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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Prejudicial Questions and Corporate Disputes: Suspending Civil Actions Pending SEC Determinations
When a civil suit hinges on a corporate board dispute pending before the SEC, courts may suspend proceedings to avoid conflicting rulings.
Habitual Neglect of Duty as Just Cause for Termination in Philippine Labor Law
Explaining when habitual neglect of duty justifies dismissal under Philippine labor law, citing the Supreme Court's ruling in Chua v. NLRC.
Voluntary Resignation vs Illegal Dismissal: Protecting Seafarer Rights in Philippine Labor Law
When is a seafarer's sign-off voluntary resignation or illegal dismissal? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on termination and due process.
When Actions Speak Louder: Trust, Dishonesty, and Due Process in Employment Termination
A Supreme Court ruling on simple misconduct in the judiciary, explaining why good faith actions can still violate trust and lead to suspension.
Upholding Due Process: Employees' Right to Notice in Termination Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that resignation does not shield court employees from administrative liability for dishonesty and grave misconduct.
When Economic Hardship Doesnt Justify Termination: Separation Pay Rights
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on illegal dismissal, separation pay, and backwages when economic hardship is not a valid cause for termination.
Contract Termination Unilateral Right NOT Implied Absent Express Agreement
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: a party cannot unilaterally terminate a contract unless the right is expressly stipulated or a substantial breach is proven.
Employee Misconduct and Due Process: When Can Separation Benefits Be Withheld
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on separation pay, quitclaims, and due process in authorized termination cases.
Habitual Neglect of Duty Is Just Cause for Termination Despite Mitigating Factors
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when habitual neglect of duty justifies dismissal, and when mitigating factors cannot save an employee.
Trust Betrayed When Managerial Dismissal Requires Solid Proof in Philippine Law
Managerial employees can be dismissed for loss of trust, but Philippine law requires substantial evidence—not mere suspicion—to justify termination.
Contract Termination in Construction: When Express Terms and Damages Control
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling upholds a contractor's right to terminate a sub-contract for delay and poor workmanship, and explains when damages may be awarded.
Unilateral Contract Termination: When GSIS Can Rescind Agreements
When can a party unilaterally terminate a contract? The Supreme Court explains valid cause and contractual rights in Astroland v. GSIS.
Project vs Regular Employment: Security of Tenure in Construction Projects
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when construction workers are project employees and how valid termination works under labor law.
Illegal Dismissal and Retirement Age: When Expiring Contracts Mask Unlawful Termination
Supreme Court clarifies when a "contract expiration" is really illegal dismissal, and why early retirement requires an employee's explicit consent.
Constructive Dismissal When Job Changes Lead to Illegal Termination
Learn how a demotion in rank and pay cut can amount to constructive dismissal, even when an employer claims abandonment.
Constructive Dismissal: Demotion and Salary Reduction as Grounds for Illegal Termination
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on constructive dismissal through demotion and salary reduction, explained in plain language for employees and employers.
Voluntary Resignation vs Constructive Dismissal: Protecting Employee Rights
Understand the difference between voluntary resignation and constructive dismissal, and how Philippine labor law protects employees from illegal termination.
Lease Termination and Rent Increases: Lessons from Chua v. Victorio
When can a lessor rescind a lease and raise rent? The Supreme Court explains in Chua v. Victorio.
The Two-Notice Rule: Safeguarding Employee Rights Against Illegal Dismissal in the Philippines
Philippine law requires two written notices before dismissal. A 2004 Supreme Court ruling explains why failing to comply makes termination illegal.
Illegal Strikes: Balancing Worker Rights and Employer Interests in Termination Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when union officers and members may be dismissed for illegal strikes, and what due process requires.
Attorneys Fees Upholding A Lawyers Right TO Payment Despite Contract Termination
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on attorney's fees, contract termination, and a lawyer's right to compensation for services rendered.
Illegal Dismissal: Employer's Burden of Proof and Due Process in Termination Cases
Learn the Supreme Court ruling on illegal dismissal, the employer's burden of proof, and due process requirements in employee termination cases.
Illegal Dismissal: Employers Must Prove Just Cause AND Due Process Before Termination
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that employers must prove both just cause and procedural due process to avoid liability for illegal dismissal.
Business Closure and Employee Rights: Employer Obligations in Termination
Understand employer obligations when closing a business in the Philippines, including notice requirements, separation pay, and when dismissal is valid.