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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Continuous Project Employment and Regularization: The Villarico Ruling
When repeated project hires become regular employment, and what the Villarico case means for Philippine workers and employers.
Illegal Dismissal and Substantial Evidence: The Padsing v. Lepanto Case
The Supreme Court’s ruling in Padsing v. Lepanto underscores that employers must prove just cause for dismissal with substantial evidence.
When Can Employers Fire for Loss of Trust? Key Accounts Manager Case Explained
Supreme Court clarifies when loss of trust and confidence justifies dismissal of a Key Accounts Manager who falsified documents.
Company Practice and Holiday Pay: Lessons from Nippon Paint Philippines v. NIPPEA
When does a two-year payroll grant become a company practice employers cannot withdraw? The Supreme Court explains in Nippon Paint.
Employee Dismissal for Loss of Trust and Confidence: What Employers Must Prove
The Supreme Court clarifies when loss of trust and confidence is a valid ground for dismissing an employee, and why vague company rules cannot justify termination.
Navigating Employee Dismissal: Negligence, Reinstatement, and the Burden on Employers
A look at Asian Terminals v. Reyes on when negligence justifies dismissal, reinstatement rights, and the employer's burden of proof.
Illegal Dismissal: Proving Termination and the Employer's Burden of Justification
Learn how Philippine courts decide illegal dismissal cases, who bears the burden of proof, and what employers must show to justify termination.
Loss of Trust and Confidence as Just Cause for Dismissal: What Employers Must Prove
The Supreme Court clarifies when loss of trust, gross neglect, or abandonment can justify terminating an employee under Philippine labor law.
Employee Termination for Unauthorized Absences: Lessons from a Landmark Philippine Case
Learn how Philippine courts handle employee termination for unauthorized absences and what employers must prove to avoid illegal dismissal claims.
Deceptive Resignation: Protecting Employees From Employer Misrepresentation in Termination
When employers force resignation letters through false promises, the Supreme Court may treat it as illegal dismissal. Learn the safeguards.
Understanding Redundancy: When Can Employers Legally Terminate Employees in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the requisites for valid redundancy termination in the Philippines, emphasizing good faith and fair criteria.
Illegal Dismissal Due to Health Issues: What Employers Must Prove in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when an employee's illness justifies termination, requiring proof of incurability and a medical certification.
Probationary Employment Standards: When Vague Job Rules Lead to Illegal Dismissal
The Supreme Court clarifies when vague probationary standards make an employee regular, and the consequences for employers who fail to set clear job expectations.
Apparent Authority: When Employers Are Liable for Employees' Acts
The Supreme Court explains when a company cannot deny liability for its employees' unauthorized acts under the doctrine of apparent authority.
Protecting Seafarers: Employer's Duty to Provide Medical Attention Despite Technicalities
Supreme Court rules employers cannot deny seafarer disability claims by citing missed 3-day medical reporting when they refused to provide medical referral.
Theft vs Estafa: Key Distinctions and Implications for Employees and Employers
When an employee misappropriates company funds, is it theft or estafa? The Supreme Court clarifies the crucial distinction in Libunao v. People.
Illegal Dismissal and Union Busting: What SPC Power v. Santos Teaches Employers
The Supreme Court explains when dismissal becomes illegal, focusing on union busting and the employer's burden of proof in termination cases.
Understanding Retrenchment Legal Requirements and Employee Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies retrenchment rules: employers must prove serious losses, use fair criteria, and follow notice requirements.
Redundancy and Union Busting Claims: What Aboitiz v. Unions Teaches Employers
The Supreme Court upholds a valid redundancy program and clarifies what evidence is needed to prove union busting as unfair labor practice.
Understanding Vicarious Liability: When Employers Answer for Employee Negligence
A Supreme Court ruling explains when employers are solidarily liable for employee negligence under Philippine law, using a fatal tricycle accident as the key example.
Due Process in Termination: Ensuring Fair Dismissal Under Philippine Labor Law
Learn the rules for valid dismissal in the Philippines—substantive and procedural due process, and what happens when employers fail to comply.
Seafarers Disability Claims Employers Duty TO Provide Timely Medical Assessment
Regular vs Project Employment: What the Supreme Court Requires of Employers
A 2019 Supreme Court ruling clarifies when construction workers are regular employees, not project employees, and what employers must prove.
Regular vs Project Employment: Employer Must Prove Employee Status at Hiring
Supreme Court clarifies that employers bear the burden of proving project employment status, requiring clear notice at the time of hiring.