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.
Management Prerogative vs Employee Rights: The Limits of Promotion Decisions
When does a supervisor's recommendation bind management? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of management prerogative in promotion decisions.
Work-Related Hypertension Compensability and the Teacher’s Plight Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms that a public school teacher’s hypertension and stroke are compensable under PD 626, applying a liberal standard of proof.
When a Teacher’s Grade Changes Become Illegal Dismissal: Academic Integrity vs. Discretion
A teacher who altered failing grades was dismissed, but the Supreme Court ruled the dismissal illegal—simple misconduct, not serious misconduct.
When Can Philippine Employers Dismiss Striking Workers? Illegal Strikes Explained
Philippine law allows employers to dismiss workers who join illegal strikes or commit illegal acts during strikes. Learn the rules.
Illegal Dismissal Burden of Proof: Employer Must Substantiate Abandonment Claims
In Velasco v. NLRC, the Supreme Court clarified that employers bear the burden of proving abandonment in illegal dismissal cases, and that separation pay does not replace backwages.
Challenging NLRC Decisions: Judicial Review in Illegal Dismissal Cases in the Philippines
Learn how courts review NLRC rulings in illegal dismissal cases, and when factual findings may be overturned.
Successor Liability in Philippine Labor Law: When Is a Company Responsible for Another's Debts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a company becomes liable for another firm's labor debts under successor liability rules.
Employee Termination: Just Cause and Due Process Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies the standards for valid employee termination in the Philippines, focusing on just cause and due process requirements.
Regular Employment Status: When a Probationary Employee Becomes Regular
Understand when a probationary employee becomes regular under Philippine law, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Dusit Hotel Nikko v. Gatbonton.
Navigating Probationary Employment: When Does a Probationary Employee Become Regular in the Philippines
Understand Philippine probationary employment rules, including the six-month limit, evaluation requirements, and when a probationary employee becomes regular.
Regularization of Employees and Business Closure: Key Labor Law Lessons
Understand employee regularization rules, contractual obligations, and valid business closure under Philippine labor law.
Boundary-Hulog Agreements and Employer-Employee Relations: What Drivers Should Know
A boundary-hulog agreement does not automatically erase the employer-employee relationship. Control over the driver remains the key test.
No-Spouse Policies in the Philippines: What the Star Paper Ruling Means
Philippine employers cannot enforce no-spouse rules without clear business necessity. The Star Paper ruling explains why.
Due Process for Probationary Employees Navigating Termination and Notice Requirements in Philippine Labor Law
Understand the due process rights of probationary employees in the Philippines, including termination rules, notice requirements, and legal remedies.
Maintaining Decorum: Why Respectful Language Is Non-Negotiable for Lawyers in the Philippines
The Supreme Court's Molina v. Pacific Plans ruling clarifies how a manager's disrespectful conduct and disloyalty can justify dismissal under Philippine labor law.
Dismissal vs Proportionality: Employee Rights in Philippine Labor Law
When is dismissal too harsh a penalty for employee misconduct? The Supreme Court explains the rule of proportionality in labor cases.
Finality of Supreme Court Decisions: Understanding Res Judicata in Philippine Labor Disputes
Learn how the doctrine of res judicata bars relitigation of final labor rulings, with practical guidance for employers and employees.
Sleeping on the Job: When Can Philippine Employers Terminate for Just Cause?
Philippine employers may terminate employees for sleeping on duty if company rules are violated, but due process and proportionality still matter.
Balancing Employer Rights AND Employee DUE Process IN Termination Cases
A supervisor’s dismissal for abuse of authority upheld: the Supreme Court clarifies the twin requirements of valid termination under Philippine labor law.
Poor Performance vs Neglect: Defining Just Cause for Employee Termination in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when poor work performance justifies termination and when it does not, explaining the legal distinction.
Illegal Dismissal and Labor-Only Contracting: When a Salesman's Driver Is the Company's Employee
Acevedo v. Advanstar explains labor-only contracting, employer-employee relationship, and due process in illegal dismissal cases.
When Can a Subordinate's Actions Be Excused? Lessons from Challenge Socks v. Buguat
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when habitual neglect justifies dismissal and why procedural due process still matters in employee termination.
Foreclosure Sales and Labor Claims: When Buyers Are Not Liable for a Mortgagor's Debts
The Supreme Court clarifies that a mortgagee-creditor who buys foreclosed assets does not automatically assume the mortgagor's labor liabilities.
Union Busting or Business Judgment? Understanding Legitimate Closures Under Philippine Labor Law
When can a company close a department without being guilty of union busting? The Supreme Court explains in this labor law case.