Legal Insights

Refusal to Bargain: Protecting Workers' Right to Collective Bargaining in the Philippines

The Supreme Court rules that an employer's refusal to bargain and waiver schemes constitute unfair labor practice under Philippine law.

When Family Driver Claims Mask Illegal Dismissal: Protecting Employee Rights in the Philippines

Supreme Court rules that labeling a company driver as a "family driver" cannot defeat illegal dismissal claims and full backwages.

Corporate Mergers and Employee Rights: Understanding Job Security in the Philippines

Philippine Supreme Court rules that corporate mergers do not terminate employees' jobs; absorbed workers continue employment with the surviving corporation.

When Courts Can't Enjoin EPIRA: Limits of Judicial Authority on Injunctions

Supreme Court rules RTCs cannot enjoin EPIRA implementation—only the High Court may issue such injunctions, even in declaratory relief cases.

ERC v. Meralco: Only the Supreme Court Can Enjoin EPIRA Implementation

The Supreme Court rules that only it can enjoin EPIRA implementation, clarifying limits on RTC injunctive power over energy regulations.

Constitutional Ban on Land Ownership: Filipino Spouses and Foreign Nationals

The Supreme Court rules that land bought for a foreigner and titled in a Filipino spouse's name is void, reaffirming the constitutional ban.

Eminent Domain and Execution Pending Appeal: Safeguarding Government Funds

Supreme Court rules discretionary execution pending appeal does not apply to eminent domain proceedings, protecting government funds from garnishment.

Clerks of Court Must Transmit Appeal Records on Time: A Lesson from Tecson v. Asuncion-Roxas

A clerk of court's one-year delay in transmitting criminal appeal records to the CA constitutes gross neglect of duty, the Supreme Court rules.

Dividends vs Capital Gains: Taxing Share Redemptions Under the RP-US Treaty

Supreme Court rules on whether share redemption proceeds are dividends or capital gains under Philippine tax law and the RP-US Tax Treaty.

Coca-Cola Route Helpers: Regular Employees Despite Agency Transfers

Philippine Supreme Court rules route helpers remain regular Coca-Cola employees despite transfers to labor contractors, applying stare decisis.

Forum Shopping: Simultaneous Appeal and Annulment of Judgment Constitutes Abuse

Philippine Supreme Court rules that pursuing an appeal and a petition for annulment of judgment simultaneously constitutes forum shopping and may warrant contempt.

Indefinite Preventive Suspension Is Constructive Dismissal: Employee Rights in the Philippines

The Supreme Court rules that an indefinite preventive suspension beyond 30 days amounts to constructive dismissal, entitling the employee to backwages and separation pay.

Online Psychological Abuse Under RA 9262: Higher Penalty for Social Media Offenses

Supreme Court rules that using social media to commit psychological abuse under RA 9262 warrants a higher penalty under the Cybercrime Prevention Act.

Untimely Appeal: When Delays in Filing Cost Levi's Its Trademark Protection

The Supreme Court rules that failing to perfect a timely appeal to the Court of Appeals is jurisdictional, costing Levi Strauss its TAB DEVICE trademark.

Forfeiture vs Foreclosure: Due Process in Ill-Gotten Wealth Cases

The Supreme Court rules that the State, as subrogee-creditor of forfeited assets, cannot sell mortgaged shares without foreclosure proceedings.

Due Process in Administrative Actions: Fair Notice in Recruitment Cases

The Supreme Court rules that administrative due process requires furnishing the accused with the evidence against them, not just a hearing.

Demolition of Illegal Structures on Public Roads: Public Welfare Over Private Interests

Supreme Court rules illegally constructed houses on public roads are nuisances that must be demolished, prioritizing public welfare over private claims.

Seafarer's Basketball Injury Held Work-Related: Bunkhouse Rule and Disability Claims

Philippine Supreme Court rules seafarer's basketball injury on board is work-related under the Bunkhouse Rule and Personal Comfort Doctrine.

Upholding Corporate Meeting Validity Proxy Rights AND Timeliness IN Intra Corporate Disputes

Supreme Court rules on proxy rights, notice requirements, and the 15-day prescriptive period for election contests in intra-corporate disputes.

Substitution of Parties: Due Process Prevails Despite Procedural Lapses in Estate Cases

Philippine Supreme Court rules that failure to formally substitute deceased parties is not fatal when heirs actively participate in the case.

BSP Can Use Private Counsel: Supreme Court Clarifies Jurisdiction and Representation Rules

Supreme Court rules on BSP's authority to engage private counsel and RTC jurisdiction over real property disputes.

Kidnapping Conviction Upheld: Minor Witness Inconsistencies Do Not Automatically Exonerate Accused

Philippine Supreme Court rules minor inconsistencies in witness statements do not automatically exonerate an accused in kidnapping for ransom cases.

Merit vs Entitlement: Supreme Court on Government Promotions and Dishonesty

The Supreme Court rules that impersonation in civil service exams is serious dishonesty, even after resignation from government service.

Dishonesty in Public Service: Forfeiture of Benefits Despite Resignation

Supreme Court rules resignation does not erase administrative liability; cash clerk found guilty of serious dishonesty for exam impersonation faces forfeiture of benefits.