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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Dismissal for Defiance: Upholding the Court's Authority in Administrative Duties
A Supreme Court ruling suspends a branch clerk of court for notarizing documents without the required certification, underscoring strict compliance with court rules.
Dismissal for Habitual Absenteeism: Upholding Public Trust in the Judiciary
Court employee dismissed for habitual absenteeism, AWOL, and insubordination. Learn the rules on unauthorized absences and public service standards.
Finality of Labor Decisions: When a Seafarer's Dismissal Case Cannot Be Reopened
A seafarer's illegal dismissal case was reinstated because the employer failed to timely appeal. Learn why final judgments stick.
Defiance and Dismissal: Loss of Retirement Benefits for Striking Employees
When a pilot defied a return-to-work order, he lost his employment status and, ultimately, his retirement benefits. Here's why.
Sheriff’s Duty to Follow Execution Procedures and the Consequences of Neglect
A sheriff’s failure to follow execution rules—from expense estimates to auction notices—can mean dismissal. The Supreme Court explains why.
Employer Liability in Labor-Only Contracting: Allied Banking Corp. v. Calumpang
When a bank's janitorial contractor is a labor-only contractor, the bank becomes the true employer—liable for illegal dismissal claims.
Untimely Appeal and Strict Procedural Rules in Agrarian Redemption Cases
Philippine Supreme Court affirms dismissal of an agrarian redemption appeal filed out of time, stressing strict compliance with Rule 43 and Rule 45.
Unregistered Business High Court Affirms Illegal Dismissal For Sham Redundancy Scheme
Supreme Court rules a company's unregistered Philippine office cannot use a sham redundancy scheme to illegally dismiss an employee.
Dismissal for Immoral Conduct: Upholding Decency in the Judiciary
The Supreme Court dismisses a process server for exposing himself to a janitress, ruling it disgraceful and immoral conduct—a second offense warranting the severest penalty.
Dismissal for Disgraceful and Immoral Conduct: Court Personnel and Public Decorum
Court personnel who expose themselves face dismissal for disgraceful and immoral conduct, even when sexual harassment charges fail for lack of moral ascendancy.
Equipoise Rule in Illegal Dismissal Cases: When Doubt Favors the Employee
The Supreme Court clarifies the equipoise rule in illegal dismissal cases, holding that when evidence is balanced, doubt must favor the employee.
Protecting Labor Rights: Resolving Doubt in Illegal Dismissal Cases
When evidence is equally balanced in illegal dismissal cases, Philippine courts resolve doubt in favor of the employee. Learn the rules.
Judge Dismissed for Gross Immorality: The High Standard of Judicial Conduct
A judge's extramarital affair leads to dismissal from service and suspension from law practice, reinforcing strict ethical standards for the judiciary.
Abandonment vs Illegal Dismissal: Proving the Fact of Termination
In illegal dismissal cases, the employee must first prove the fact of dismissal. The Supreme Court explains the rules on abandonment.
When Dismissal for AWOL Violates Due Process: Saunar v. Ermita
The Supreme Court explains when an AWOL dismissal violates due process and what remedies an illegally dismissed government employee may claim.
When Union Disaffiliation Leads to Dismissal: Union Security Clauses and Illegal Strikes
The Supreme Court clarifies who may enforce a union security clause and when a strike becomes illegal, affecting dismissal of union officers and members.
When a Cashier’s Actions Justify Dismissal for Loss of Trust in the Philippines
A cashier’s failure to deposit checks on due dates can be valid grounds for dismissal for loss of trust and confidence in Philippine labor law.
Totality of Infractions: Delineating Just Cause for Termination in Philippine Labor Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when past offenses may justify dismissal under the totality of infractions principle, balancing employer prerogative and employee rights.
Security of Tenure: Prolonged Floating Status Is Constructive Dismissal
When a security guard's floating status exceeds six months, it becomes constructive dismissal. The Supreme Court explains the rule.
Accountability in Government Procurement: Upholding Transparency in Limited Source Bidding and Negotiated Proc
Supreme Court affirms dismissal of NPO-BAC chair for grave misconduct over flawed limited source bidding and negotiated procurement under RA 9184.
Prolonged Floating Status of Security Guards Is Constructive Dismissal
Security guards placed on floating status beyond six months are constructively dismissed. Learn the rule from Padilla v. Airborne Security.
Burden OF Proof IN Illegal Dismissal Establishing THE Fact OF Dismissal
Probationary Faculty Rights: Constructive Dismissal and Fixed-Term Contracts in Philippine Education
The Supreme Court clarifies probationary faculty rights, constructive dismissal, and fixed-term contracts in Philippine private higher education institutions.
No Illegal Dismissal Without Proof Employee Must First Establish Dismissal Before Employers Burden Arises
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on who bears the burden of proving dismissal in illegal dismissal cases.