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.
Regular vs Project Employee: When Rehiring Without a Fixed Term Creates Security of Tenure
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a project employee becomes regular, securing tenure and protection from illegal dismissal.
When a Transfer Is Not Constructive Dismissal: Management Prerogative in Labor Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when an employee transfer is a valid exercise of management prerogative and not constructive dismissal.
Constructive Dismissal and Management Prerogative: When a Transfer Is Not Illegal Dismissal
The Supreme Court clarifies when an employee transfer amounts to constructive dismissal, balancing management prerogative against tenurial security.
Court Interpreter Suspended for Incompetent Translations in RTC Malaybalay
SC suspends court interpreter for inaccurate Visayan-to-English translations, stressing the heavy responsibility of judicial employees.
Non-Payment of Debts and Insubordination in Court Employment: A Cautionary Tale
The Supreme Court explains when a court employee's failure to pay debts and defiance of Court orders can lead to dismissal from service.
Security of Tenure vs Qualification Standards Resolving Employment Disputes in Philippine Higher Education
Supreme Court clarifies retirement age rules, security of tenure, and CBA benefits for managerial employees in Philippine schools.
State Immunity and Construction Disputes: PTRI v. E.A. Ramirez Construction
The Supreme Court clarifies when state agencies can be sued and why construction disputes must go to the CIAC.
Fixed-Term Contracts vs Security of Tenure: Protecting Employee Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when fixed-term employment contracts are valid and when they violate an employee's security of tenure under Philippine law.
Joint Resolutions vs Laws: The Ang Nars Ruling on Salary Grades and Legislative Power
The Supreme Court clarifies that only bills can become laws, not joint resolutions, in a ruling on nurse salary grades.
PhilHealth Personnel Are Public Health Workers: Longevity Pay Case
Supreme Court rules PhilHealth personnel are public health workers under the Universal Health Care Act, entitling them to longevity pay.
Due Process in Termination: Ensuring Fair Dismissal Under Philippine Labor Law
Learn the rules for valid dismissal in the Philippines—substantive and procedural due process, and what happens when employers fail to comply.
Retirement Pay Law Prevails Over Company Manual in Optional Retirement Case
Supreme Court rules company retirement plans cannot provide benefits lower than the Labor Code's minimum under Article 287.
Retirement Benefits: Labor Code Prevails Over Inferior Company Plans
Philippine Supreme Court rules company retirement plans cannot provide benefits lower than the Labor Code's minimum under Article 287.
Illegal Dismissal of Probationary Employee: When Performance Ratings Are a Subterfuge
Supreme Court affirms illegal dismissal ruling where probationary employee's poor rating was a sham, entitling him to backwages and damages.
Due Process and Employee Dismissal: Balancing Just Cause With Procedural Rights
The Supreme Court clarifies that dismissal without just cause is illegal even if procedural notice was given, entitling the employee to backwages and separation pay.
Illegal Dismissal: Probable Cause Alone Does Not Justify Termination
Supreme Court clarifies that probable cause for qualified theft does not automatically justify an employee's dismissal; substantial evidence is required.
Verbal Agreements vs Written Contracts: When a Lease or Workplace Transfer Can Be Modified
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when verbal notices and transfer orders are invalid, protecting employee security of tenure.
Reinstatement After Illegal Dismissal: Employee Rights in Corporate Reorganizations
When a company reorganizes, employees still have rights. The Supreme Court explains illegal dismissal and reinstatement in NPC v. Cabanag.
Conditional Settlements and Seafarer Rights: Protecting Vulnerable Workers in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court protects seafarers from unfair conditional settlements, treating them as full satisfaction of disability awards.
Regular vs Project Employment: Employer Must Prove Employee Status at Hiring
Supreme Court clarifies that employers bear the burden of proving project employment status, requiring clear notice at the time of hiring.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When Are Corporate Officers Personally Liable in Labor Cases?
The Supreme Court clarifies when corporate officers can be held personally liable for labor claims, emphasizing the need for clear allegations and proof of bad faith.
Regular vs Project Employment: What the Supreme Court Requires of Employers
A 2019 Supreme Court ruling clarifies when construction workers are regular employees, not project employees, and what employers must prove.
Finality of Settlement Agreements Barring Future Claims Despite Quasi-Delict Allegations in Seafarer Death Cas
SC rules valid settlement agreements bar seafarers' heirs from filing quasi-delict claims after accepting death benefits.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When Company Officers Face Personal Liability
A corporate officer can be held personally liable for labor awards if the judgment is final. Learn the risks and rules.