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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OFW Illegal Dismissal: Full Salary for Unexpired Contract, Not Just 3 Months
The Supreme Court affirms that illegally dismissed OFWs are entitled to full salaries for the unexpired portion of their contracts, striking down the three-month cap as unconstitutional.
When Do Government Employees Lose Their Right to Allowances After Integration
Explaining when COLA and other allowances are deemed integrated into basic salary under the Salary Standardization Law, citing Land Bank v. Naval.
Beyond the Salary: Defining Dishonesty in Public Office and the Limits of Misconduct
The Supreme Court clarifies when failure to declare assets amounts to dishonesty, not grave misconduct, in Ombudsman cases.
Salary Standardization vs Water District Autonomy: Reconciling Compensation Policies
The Supreme Court clarifies that water district general managers' salaries fall under the Salary Standardization Law, not PD 198.
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.
When Commissions Count in Separation Pay: A Philippine Labor Law Guide
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when sales commissions form part of salary for separation pay computation and when quitclaims are invalid.
Upholding Integrity and Accountability in the Judiciary: Simple Misconduct Explained
A court employee who kept another's salary check was liable for simple misconduct. Compromise between parties does not end administrative cases.
Unlawful Withholding of Salary Constitutes Constructive Dismissal: An Employer's Guide
Learn how unlawful salary withholding can amount to constructive dismissal under Philippine labor law, and what employers must avoid.
Sandiganbayan Jurisdiction Over Local Officials Violating the Auditing Code
Supreme Court clarifies Sandiganbayan jurisdiction over local officials below Salary Grade 27 charged with Auditing Code violations.
Reinstatement Pending Appeal: When a Reversed Labor Arbiter Ruling Still Means No Refund
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on reinstatement pending appeal, payroll reinstatement, and when reversed labor arbiter decisions require no salary refund.
Abuse of Right Doctrine: Accountability for Public Officials in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when local officials may adopt higher salary schedules and warns that unfounded suits against public officers can themselves be an abuse of right.
Financial Capacity and Ombudsman Discretion in Local Salary Disputes
Explaining when LGUs may adopt higher salary schedules and why courts respect the Ombudsman's dismissal of complaints.
Good Faith Exception Illegal Salary Increases Need NOT Always BE Refunded
Sandiganbayan Jurisdiction Over Local Officials: When Does the Court Have Authority
Explains when the Sandiganbayan has jurisdiction over local officials below Salary Grade 27, based on the Supreme Court ruling in People v. Sandiganbayan (G.R. No. 167304).
Wage Orders vs CBAs: When Salary Hikes Affect ECOLA Entitlement
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how retroactive CBA wage increases affect ECOLA entitlement under Wage Order NCR-09 and double indemnity penalties.
Untruthful Certificates of Service: A Judge's Duty Beyond the Salary
A judge's false certificate of service leads to suspension. Learn the ethical rules and consequences from this Philippine Supreme Court case.
Recomputation of Retirement Benefits: Step Increments and Special Allowances for Retired Justices
The Supreme Court clarifies that step increments and special allowances form part of the basic monthly salary base for computing judicial retirement benefits.
Contractual Retirement Plans Prevail Defining Salary in Employee Benefit Agreements
Supreme Court rules that company retirement plans define salary base for benefits, and R.A. 7641 only applies when no plan exists or benefits fall below legal minimums.
Illegal Dismissal of Seafarers: Overtime Pay and Contractual Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on seafarer illegal dismissal, salary for unexpired contract, and guaranteed overtime pay.
Diminution of Benefits: How Salary Increases Affect Judiciary Special Allowances
The Supreme Court explains why a 10% salary increase under EO 611 reduces the Special Allowance for the Judiciary by the same amount.
Overload Pay and 13th Month Pay: Defining Basic Salary in Philippine Labor Law
The Supreme Court clarifies whether teaching overload pay forms part of basic salary for 13th month pay computation under Philippine law.
Salary Withholding: Balancing Government Interest and Employee Rights in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when the government may withhold a public employee's salary for an alleged cash shortage, and when it cannot apply it to the debt.
Holiday Pay Divisor Method Prevails Over Literal CBA Interpretation
Supreme Court rules employers may prove holiday pay inclusion through salary computation methods, not just payroll line items.
Salary Reclassification in Government: Actual Duties vs Official Position
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether actual duties or official position title governs government salary reclassification under EO 189.