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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Business Closure Due to Fire: Employer Prerogative vs. Employee Rights
When fire destroys a business, can employees claim illegal dismissal? The Supreme Court explains the rules on closure and separation pay.
When Judges and Court Employees Fall Short: Ethical Standards in Personal Disputes
A Supreme Court ruling on judges and clerks who mishandled bail bonds and settlement funds, and the ethical standards for court personnel.
Duterte v. Kingswood: Burden of Proof in Disease-Based Dismissals
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that employers, not employees, must secure a health authority certification to validly terminate on disease grounds.
Philippine Government Employees and the Right to Protest: Understanding the Limits of Mass Actions
The Supreme Court clarifies the scope of civil servants' right to protest and the legal boundaries of mass actions in the Philippines.
Loss OF Trust Must BE Based ON Clear Facts Employees Right TO DUE Process Prevails
Finality of Judgments and Due Process in Dropping Government Employees for Mental Incapacity
When can a government employer drop an employee for mental incapacity? The Supreme Court clarifies the two-notice rule and due process requirements.
Mental Capacity and Employment: Protecting Employees From Unjust Dismissal
When can an employer drop a worker for mental incapacity? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules and due process requirements.
Distinguishing Employees From Independent Contractors: The Control Test in Philippine Labor Law
Philippine Supreme Court explains the control test for distinguishing employees from independent contractors in labor law disputes.
Independent Contractor vs Employee: The Control Test in Philippine Labor Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the control test distinguishing independent contractors from employees in labor disputes, using a restroom concessionaire case.
Gambling in the Workplace: Defining Ethical Conduct for Public Servants
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies when gambling during office hours becomes a dismissible offense for public employees and sets ethical standards.
Court Employee Fined for Gambling During Office Hours: A Lesson in Judicial Ethics
The Supreme Court fined a court clerk for gambling during office hours, underscoring the high ethical standards required of judiciary employees.
Voluntary Resignation vs Constructive Dismissal: What Philippine Employees Must Prove
When is a resignation forced? The Supreme Court clarifies the burden of proof in constructive dismissal cases under Philippine labor law.
Breach of Trust vs Security of Tenure: When Is Dismissal Too Harsh?
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains why loss of trust and confidence does not give employers unlimited power to dismiss, even managerial employees.
Upholding Employers' Rights: Just Cause and Due Process in Employee Dismissal
Supreme Court clarifies the twin requirements of just cause and due process in terminating employees, affirming dismissals for misconduct and insubordination.
Upholding Public Trust Accountability for Dishonored Debts in Government Service
Court interpreter reprimanded for willful failure to pay just debts. Learn the ethics rules for government employees and their personal obligations.
Court Employees Must Pay Just Debts: Ethical Standards for Judiciary Personnel
Court employees who willfully fail to pay just debts face administrative liability, even after settling obligations. Learn from a 2007 Supreme Court ruling.
Willful Failure to Pay Just Debt: Court Employee Discipline and Public Trust
A Supreme Court ruling explains why court employees face administrative liability for unpaid debts, even after full settlement.
Regular vs. Project Employees: Security of Tenure in Service Contracting
The Supreme Court clarifies when workers in service contracting are regular employees entitled to security of tenure, not mere project hires.
Workplace Decorum in the Judiciary: The Case of Sheriff Payumo
A sheriff's rude remark to litigants violated ethical standards, reminding all court employees that propriety and decorum are non-negotiable.
Employer's Liability for Diligence in Employee Supervision After a Vehicular Accident
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on employer liability and the standard of diligence required in supervising employees after a vehicular accident.
Regular Employment Status of Drama Talents: Security of Tenure vs Independent Contractorship
Philippine Supreme Court rules drama talents are regular employees, not independent contractors, when work is necessary to business.
Probationary Employment and Dismissal for Slanderous Remarks: Key Lessons from Pasamba v. NLRC
Probationary employees may be dismissed for violating reasonable company standards, including rules against slanderous remarks, as explained in this case.
Upholding Decorum: False Accusations Among Court Employees and Administrative Liability
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies how courts treat unproven accusations among judiciary employees and what happens when grave charges are not backed by evidence.
Rape AND Moral Ascendancy When Trust Becomes Betrayal
Court employees who misuse judiciary funds face dismissal for dishonesty and grave misconduct, even after restitution or retirement.