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.
Loss of Confidence as a Dismissal Ground: When Employers Cannot Claim It
The Supreme Court clarifies that loss of confidence cannot be a simulated or afterthought ground for dismissing a managerial employee.
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.
Coca-Cola Route Helpers: Regular Employees Despite Agency Transfers
Philippine Supreme Court rules route helpers remain regular Coca-Cola employees despite transfers to labor contractors, applying stare decisis.
Employer's Duty to Bargain and the Consequences of Unfair Labor Practices
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on employer's duty to bargain with the certified union and the consequences of unfair labor practices.
Constructive Dismissal: When Cutting Work Hours Violates Employee Rights
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when reducing work hours becomes constructive dismissal, and what employers must prove to justify it.
Union Security Clauses and Due Process: Yumang v. RPN 9
When can an employer terminate an employee expelled by a union? The Supreme Court clarifies the due process required under union security clauses.
Labor-Only Contracting: When a Principal Becomes the True Employer
The Supreme Court clarifies when a contractor is merely a labor-only contractor and who may question that arrangement.
Indefinite Preventive Suspension Is Constructive Dismissal: Agcolicol v. Casiño
When an employer suspends a worker indefinitely beyond 30 days, the suspension ripens into constructive dismissal, entitling the employee to backwages and separation pay.
Breach of Trust: Upholding Termination for Unauthorized Disclosure and False Certifications in Banking
Philippine Savings Bank v. Barrera clarifies when banks may validly dismiss officers for breach of trust, unauthorized disclosures, and false certifications.
Indefinite Preventive Suspension Is Constructive Dismissal: Employee Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court rules that an indefinite preventive suspension beyond 30 days amounts to constructive dismissal, entitling the employee to backwages and separation pay.
Voluntary Resignation vs Illegal Dismissal: What Corporate Restructuring Means for Employee Rights
When is a resignation truly voluntary? The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction in Malixi v. Mexicali Philippines.
Valid Notice in Corporate Meetings: Mailing vs Receipt in the Philippines
Learn when termination notices are valid in the Philippines—mailing vs receipt, and the 30-day rule under the Labor Code.
Voluntary Resignation vs Illegal Dismissal: Retrenchment and Employee Rights
When does a resignation during retrenchment become illegal dismissal? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on voluntary resignation and employee rights.
Navigating Compensation in GOCCs: PCSO COLA Disallowance and the Limits of Board Authority
The Supreme Court affirms COA's disallowance of PCSO's cost of living allowance, clarifying limits on GOCC board authority over compensation.
Demotion Disguised: Constructive Dismissal and Employee Rights in the Philippines
When a transfer is a demotion in disguise, it amounts to constructive dismissal. Learn the rules from a Supreme Court ruling.
Seafarer's Basketball Injury Held Work-Related: Bunkhouse Rule and Disability Claims
Philippine Supreme Court rules seafarer's basketball injury on board is work-related under the Bunkhouse Rule and Personal Comfort Doctrine.
Willful Disobedience as Just Cause for Dismissal: A Cooperative Cashier's Case
Explore when an employee's repeated defiance of board resolutions justifies dismissal under Article 282 of the Labor Code.
Supreme Court on COLA Back Pay for Water District Employees: Good Faith Excuses Refund
The Supreme Court ruled that water district employees need not refund disallowed COLA back pay, citing good faith and the integration of allowances under the Salary Standardization Law.
Illegal Dismissal: PAL's Duty to Prove Valid Retrenchment Explained
Philippine Airlines failed to prove valid retrenchment, making employee dismissals illegal. Learn the burden of proof employers must meet.
Beyond the Letter: Protecting Employee Rights and Personal Choices in Workplace Morality
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on agrarian reform land transfers, void contracts, and the limits of workplace morality enforcement.
Perfecting an Appeal: Why Timely Payment of Fees Is Critical in Philippine Courts
Learn why timely payment of appellate docket fees is mandatory in Philippine courts and how failure to perfect an appeal can be fatal to a case.
Merit vs Entitlement: Supreme Court on Government Promotions and Dishonesty
The Supreme Court rules that impersonation in civil service exams is serious dishonesty, even after resignation from government service.
Labor-Only Contracting: When a Principal Becomes the True Employer
Supreme Court clarifies labor-only contracting and employer-employee relationship, holding principals liable for benefits when contractors lack capital or control.
COMELEC Authority Over Election Officers and Execution Pending Appeal Rules
Supreme Court clarifies COMELEC's supervisory power over election officers and when courts lose jurisdiction to order execution pending appeal.