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.
Government Lawyer's Suspension for Neglect of Duty and Improper Conduct Explained
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a government employee's oversight becomes simple neglect versus conduct prejudicial to the service.
Project vs Regular Employment: Security of Tenure and Employee Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between project and regular employment, and the security of tenure rights of employees.
Upholding Employers Prerogative Valid Suspension FOR Employee Misconduct
Supreme Court affirms that employers may validly suspend employees for misconduct, even when guest complaints are not firsthand testimony.
Upholding Company No-Gift Policies: Employee Dismissal and Management Prerogative
Supreme Court upholds dismissal of employee who accepted gifts in violation of company's no-gift policy, affirming management prerogative.
Default Judgments and Due Process: Reclaiming Rights After a Missed Court Appearance
Learn how the Supreme Court protects due process rights when a party misses a court appearance and faces a default judgment.
False Notarization Upholding Integrity in Legal Documents
The Supreme Court rules on the importance of impleading indispensable parties in correction of birth certificate cases.
Minimum Wage Law Exemption: Employers Must Apply and Prove Payment
Employers cannot claim minimum wage exemption without applying to the Regional Board; payrolls must be original to prove payment.
Public Office vs Private Interests: When Loans Become Unlawful Under RA 6713
The Supreme Court clarifies when public officials violate RA 6713 by obtaining loans from cooperatives they regulate, and why membership rights do not exempt them.
Government Control vs Corporate Structure: Defining Audit Jurisdiction in the Philippines
The Supreme Court rules that government control, not corporate form, determines COA audit jurisdiction over corporations in the Philippines.
Reassignment vs. Transfer: What Public School Teachers Should Know
The Supreme Court clarifies when a public school teacher can be reassigned without consent, and how security of tenure applies.
Redundancy and Constructive Dismissal: Employee Rights in Corporate Restructuring
Understand redundancy pay, constructive dismissal, and employee rights when Philippine companies restructure or downsize.
Executing a Labor Judgment Does Not Bar Certiorari: Due Process in Labor Disputes
Forced compliance with a writ of execution does not waive an employer's right to challenge a labor ruling via certiorari, the Supreme Court held.
Subsidiary Liability of Employers: Execution Against Employers for Employees' Civil Delicts
Supreme Court clarifies when employers may be held subsidiarily liable for employees' civil liability arising from criminal acts.
Loss of Trust and Confidence: When a Supervisor's Single Mistake Justifies Dismissal
Supreme Court ruling on when a nurse supervisor's unauthorized taking of hospital supplies justifies dismissal for loss of trust and confidence.
Common Carriers and Stolen Goods: The Extraordinary Diligence Standard in the Philippines
Philippine law holds common carriers liable for stolen goods unless theft involved grave threat or irresistible force. Learn the extraordinary diligence standard.
CNA Incentive Disallowance Upholds the Primacy of MOOE in Government Spending
The Supreme Court affirms COA's disallowance of CNA Incentive paid from EAO savings, clarifying that only MOOE may fund such incentives.
Premature Illegal Dismissal Claims: The Importance of Establishing Termination
Filing an illegal dismissal case too early can backfire. Learn when a "pull out" is not yet dismissal.
When GSIS Rules Fail: The Publication Requirement and the Limits of Agency Power
The Supreme Court nullified GSIS PPG No. 171-03 for lack of publication, reaffirming that legislative rules need notice and effectivity.
Absence Without Leave: Upholding Public Service Standards in the Philippine Judiciary
Court personnel who go AWOL face dropping from the rolls. Learn the rules and consequences from a 2019 Supreme Court ruling.
Unexcused Absence and Termination: When Is an Employee Considered AWOL
Learn when an employee is considered AWOL and can be dropped from the rolls, based on a 2019 Supreme Court ruling.
Management Prerogative vs Diminution of Benefits: The Coca-Cola Saturday Work Dispute
When can a company stop Saturday work without violating the non-diminution rule? The Supreme Court clarifies in this Coca-Cola case.
Seafarer Death Benefits Proving Work Relatedness After Contract Termination
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when seafarers' heirs can claim death benefits for illnesses manifesting after contract expiry.
Certiorari as Remedy Challenging Ombudsman Decisions in Administrative Cases
When can you file certiorari against an Ombudsman ruling? The Supreme Court clarifies the proper remedy for complainants when the Ombudsman absolves a respondent.
Piece-Rate Workers Are Regular Employees Entitled to Security of Tenure
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that piece-rate payment does not negate regular employment, and abandonment requires proof of intent.