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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Trademark Infringement and Probable Cause: When the Secretary of Justice Abuses Discretion
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may override the Secretary of Justice's dismissal of trademark infringement complaints for grave abuse of discretion.
Forced Resignation: When a "Voluntary" Resignation Is Really Illegal Dismissal
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a resignation is forced and amounts to illegal dismissal, protecting employees from undue influence.
Neglect of Duty: Reliance on Subordinates Does Not Excuse Lack of Due Diligence
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on managerial employees, loss of trust and confidence, and dismissal for breach of security protocols.
Digging for Trouble: When Unauthorized Excavation Leads to Dismissal
Supreme Court rules on grave misconduct for court employees who dug for hidden treasure inside the SC compound in Baguio.
Breach of Trust vs Burden of Proof: Employee Rights in Dismissal Cases
A Supreme Court ruling on appeal periods clarifies how dismissal cases are reviewed and why procedural rules matter.
Dismissal of Administrative Complaints Upholding the Presumption of Regularity in the Judiciary
The Supreme Court dismisses an administrative complaint against court officials, reaffirming the presumption of regularity in the performance of official duties.
Breach OF Trust Dismissal FOR Court Employees IN Title Reconstitution Fraud
Beyond Words: The Limits of Free Speech in Workplace Dismissal Cases
When does an employee's insulting remark justify dismissal? The Supreme Court clarifies the line between serious misconduct and a momentary lapse.
Sheriff's Misconduct Leads to Dismissal for Unremitted Judgment Funds
The Supreme Court dismissed a sheriff for grave misconduct after he withheld P100,000 in collected judgment debt, reaffirming strict accountability for court officers.
Dismissal for Gross Ignorance of Law: Upholding Ethical Standards in the Judiciary
A judge's dismissal from service for gross ignorance of the law in a hazing case, and what it means for judicial accountability.
When a University President Is a Corporate Officer: Jurisdiction Over Dismissal Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when a dismissed corporate officer's case belongs to regular courts, not labor tribunals, in Wesleyan University-Philippines v. Maglaya.
Upholding Management Prerogative Employee Transfers AND Constructive Dismissal IN THE Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when employee transfers and probationary dismissals violate security of tenure and due process.
Illegal Dismissal: Backwages and Separation Pay Computed Until Final Judgment
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that backwages and separation pay for illegally dismissed employees run until the judgment becomes final, regardless of who appealed.
Security of Tenure for OFWs: Why Illegal Dismissal and Void Contracts Matter
A Supreme Court ruling affirms that overseas Filipino workers enjoy security of tenure, and contracts violating this right are void.
Finality of Judgment and Computation of Backwages in Illegal Dismissal Cases
When do backwages stop accruing in illegal dismissal cases? The Supreme Court clarifies the rule on finality of judgment.
Supreme Court: Early Retirement Must Be Voluntary—Illegal Dismissal Ruling Against Letran
SC rules an employee cannot be retired early without express consent; Letran liable for illegal dismissal, separation pay, and backwages.
Breach OF Trust Dismissal FOR Mismanagement OF Court Funds
Breach of Trust Dismissal for Court Clerk's Dishonesty and Neglect of Duty
The Supreme Court dismissed a Shari'a District Court clerk of court for dishonesty, gross neglect of duty, and grave misconduct over unremitted judiciary funds.
Illegal Dismissal and Corporate Liability: The People's Security, Inc. Case
Supreme Court clarifies illegal dismissal rules, abandonment defense, and when corporate officers may be held personally liable.
Cease and Desist Orders Secs Authority and the Limits of Judicial Intervention
The Supreme Court clarifies when an appeal from a trial court's dismissal order involves questions of fact, not just law.
Illegal Dismissal Claims: When Breach of Trust Justifies Termination Despite Weak Theft Evidence
Philippine Auto Components v. Jumadla clarifies when loss of trust and confidence can justify dismissal even if serious misconduct is not proven.
Upholding Employee Dismissal FOR Gross Negligence DUE Process AND Employer Trust
Breach of Trust in Employment: When Negligence Justifies Dismissal
The Supreme Court ruled that negligence in handling company property can justify dismissal for breach of trust, even without proof of theft or misconduct.
Insubordination in the Workplace: Defining the Scope of Employee Duties and Employer Authority
The Supreme Court clarifies when an employee's refusal to follow orders is insubordination and when it is a justified defense against dismissal.