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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Project Employee vs Regular Employee: Understanding Employment Status in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between project employees and regular employees in construction work, and when repeated contracts may indicate regular employment.
From Project to Permanent: When Continuous Work Creates Regular Employment in the Film Industry
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when film crew members become regular employees despite project-based hiring, explained in plain language.
Breach of Trust and Due Process in Philippine Employment Law
A Supreme Court ruling on willful breach of trust as just cause for dismissal, and the price of skipping procedural due process.
Illegal Dismissal: Proving Regular Employment and Due Process in Termination
Learn how the Supreme Court protects employees from illegal dismissal when employers fail to prove just cause and observe due process.
Reinstatement Orders in Labor Disputes: Employee Rights and Employer Obligations
Learn how Philippine courts determine regular vs. project employment and why procedural due process is crucial in lawful dismissals.
Probationary Employment in Philippine Schools: Contract Terms and Termination Rights
Understand probationary employment rules in Philippine schools, including contract terms, termination rights, and recent Supreme Court guidance.
Regular vs Project Employees: Understanding Employment Status in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies regular employment, constructive dismissal, and retirement rights in Ondevilla v. Colegio de San Juan de Letran.
Insubordination in Maritime Employment: Understanding Just Cause for Termination
A seafarer's refusal to obey lawful orders can be just cause for dismissal, but procedural due process still applies.
When Is Dismissal Too Harsh? Proportionality in Employment Law
A seafarer's insubordination was just cause for dismissal, but the employer still paid P5,000 for skipping due process.
Breach of Trust in Employment: Employers' Burden of Proof in Dismissal Cases
In illegal dismissal cases, employers must prove just cause by substantial evidence. Learn the rules from Pacific Maritime v. Ranay.
Navigating Illegal Recruitment: Protecting Yourself From Scams in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court defines illegal recruitment and large-scale schemes, and discover practical tips to avoid overseas employment scams.
Probationary Employment: Employers Must Disclose Performance Standards
Employers must set and disclose reasonable performance standards at hiring; failure to do so makes a probationary dismissal illegal.
Breach of Trust in Employment: When Is Dismissal Justified?
A 1997 Supreme Court ruling clarifies that loss of trust and confidence must rest on a clear, willful breach — not on an honest misunderstanding over allowances.
Illegal Dismissal: When Is an Employee Considered Terminated
Learn when a worker is considered terminated and the rules on separation pay, project employment, and due process in illegal dismissal cases.
Regular vs. Project Employees: What the Supreme Court Requires for Valid Project Employment
Understand the difference between regular and project employees in the Philippines, and what employers must prove to avoid illegal dismissal claims.
Illegal Dismissal in the Philippines: Due Process and Employee Rights Under Conti v. NLRC
Conti v. NLRC explains the twin notice rule, security of tenure, and why a fixed-term contract cannot defeat regular employment status in the Philippines.
Regular vs Project Employee: Understanding Employment Status in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains the difference between regular and project employees, and why employers must prove project-based hiring.
Overseas Employment Contracts: Illegal Dismissal and Employee Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on illegal dismissal of a seafarer, covering due process, overtime pay, and overseas employment contract rights.
Seafarer's Rights: Illegal Dismissal and Due Process in Maritime Employment
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on seafarer illegal dismissal, due process requirements, and evidentiary standards in maritime employment cases.
Navigating Illegal Recruitment: Protecting Yourself From Scams and Fraud
The Supreme Court affirms that illegal recruitment in large scale is economic sabotage. Learn how to spot and avoid overseas employment scams.
Breach of Trust in Employment: When Can an Employer Dismiss an Employee?
Learn when Philippine employers may validly dismiss employees for breach of trust, and why due process still matters.
Jurisdiction Over Overseas Employment Disputes: When Labor Arbiters Have Authority
Explaining the rule that jurisdiction over overseas employment cases is determined by the law at the time of filing, citing Erectors, Inc. v. NLRC.
Regular vs Probationary Employment: What the Supreme Court Says About Employee Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when probationary employees become regular employees and their right to backwages in illegal dismissal cases.
Breach of Trust in Employment: Proving Dishonesty for Valid Dismissal
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when loss of trust and confidence justifies employee dismissal, requiring substantial evidence of dishonesty.