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.
Collective Bargaining: When Partial Agreements Do Not Make a CBA
Supreme Court clarifies that partial agreements in conciliation do not constitute a completed CBA; parties must still negotiate in good faith.
Management Prerogative in Reorganization: Upholding Business Needs in Philippine Labor Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when demotions during corporate reorganization are valid and when they constitute illegal dismissal under Philippine labor law.
GOCC vs. Private Corporation: Labor Jurisdiction and the Philippine National Red Cross Case
Learn how the Supreme Court's charter test determines whether an employer is a GOCC and which tribunal—CSC or NLRC—has jurisdiction over labor disputes.
Reinstatement or Separation Pay: Employer Obligations After Illegal Dismissal in the Philippines
Philippine labor law on illegal dismissal: when reinstatement is ordered, when separation pay applies, and the employer's obligations.
Employee vs. Independent Contractor: The Four-Fold Test Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court's ruling in Corporal v. NLRC clarifies when workers are true employees, not independent contractors, under Philippine labor law.
Jurisdictional Boundaries Resolving Employer Employee Damage Claims IN THE Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that labor arbiters, not regular courts, have exclusive jurisdiction over employer damage claims arising from employment.
When a Project Employee Becomes Regular: The Imbuido Ruling on Continuous Rehiring
The Supreme Court explains when repeated fixed-term contracts convert a project employee into a regular employee entitled to security of tenure.
Regular vs Project Employee: Continuous Rehiring and Security of Tenure Under Philippine Labor Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when project employees become regular employees through continuous rehiring, securing tenure under Article 280.
Security Guard's Dismissal Ruled Illegal: Probationary Status and Sister Companies Explained
A security guard absorbed by a sister company becomes a regular employee; first-offense infractions cannot justify dismissal.
When Can an Employer Terminate an OFW Due to Illness? The Medical Certificate Rule
Philippine law requires a medical certificate from a competent public health authority before an employer can validly terminate an OFW due to illness.
NLRC Appeal Bond Rules: Why Missing the Deadline Kills Your Labor Appeal
Learn why failing to post the NLRC appeal bond on time can dismiss your labor appeal, and how the DORELCO case shapes the rules.
Due Process in Employee Dismissal: Notice and Hearing Requirements in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on due process in employee dismissal, appeal bonds, and finality of labor arbiter decisions.
When Absence Is Not Abandonment: Understanding Illegal Dismissal in Philippine Labor Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when an employee's absences do not amount to abandonment, protecting workers from illegal dismissal.
Who Pays for an Illegal Strike? National Union Liability Under Philippine Law
When a local union stages an illegal strike, can the national union be held liable for damages? The Supreme Court clarifies agency and responsibility.
NLRC Remand Orders and Due Process in Philippine Labor Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when the NLRC may remand labor cases for further proceedings without violating due process rights.
Fishermen Are Not Field Personnel: Service Incentive Leave for Sea-Based Workers
Supreme Court ruling clarifies that supervised fishermen are not "field personnel" and are entitled to service incentive leave under Philippine law.
Navigating Corporate Officer Dismissals: SEC vs. NLRC Jurisdiction in the Philippines
Learn when the SEC, not the NLRC, has jurisdiction over corporate officer dismissals, based on De Rossi v. NLRC.
Constructive Dismissal: When Workplace Actions Speak Louder Than Words
Philippine Supreme Court explains constructive dismissal—when an employer's actions, not words, force an employee to leave. Learn the legal test.
Due Process in Philippine Labor Law: Why Proper Notice Is Non-Negotiable in Dismissal Cases
Learn from Masagana Concrete Products v. NLRC why proper notice and service of summons are essential to valid dismissal and due process in Philippine labor law.
Illegal Dismissal vs Constructive Dismissal: Union Formation and Employee Rights
Understand illegal dismissal versus constructive dismissal through Mark Roche International v. NLRC, a landmark Philippine labor case on union formation.
Missed Deadline Dismissed Case Understanding THE 60 Day Certiorari Rule IN Philippine Labor Disputes
Learn how the 60-day certiorari rule works in Philippine labor cases, including how motions for reconsideration affect the deadline, from a Supreme Court ruling.
Due Process in Employee Dismissal: Why Fair Procedure Matters in Philippine Labor Law
Learn from Gonzales v. NLRC why both procedural and substantial due process are essential for a valid employee dismissal in the Philippines.
Illegal Dismissal and Early Retirement: Protecting Employees from Unjust Termination
The Supreme Court clarifies when a demotion becomes illegal dismissal and the rules on optional retirement under Philippine labor law.
Illegal Dismissal Back Wages: Balancing Employee Rights and Employer Discipline in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on back wages for illegally dismissed employees, balancing security of tenure with employer discipline.