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.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When Are Corporate Officers Personally Liable in Labor Cases?
The Supreme Court clarifies when corporate officers can be held personally liable for labor claims, emphasizing the need for clear allegations and proof of bad faith.
Attorney Disbarred for Deceptive Settlement Tactics in Labor Case
Supreme Court disbars lawyer who deceived opposing party into paying P2 million under false settlement pretense, violating ethical rules.
Finality of Judgment vs Due Process: Balancing Legal Principles in Labor Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when finality of judgment prevails over due process claims in labor cases, citing Citibank v. Andres.
Supreme Court Upholds Strict Rules on Certiorari Petitions in Labor Cases
Learn how the Supreme Court enforces strict rules on certiorari petitions and what this means for legal practitioners and clients.
Piercing the Corporate Veil in Labor Cases: Jurisdiction and Due Process Limits
The Supreme Court clarifies that piercing the corporate veil cannot be used to hold non-parties liable in labor execution without proper jurisdiction.
PAO Representation Does Not Bar Attorney's Fees Award in Labor Cases
Supreme Court rules that employees represented by the Public Attorney's Office can still recover attorney's fees from employers who unlawfully withheld wages.
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.
Strikes and Substantial Justice: Balancing Procedure and Workers' Rights in Labor Disputes
The Supreme Court reminds courts that procedural rules should serve, not defeat, substantial justice in labor cases involving workers' rights.
The 10-Day Rule for Appealing Voluntary Arbitrator Decisions in the Philippines
Learn the strict 10-day deadline for appealing voluntary arbitrator decisions in Philippine labor cases, based on a 2017 Supreme Court ruling.
Procedural Rigidity vs Substantive Justice: Certiorari Petitions in Labor Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when strict procedural rules in certiorari petitions outweigh substantive justice in labor cases.
Proportionality in Dismissal: Balancing Employee Misconduct and Length of Service
When is dismissal too harsh a penalty? The Supreme Court explains the rule of proportionality in labor cases.
Preventive Suspension Limits and Employer Rights in Philippine Labor Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when employers may impose successive preventive suspensions and the rules on appeal bonds in labor cases.
Untimely Appeal: The Perils of Procedural Lapses in Labor Disputes
A Supreme Court ruling on how missing the 60-day appeal period in labor cases can cost a party the case entirely.
When a Solemn Promise Isn't Proof: Illegal Dismissal and Due Process in Labor Cases
SC ruling explains why an employee's written promise to return money is not enough to justify dismissal for loss of trust and confidence.
Perfecting Appeals: Strict Compliance With Bond Requirements in Labor Disputes
Learn why the Supreme Court requires strict compliance with appeal bond requirements in labor cases, and how failing to post a proper surety bond can make a judgment final and executory.
Upholding Due Process and Proving Employer-Employee Relationship in Philippine Labor Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the burden of proof in illegal dismissal cases and the four-fold test for employer-employee relationship.
Public Dominion Property Cannot Be Levied on Execution: Water District Wins
Supreme Court rules water works systems are public dominion property, exempt from execution and auction sale in labor cases.
Relaxation of Appeal Bond Requirements in Labor Disputes: Balancing Access to Justice and Protection of Labor
Supreme Court clarifies when the NLRC may relax appeal bond rules in labor cases, balancing employer access to appeal with worker protection.
No Certificate, No Appeal: Strict Rule on Non-Forum Shopping in Labor Cases
The Supreme Court affirms that a certificate of non-forum shopping is mandatory for NLRC appeals, and procedural rules will not be relaxed for unmeritorious claims.
Perfecting Appeals in Labor Disputes: The Mandatory Bond Requirement
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that an employer's appeal in labor cases with monetary awards requires a mandatory bond, or the Labor Arbiter's decision becomes final.
Finality of Labor Awards and Attorney's Fees in Compromise Settlements
When a client settles a labor case behind counsel's back to avoid attorney's fees, the Supreme Court protects the lawyer's right to compensation.
Proving Illegal Dismissal: The Employee’s Initial Burden in Labor Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies the burden of proof in illegal dismissal cases and when dismissal for willful disobedience is lawful.
Abandonment vs. Constructive Dismissal: Proving Intent in Philippine Labor Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the elements of abandonment of employment and why employers must prove clear intent to sever the employer-employee relationship.
Abandonment vs. Illegal Dismissal: Burden of Proof in Philippine Labor Cases
Learn how the Supreme Court distinguishes abandonment from illegal dismissal and who bears the burden of proof in termination disputes.