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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Gross Negligence and Project Employment: Protecting Employee Rights Against Unjust Dismissal
Learn how the Supreme Court defined gross negligence and project employment in Belle Corporation v. Macasusi, protecting employees from unjust dismissal.
When Is Negligence "Gross and Habitual"? Lessons from Belle Corporation v. Macasusi
The Supreme Court clarifies the standard for dismissing employees for gross negligence and the rules on project versus regular employment in the Philippines.
Insufficient Notice Leads to Illegal Dismissal of Seafarer: Due Process in Maritime Employment
A seafarer's dismissal was ruled illegal because vague logbook entries and a general notice failed the due process requirements under POEA rules.
Overseas Workers Rights Illegal Dismissal and Fair Compensation in Maritime Employment
Understand the Supreme Court ruling on illegal dismissal of overseas Filipino workers and how compensation is computed under RA 8042.
Breach of Trust in Employment: When a Demand Letter Leads to Dismissal
A managerial employee's demand letter against her employer can justify dismissal for breach of trust under Philippine labor law.
Dismissal vs Compassion: Balancing Employee Misconduct and Employment Security
The Supreme Court ruled that dismissal was too harsh for an employee's lapses during family crises, affirming that compassion tempers discipline.
Cooperative Membership vs Employment: Defining SSS Coverage Obligations
Supreme Court rules cooperatives can be employers of their owner-members for SSS coverage purposes, clarifying when membership does not negate employment.
Project vs Regular Employment: Clarifying Rights in Fixed-Term Contracts
The Supreme Court clarifies when repeated fixed-term hiring still means project, not regular, employment under Philippine law.
Mental Capacity and Employment: Protecting Employees From Unjust Dismissal
When can an employer drop a worker for mental incapacity? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules and due process requirements.
Acting Appointments vs Security of Tenure: Clarifying Employment Rights in Philippine Schools
Understand the Supreme Court ruling on acting appointments in schools—when temporary positions do not ripen into permanent tenure.
Fixed-Term Employment: Employers Cannot Terminate Before Contract Expiry Without Just Cause
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on fixed-term employment: employers cannot terminate workers before contract expiry without just cause, even with waiver clauses.
Due Process in Employment Termination: The Employer's Duty to Give Notice and Hearing
Philippine law requires two written notices before dismissing an employee for just cause. This case explains the rule.
Employer-Employee Relationship and Due Process in Labor-Only Contracting Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on employer-employee relationships, probationary employment, and the twin requirements of notice and hearing in illegal dismissal cases.
Regular Employment Status of Drama Talents: Security of Tenure vs Independent Contractorship
Philippine Supreme Court rules drama talents are regular employees, not independent contractors, when work is necessary to business.
Probationary Employment and Dismissal for Slanderous Remarks: Key Lessons from Pasamba v. NLRC
Probationary employees may be dismissed for violating reasonable company standards, including rules against slanderous remarks, as explained in this case.
Breach of Promise or Employment Contract: Who Has Jurisdiction Over Damage Claims?
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a damage claim for breach of employment promise belongs to regular courts, not the NLRC.
Regular vs Project Employment: Security of Tenure in Philippine Labor Law
When repeated rehiring for vague "projects" turns project employees into regular workers entitled to security of tenure.
Abandonment vs Illegal Dismissal: Proving Intent to Abandon Employment
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the two requisites for valid dismissal due to abandonment, emphasizing employer's burden of proof.
Substantial Compliance Protecting Workers in Corporate Restructuring
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on substantial compliance in corporate restructuring and its impact on worker protections and employment security.
Regular vs Contractual Employment: Key Distinctions and Rights in the Philippines
Understand the key distinctions between regular and contractual employment in the Philippines, including employee rights and management prerogatives under labor law.
Non-Compete Clauses in Philippine Employment: When Post-Employment Restrictions Are Valid
The Supreme Court explains when non-compete clauses in employment contracts are valid and enforceable under Philippine law.
Fixed-Term Employment and Security of Tenure: When Contracts Expire Without Illegal Dismissal
The Supreme Court explains when fixed-term employment is valid and why expiration of a contract is not illegal dismissal.
Fixed-Term Contracts in the Philippines: When Are They Valid? Caparoso v. Court of Appeals Explained
Understand when fixed-term employment contracts are valid in the Philippines, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Caparoso v. Court of Appeals.
Fixed-Term Employment in the Philippines: When Contracts Don't Guarantee Fixed Terms
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when fixed-term employment contracts are invalid for circumventing security of tenure.