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.
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.
Fixed-Term Employment vs Regular Employment: Security of Tenure and Illegal Dismissal
When a fixed-term contract expires but the employee keeps working, regular employment and security of tenure may arise. Illegal dismissal rules apply.
Upholding Public Trust Accountability for Misappropriated Court Funds and Neglect of Duty
Court personnel who mishandle judiciary funds face dismissal or suspension, as the Supreme Court reaffirms strict accountability for clerks of court.
Separation Pay After Valid Dismissal: When Social Justice Does Not Apply
The Supreme Court clarifies when a validly dismissed employee may still receive separation pay, and when social justice arguments fail.
Salary Standardization Incumbency Determines RATA Entitlement
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that RATA benefits under the Salary Standardization Law apply only to incumbents as of July 1, 1989.
Balancing Development and Ecology: The Imperative of Environmental Impact Assessments in Reclamation Projects
The Supreme Court underscores the mandatory nature of environmental impact assessments and consultations in reclamation projects, balancing development with ecological protection.
Managerial Employees and Overtime Pay in the Philippines: The Clientlogic Case
Who counts as a managerial employee exempt from overtime pay? The Supreme Court's Clientlogic ruling clarifies the test.
Dishonesty in Public Service: Forfeiture of Eligibility for Examination Irregularities
Court dismisses clerk of court for using a proxy in the 1988 civil service exam, ruling dishonesty forfeits eligibility and all benefits.
Independent Contractor or Employee? Control in Insurance Agency Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when an insurance agent becomes an employee, applying the four-fold test and control standard.
Abuse of Rights Under Article 19: When Business Decisions Are Protected
The Supreme Court clarifies when business decisions like audits and non-renewal of contracts are protected, not abuse of rights.
OFW Death Liability: Protecting Overseas Workers and Ensuring Accountability
Supreme Court ruling holds recruitment agencies solidarily liable for OFW deaths, imposing moral and exemplary damages for abandoning workers in distress.
Solidary Liability of Recruitment Agencies: Protecting Overseas Workers' Right to Fair Compensation
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on recruitment agencies' solidary liability for overseas workers' unpaid wages and the prescriptive period for money claims.
Drug Testing and Constitutional Rights: The Supreme Court's Balancing Act in the Philippines
The Supreme Court upheld random drug testing for students and employees but struck down mandatory tests for candidates and accused persons.
PCG Disciplinary Authority: Supreme Court Upholds Coast Guard’s Separate Administrative System
Supreme Court affirms the PCG Efficiency and Separation Board’s power to discipline uniformed personnel, distinct from civil service rules.
Security Codes and Promo Prizes: Why 349 Crown Holders Lost in Court
The Supreme Court denied claims of 349 crown holders in the Pepsi number fever promo, ruling that the correct security code was indispensable to win.
Balancing Infant Health and Commercial Freedom: Limits on Restricting Breast Milk Substitute Ads
The Supreme Court struck down parts of the DOH's 2006 rules banning breast milk substitute ads, ruling the agency exceeded the Milk Code.
Substantial Evidence Needed for Loss of Trust and Confidence Dismissals in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that loss of trust and confidence requires substantial evidence, not mere suspicion, to justify employee dismissal.
Breach of Trust: When Can a Manager Be Dismissed in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when employers may validly dismiss managerial employees for loss of trust and confidence.
Management Prerogative vs Employee Rights: The Limits of Promotion Decisions
When does a supervisor's recommendation bind management? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of management prerogative in promotion decisions.
Stare Decisis in Philippine Courts: How Prior Rulings Bind Future Cases
The Supreme Court applies stare decisis to bar relitigation of the Pepsi The decision demonstrates how prior rulings on the same controversy can bar subsequent claims and promote consistency in the ad
Managerial Staff vs Regular Employees: Overtime Pay and Labor Standards in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains why managerial staff, like regular employees, are exempt from overtime pay and other labor standard benefits.
Injunction Against Government Interference: Protecting Contractual Advertising Rights
Supreme Court ruling on when courts may issue preliminary injunctions to protect contractual rights from government interference in advertising agreements.
Preliminary Injunction Against MMDA Billboards: Protecting Contractual Rights Pending Trial
Supreme Court affirms preliminary injunction stopping MMDA from dismantling MRT 3 billboards, protecting Trackworks' contractual advertising rights pending trial.
Ombudsman's Authority Prevails: Challenging Jurisdiction After Participating in Proceedings
Supreme Court rules that participating in NLRC proceedings does not bar challenging jurisdiction when Civil Service Commission has exclusive authority over government employees.