from unsafe or unfair sellers.
Franchise Advertising in the Philippines: Legal Limits Under the Consumer Act
Franchise advertising in the Philippines is governed by the Consumer Act, which bans deceptive and unfair sales acts and regulates how offers are promoted.
Advertising Rules in the Philippines: Prohibited Claims and Standards
Advertising rules in the Philippines bar deceptive and unfair claims under the Consumer Act and the Internet Transactions Act of 2023. Here is how they work.
Trade Secrets Protection in the Philippines: How the IP Code Safeguards Undisclosed Information
Trade secrets protection in the Philippines falls under the Intellectual Property Code, which covers undisclosed information and unfair competition.
When Can a Bank Apply Your Payment to Another Debt? Supreme Court Rules
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when banks may apply loan payments to other debts, protecting borrowers from unfair payment application.
Employer Interference and Unfair Labor Practices: The SCIPSI Ruling on Union Dues
When an employer withholds union dues under a CBA check-off, it is unfair labor practice—not an intra-union dispute—vesting jurisdiction in the Labor Arbiter.
Import Restrictions and Preliminary Injunctions: Lessons from Alcala v. Carpio
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may issue preliminary injunctions against customs seizures of rice imports lacking NFA permits.
Upholding Client Trust: Attorney Suspended for Neglecting Case Updates in the Philippines
A Philippine lawyer was suspended for six months for failing to inform a client of an unfavorable labor decision, highlighting duties under the Code of Professional Responsibility.
Equitable Mortgage vs Pacto de Retro: Protecting Borrowers From Unfair Loan Agreements
When is a "sale with right to repurchase" really a loan? The Supreme Court explains equitable mortgage and pactum commissorium.
Unfair Dismissal: Protecting Employees From Arbitrary Termination and Belated Evidence
The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on belated evidence in labor cases and reaffirms protections against illegal dismissal under Philippine law.
Due Process Prevails: Informations Clarity Protects Against Unfair Conviction
The Supreme Court rules that administrative liability requires a formal charge, protecting public employees from unfair conviction based on delay alone.
Infanticide in the Philippines: Proving Guilt Through Circumstantial Evidence
Learn how Philippine courts convict in infanticide cases using circumstantial evidence, as shown in People v. Adalia.
Understanding Unfair Competition in the Philippines: Lessons from a Landmark Supreme Court Case
A look at unfair competition under the Intellectual Property Code, explained through a 2021 Supreme Court ruling on confusingly similar products.
Estoppel in Mortgage Foreclosures: Protecting Borrowers From Unfair Actions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on co-owner rights in recovery of possession, clarifying when partition is not required before filing ejectment actions.
Unfair Competition as a Continuing Offense: What the Petron v. Yao Ruling Means
The Supreme Court clarifies when selling counterfeit goods is a continuing offense, affecting jurisdiction and prosecution strategy.
Serious Dishonesty and Falsification in Civil Service Exams: Key Lessons from Panarigan v. CSC
The Supreme Court affirms dismissal of an NFA employee who hired an impersonator to take the civil service exam, clarifying serious dishonesty rules.
Understanding Liability for Unauthorized Corporate Expenditures: Lessons from a Landmark Philippine Supreme Co
The Supreme Court clarifies when government officials and employees must return disallowed benefits like the NFA's Food and Grocery Incentive.
Redundancy and Union Busting Claims: What Aboitiz v. Unions Teaches Employers
The Supreme Court upholds a valid redundancy program and clarifies what evidence is needed to prove union busting as unfair labor practice.
Foreign Investment and Unfair Competition: Key Insights from a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Case
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies the limits of judicial review over Board of Investments registration decisions and the meaning of unfair competition claims.
Understanding Consent and Detention: Key Insights From a Landmark Philippine Kidnapping Case
The Supreme Court acquits a man of kidnapping, clarifying that mere elopement and a minor's unfamiliarity with a place do not automatically constitute illegal detention.
Conditional Settlements and Seafarer Rights: Protecting Vulnerable Workers in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court protects seafarers from unfair conditional settlements, treating them as full satisfaction of disability awards.
Unfair Competition in Trade Names: PAPER ONE vs. Paperone, Inc.
Supreme Court clarifies unfair competition rules when a corporate name closely mimics an established trademark, reversing the Court of Appeals.
Unfair Competition and Trade Name Confusion: The Paperone Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies when a corporate name can amount to unfair competition under the Intellectual Property Code, even without trademark infringement.