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.
Serious Misconduct Justifies Dismissal: The Mesina Case on Workplace Discourtesy
When does talking back to a superior become serious misconduct? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on valid dismissal and 13th month pay.
Procurement Integrity Lessons from a Landmark Ruling on Misconduct and Due Diligence
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when an employee's concealment during an investigation justifies dismissal under Philippine labor law.
Proving Illegal Dismissal: The Burden of Substantial Evidence in Philippine Labor Cases
Learn how the Supreme Court defines the employee's burden of proof in illegal dismissal cases, based on the Jarabelo ruling.
Consent and Intimidation in Rape Cases: Lessons from a Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court acquitted in a rape case, showing how weak proof of force or intimidation can defeat a criminal charge.
Understanding Statutory Rape and Acts of Lasciviousness Protecting Minors Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies the elements of statutory rape and acts of lasciviousness against minors in People v. Jagdon, Jr.
Disgraceful and Immoral Conduct: Supreme Court Ruling on Judicial Ethics
The Supreme Court holds court employees accountable for disgraceful and immoral conduct, even after resignation. Learn the rules and penalties.
Understanding Workplace Sexual Harassment Insights From A Landmark Philippine Case
The Supreme Court clarifies the elements of workplace sexual harassment under RA 7877, emphasizing abuse of power by superiors over subordinates.
Reinstatement in Illegal Dismissal: The Strained Relations Doctrine Explained
Illegal dismissal entitles workers to reinstatement and backwages. The strained relations doctrine is a narrow exception—learn how courts apply it.
Understanding Contempt of Court and the Consequences of Repeated Legal Harassment in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts penalize grave misconduct by judicial employees, including dismissal and forfeiture of benefits, to protect the integrity of the justice system.
Understanding Grave Misconduct: Illegal Firearm Discharge in the Workplace
A Supreme Court employee was dismissed for firing a gun inside Court premises. Learn the rules on grave misconduct and workplace discipline.
Understanding Employee Dismissal for Serious Misconduct: Insights From a Landmark Philippine Case
Learn when an employee's public statements can be valid grounds for dismissal for serious misconduct under Philippine labor law.
When a Transfer Is Not Constructive Dismissal: Management Prerogative in Labor Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when an employee transfer is a valid exercise of management prerogative and not constructive dismissal.
Attorney-Client Privilege: When Public Disclosure Crosses the Line in Legal Ethics
In-house counsel suspended for media disclosures. The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of attorney-client privilege and confidentiality duties.
Verbal Agreements vs Written Contracts: When a Lease or Workplace Transfer Can Be Modified
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when verbal notices and transfer orders are invalid, protecting employee security of tenure.
Beyond the Hearing Room: Upholding Due Process in Employee Dismissal Cases
This article examines the Supreme Court's ruling on due process in employee dismissal cases, clarifying the requirements for valid termination.
Upholding Employers Prerogative Valid Suspension FOR Employee Misconduct
Supreme Court affirms that employers may validly suspend employees for misconduct, even when guest complaints are not firsthand testimony.
Seafarers’ Rights: Employers Must Ensure Timely Medical Assessment and Treatment
A seafarer’s disability claim cannot be defeated by an employer’s delay in authorizing needed surgery or issuing a timely medical assessment.
Official Inaction and Anti-Graft Law: When Delay Becomes Discrimination
Court personnel who leak confidential office documents to embarrass colleagues face administrative liability, even if complainants withdraw their cases.
Workplace Conduct: Upholding Decorum Among Court Employees in the Philippines
The Supreme Court reminds court personnel that professionalism and decorum are non-negotiable, fining two employees for a workplace altercation.
Seafarers' Disability Claims: Proving Work-Relatedness and Compensability
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between work-relatedness and compensability in seafarers' disability claims under the 2000 POEA-SEC.
Digging for Trouble: When Unauthorized Excavation Leads to Dismissal
Supreme Court rules on grave misconduct for court employees who dug for hidden treasure inside the SC compound in Baguio.
Insubordination in the Workplace: Defining the Scope of Employee Duties and Employer Authority
The Supreme Court clarifies when an employee's refusal to follow orders is insubordination and when it is a justified defense against dismissal.
Beyond the Road: Field Personnel Status and Overtime Rights for Bus Employees in the Philippines
Supreme Court ruling clarifies that bus drivers and conductors are not field personnel, entitling them to overtime and service incentive leave pay.
Misconduct in the Workplace: Defining the Boundaries of Trust and Employment
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies when serious misconduct justifies dismissal and the evidentiary standard employers must meet.