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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
Tuition Fee Hikes and Teacher Pay: Can Universities Deduct CBA Benefits from the 70% Share?
Supreme Court ruling on whether universities may deduct CBA-integrated benefits from the 70% incremental tuition fee share under RA 6728.
Illegal Dismissal and Retirement Pay: Ondevilla v. Colegio de San Juan de Letran
The Supreme Court ruled on illegal dismissal, CBA benefits for managers, tax disputes, and retirement pay in Ondevilla v. Colegio de San Juan de Letran.
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.
Seafarer Disability Benefits: Amended POEA Contracts and Entitlements Explained
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when amended POEA disability benefit rates apply to seafarers and how Grade 1 impediments are compensated.
Seafarer Disability Claims: Heart Condition and Fitness for Sea Duty After Bypass Surgery
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on seafarer permanent total disability benefits after heart bypass surgery under the 1996 POEA Standard Employment Contract.
Second Marriages and SSS Death Benefits: Why Court Decisions Matter
The Supreme Court rules on whether the SSS can disregard a court declaration of presumptive death when awarding death benefits.
SSS Death Benefits: Proving Spousal and Child Dependency in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on SSS death benefit claims, focusing on proving dependency for spouses and legitimacy for children.
Corporate Autonomy and Employee Benefits: The PPA Hazard Pay and Birthday Gift Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when government-owned corporations can grant employee benefits, using the PPA hazard pay and birthday cash gift case.
SSS Death Benefits for Legal Spouses: Separation Agreements and Beneficiary Rights
A look at how Philippine law treats legal spouses as SSS primary beneficiaries despite separation agreements, and the procedural lessons from a 2006 Supreme Court ruling.
Seafarer Death Benefits: Proving Work-Related Causation in Philippine Law
When can a seafarer's family claim death benefits? The Supreme Court explains the evidence needed to prove work-related causation.
Protecting Your Retirement: When the Government Can Withhold Benefits in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains when retirement benefits can be withheld for government debts, and what protections retirees have.
Seafarer Disability Claims: When Repatriation Doesn't End Your Rights
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that seafarers repatriated due to vessel sale may still claim disability benefits under POEA contract.
Disability Benefits for Seafarers: Defining Total and Permanent Incapacity
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a seafarer's illness counts as total and permanent disability, entitling them to full benefits.
Ondevilla v. Colegio de San Juan de Letran: Illegal Dismissal, Retirement, and CBA Benefits
The Supreme Court rules on illegal dismissal, optional retirement, CBA benefits for managers, and tax disputes in Ondevilla v. Colegio de San Juan de Letran.
Per Diem Is the Limit: Examining Compensation for Water District Directors
The Supreme Court clarifies that water district directors may receive only per diems under PD 198, not other allowances or benefits.
Quitclaims and Employee Rights: Protecting Workers' Claims Despite Waivers
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on quitclaims: workers can still recover unpaid benefits even after signing releases.
Death Benefits for Seafarers: When the POEA Contract Does Not Apply
A seafarer's death benefits under the POEA Standard Contract require death during the contract term. Learn the limits from Hermogenes v. OSCO.
Salary Standardization Benefits: Only Incumbents as of July 1, 1989 Qualify
Supreme Court clarifies that RA 6758 salary standardization benefits apply only to employees who were incumbents as of July 1, 1989.
Jurisdiction vs Exercise of Jurisdiction: Upholding Court Authority Despite Procedural Errors
The Supreme Court clarifies that jurisdiction over labor cases persists despite procedural lapses, and rules on retirement age, CBA benefits, and tax refund claims.
Salary Standardization Act: The July 1, 1989 Cut-Off for Non-Integrated Benefits
Supreme Court clarifies that only incumbents as of July 1, 1989 may continue receiving non-integrated benefits like the NTA's Educational Assistance Incentive Bonus.
Protecting Labor's Bread: Defining Employee Status and Rights to Benefits in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on security of tenure, back salaries, and the binding authority of CSC regional offices in personnel matters.
CBA Scholarship Benefits Resolving Ambiguities IN Favor OF Labor
Security agency loses bid to exempt receivables from garnishment; Court applies labor-friendly rule on execution exemptions.
Agent Liability in Insurance Contracts: The Pandiman Philippines Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when an insurance agent can be held liable for claims, and who bears responsibility for overseas workers' death benefits.
Demanding Money for Court Documents Constitutes Grave Misconduct and Bribery
Court personnel who demand money from litigants face dismissal, forfeiture of benefits, and disqualification from public office under the new CCACOP.