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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Loyalty Awards Reconciling Reorganization AND Employee Rights IN THE Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies how corporate reorganizations affect regular employees' security of tenure, retirement rights, and CBA benefits.
Seafarers Disability Claims: Why Following POEA-SEC and CBA Procedures Matters
SC ruling explains why seafarers must follow POEA-SEC and CBA procedures, including third-doctor referral, before filing disability claims.
Service Charges and CBA Terms: When Negotiated Contracts Are Exempt in Labor Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when service charges are due under a CBA, and how negotiated contracts and special rates are exempt.
Accidental Injury at Sea: Defining "Accident" for Seafarer Disability Claims
When is a seafarer's injury an "accident" for CBA disability benefits? The Supreme Court clarifies in Sunga v. Virjen Shipping.
Bargaining in Good Faith: The Fine Line Between Firm Positions and Unfair Labor Practices
When does a company's hardline stance in CBA talks become bad faith bargaining? The Supreme Court clarifies the line.
Upholding Collective Bargaining: Why CBA Amendments Need Both Parties' Consent
A CBA binds both employer and union. Unilateral changes violate the law and the non-diminution rule, as this Supreme Court ruling shows.
Outsourcing and Union Rights: Balancing Business Prerogative with Collective Bargaining Agreements
The Supreme Court clarifies when banks may outsource functions without violating union rights or the CBA in BPI Employees Union v. BPI.
Seafarers Disability Claims: POEA-SEC Governs Absent Proof of CBA Benefits
Supreme Court clarifies when POEA-SEC, not a CBA, governs seafarer disability pay; proof requirements for claiming superior CBA benefits.
Double Insurance Claims: When CBA Hospitalization Benefits Exclude Other Insurer Payments
Philippine Supreme Court rules on whether CBA hospitalization benefits can be claimed alongside other health insurance payments. Key ruling explained.
Mandatory Arbitration Prevails Upholding CBA Provisions IN Seafarer Disability Claims
CBA Loan Benefits vs Bank Policy: When Management Rules Violate the Agreement
SC rules on when a bank's "no negative data bank" policy for employee loans violates the existing CBA. Learn the limits of management prerogative.
CBA Benefits Limited to Bargaining Unit Members: Understanding Labor Rights
Supreme Court rules CBA benefits apply only to bargaining unit members, not dismissed employees. Learn the legal basis.
Retirement Benefits CBA vs Labor Code: Pilot Entitlements Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when CBA retirement benefits prevail over Labor Code Article 287, using a PAL pilot's case as guide.
CBA Interpretation Voluntary Arbitration Prevails In Seafarer Death Benefit Claims
Supreme Court rules voluntary arbitrators, not labor arbiters, hear CBA interpretation disputes involving seafarer death benefits.
CBA Imposition Balancing Employer Rights AND Collective Bargaining Obligations
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the scope and effectivity of an imposed CBA when an employer commits unfair labor practice by refusing to bargain.
Seafarer Disability Claims Proving Entitlement to CBA Benefits in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies what seafarers must prove to claim collective bargaining agreement disability benefits over POEA contract amounts.
CBA Interpretation: Anniversary Increases Cannot Offset Contractual Wage Hikes
Supreme Court rules on CBA interpretation—anniversary raises cannot offset contractual wage increases, and management prerogative yields to CBA terms.
Upholding Legal Ethics Attorneys Must Respect THE LAW AND Legal Processes
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on co-ownership, Torrens titles, and partition actions in Lacbayan v. Samoy.
Unmarried Couples and Property Rights in the Philippines: Proving Co-Ownership
Unmarried couples in the Philippines must prove actual joint contribution to co-own property. Learn the rules from Lacbayan v. Samoy.
Contractual Obligations Prevail: Upholding the Christmas Bonus in Collective Bargaining Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that employers cannot bypass a valid CBA by negotiating with a splinter union.
Seafarers Disability Injury vs Accident: When Full Compensation Applies
Supreme Court clarifies when a seafarer's injury qualifies as an accident and when full disability compensation under a CBA applies.
Illegal Strikes AND Employee Rights Balancing Labor Actions AND CBA Obligations
Defining Accident in Seafarer Disability Claims: CBA Provisions Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies when a seafarer's injury counts as an but a seafarer may still be entitled to full disability benefits under other CBA provisions.
Collective Bargaining Agreements and Voluntary Arbitration in Labor Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on CBA disputes, grievance machinery, and voluntary arbitration jurisdiction in labor cases.