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.
Grave Misconduct in Government Service: When Dismissal Is the Only Penalty
Supreme Court reinstates dismissal of immigration officer for extortion and grave misconduct, ruling first offense cannot mitigate penalty.
Notarial Duty and Administrative Liability: Upholding Integrity in Court Services
A branch clerk of court was suspended for notarizing documents without following the 2004 Rules on Notarial Practice. Learn the rules and risks.
Project Employment vs Regular Employment: Security of Tenure in Construction
The Supreme Court clarifies when construction workers are project employees, not regular employees, and their rights to wages and benefits.
Wage Increases and Management Prerogative: Balancing CBA Terms and Business Discretion
When can an employer set hiring rates above CBA wage increases without causing wage distortion? The Supreme Court explains.
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.
Sales Commissions Are Wages: Supreme Court Ruling on Unpaid Commissions and Unauthorized Deductions
Sales commissions are wages under Philippine law. Learn what the Supreme Court ruled on unpaid commissions and unauthorized car plan deductions.
Court Employee Suspended for Disseminating Confidential Office Documents
Court personnel must maintain decorum and confidentiality. Learn from a case where a legal researcher was suspended for circulating internal documents.
Official Inaction and Anti-Graft Law: When Delay Becomes Discrimination
Court personnel who leak confidential office documents to embarrass colleagues face administrative liability, even if complainants withdraw their cases.
Seafarer Disability Claims: The 120-240 Day Rule for Medical Assessments
Understand the 120-240 day rule for company-designated physician assessments in seafarer disability claims, explained through a 2018 Supreme Court ruling.
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.
Probable Cause in Toll Bypass Cases: Theft of Telephone Services Under Philippine Law
Explore the Supreme Court's ruling on probable cause for theft in toll bypass operations, clarifying what constitutes unlawful taking of telephone services.
Proving Lost Earnings After Wrongful Death: Testimony Can Suffice, Says Supreme Court
The Supreme Court ruled that credible testimonial evidence alone can prove a deceased person's income for lost earning capacity damages.
Court Personnel and Homeowners' Association Duties: When Civic Service Is Not Moonlighting
Supreme Court clarifies when court employees may serve in homeowners' associations without violating conduct rules on outside employment.
Doctrine of Condonation: When Re-Election Erases Past Misconduct
The Supreme Court explains when re-election can erase past administrative misconduct, and when it cannot.
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.
Falsifying Time Records and Habitual Absenteeism in the Judiciary: A Lesson in Accountability
The Supreme Court disciplines court personnel for falsified DTRs and habitual absenteeism, reaffirming strict ethical standards in the judiciary.
PAGCOR Tax Landscape: Franchise Tax vs Income Tax Obligations Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies PAGCOR's tax liabilities: 5% franchise tax on gaming income, income tax on related services, and FBT obligations.
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.
Varicose Veins and Workers' Compensation: Proving the Link Between Work and Illness
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling in GSIS v. Tañedo on when varicose veins qualify for compensation under PD 626.
Abandonment Requires Clear Intent Protecting Employees From Unjust Dismissal
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that abandonment of work requires clear intent to sever employment, not mere absence from work.
Can Employees Get Attorney's Fees Even If Represented By PAO? Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: employees represented by the Public Attorney's Office can still receive attorney's fees in labor cases.
Workplace Conduct: Upholding Decorum Among Court Employees in the Philippines
The Supreme Court reminds court personnel that professionalism and decorum are non-negotiable, fining two employees for a workplace altercation.
When an Employer Fails to Provide Work: Constructive Dismissal in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains when an employer's failure to give work assignments amounts to illegal constructive dismissal, and what workers must prove.
Judicial Accountability vs Mercy: Balancing Misconduct Penalties with Mitigating Circumstances
The Supreme Court shows how mitigating circumstances can temper penalties for court employees guilty of grave misconduct, gross neglect, and dishonesty.