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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Security OF Tenure Illegal Dismissal AND THE Rights OF Security Guards
Workplace Firearm Negligence: Understanding Simple Neglect of Duty in Philippine Law
When a security guard's service pistol accidentally fires at work, Philippine law may hold him liable for simple neglect of duty—here's why.
Security of Tenure, Constructive Dismissal, and Floating Status in Security Agencies
When a security guard's floating status exceeds six months, the law treats it as constructive dismissal. Learn the rules from this Supreme Court case.
When Does the 10-Day Appeal Period Start in Illegal Dismissal Cases?
Learn when the 10-day appeal period starts in labor cases and why a security guard's receipt of a decision may not bind the employer.
Vacation Leave and Training Costs: Balancing Employer Discretion and Employee Rights
The Supreme Court ruled that employers may schedule vacation leave under a CBA, but cannot pass in-service training costs to security guards. Learn what this means.
Employer Control Determines Employment Status: The PLDT Security Guard Case
When a security agency's contract ends but guards remain at their posts under the principal's direction, an employer-employee relationship may arise.
Mission Orders and Firearm Permits: Clarifying the Scope of Authority for NBI Agents
Understand the Supreme Court's ruling on when security guards and agents may bear firearms during election periods without COMELEC permits.
Illegal Dismissal vs AWOL: When a Security Guard's Absence Is Not Abandonment
Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a worker's absence is illegal dismissal, not AWOL or abandonment, and the rules on off-detail status.
Illegal Dismissal of Security Guards: When a Verbal "Don't Report" Is Not Enough
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on illegal dismissal of security guards, burden of proof, and the two-notice rule.
Regular Employee vs Independent Contractor: Security Guard Rights Under Labor Law
Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a security guard is a regular employee, not an independent contractor, and the rights that follow.
Valid Service of Court Orders: When a Security Guard's Receipt Counts in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when service of court orders on a security guard counts as valid receipt, affecting deadlines for appeals.
Prolonged Suspension Equals Constructive Dismissal: Security Guard Rights Under Philippine Labor Law
When a security guard's preventive suspension lasts beyond 30 days without pay, it becomes constructive dismissal entitling the worker to reinstatement and backwages.
Substituted Service of Summons: When a Security Guard Can Validly Receive It
Philippine Supreme Court rules on substituted service of summons through a subdivision security guard and its effect on court jurisdiction.
When a Security Guard Can Validly Receive Summons: The Robinson v. Miralles Doctrine
The Supreme Court ruled that substituted service of summons through a security guard can be valid when a defendant obstructs personal service.
Employer Liability for Security Guard Actions: Philippine Law Explained
When can a client be liable for a security guard's wrongful acts? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on employer liability in the Philippines.
Dismissal Denied: Why Properly Stating Your Cause of Action Matters in Philippine Courts
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on constructive dismissal in a security guard's case and why precise legal claims are crucial.
Employer Responsibility in Outsourcing: When a Client Is Not the Employer
The Supreme Court explains when a company that hires security guards through an agency is not their employer, and the four tests that determine employer-employee relationships.
Neglect of Duty by Court Security Guards: Accountability in the Judiciary
The Supreme Court holds two security guards liable for simple neglect of duty after a reporter entered the Baguio compound unauthorized.
Constructive Dismissal: The Employer's Duty to Offer Reasonable Assignments
When a security guard was left without assignments for months after his post ended, the Supreme Court ruled this constituted constructive dismissal.
Liability for Security Guard Actions: Clarifying Employer Responsibility in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a business is liable for a security guard's wrongful acts and when the security agency bears responsibility.
Negligence and Security Protocol: Defining Duty in Judicial Premises
Supreme Court ruling on security guard negligence in judicial premises, explaining duty standards, simple neglect, and penalties under civil service rules.
Guardians at the Gate: Examining Self-Defense and Accountability in Philippine Homicide Cases
A security guard's fatal shooting raises key questions on self-defense, treachery, and firearm confiscation in Philippine criminal law.
Reassignment vs Constructive Dismissal: Security of Tenure in Philippine Civil Service
A security guard's floating status and reassignment under Philippine labor law—when does it become constructive dismissal?
Maintaining Decorum: Court Employee Fined for Discourtesy at Supreme Court Lobby
A court employee's shouting at a security guard leads to administrative liability. The High Court reminds all judicial personnel that professionalism and courtesy are non-negotiable.