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.
Resignation vs. Constructive Dismissal: When Leaving a Job Is Not Forced
The Supreme Court clarifies when a resignation is voluntary and not constructive dismissal, and which money claims belong in labor courts.
Untimely Appeal: The Perils of Procedural Lapses in Labor Disputes
A Supreme Court ruling on how missing the 60-day appeal period in labor cases can cost a party the case entirely.
Demotion Reversal: Salary Differentials Despite Retrenchment and Retirement
Philippine Airlines v. Bichara clarifies that a final judgment on illegal demotion entitles an employee to salary differentials, even after retrenchment and retirement.
Breach of Trust When Messenger Becomes Thief: Qualified Theft and Carnapping in Philippine Law
A messenger who took his employer's cash and motorcycle faced both carnapping and qualified theft charges. The Supreme Court explains the distinction.
Personnel Actions and the Courts: When CSC Jurisdiction Yields to Judicial Review
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when courts may hear personnel actions involving public officers despite CSC jurisdiction.
Malicious Prosecution: Holding Employers Accountable for Unjust Accusations
When employers file baseless criminal charges against workers, they may face damages for malicious prosecution. Learn from a Supreme Court ruling.
Third Party Beneficiaries and Compromise Agreements: When Excluded Parties Cannot Claim Benefits
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when compromise agreements benefit only named parties, not excluded third parties under stipulation pour autrui.
Obstructing Justice When Removing Evidence Leads to Criminal Liability
Learn when removing evidence becomes obstruction of justice in the Philippines, based on a Supreme Court ruling on tampering and misconduct.
When Aiding a Principal Overshadows Accessory Liability in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when helping a principal offender may constitute grave misconduct rather than mere accessory liability in administrative cases.
Arrastre Operator Liability: Proving Delivery Diligence in Cargo Claims
When is an arrastre operator liable for missing cargo? The Supreme Court clarifies the burden of proof and the effect of signed gate passes.
Loss of Trust and Due Process: Philippine Standards for Employee Dismissal
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the standards for loss of trust and due process in employee dismissal cases under the Labor Code.
Perfecting Appeals: Strict Compliance With Bond Requirements in Labor Disputes
Learn why the Supreme Court requires strict compliance with appeal bond requirements in labor cases, and how failing to post a proper surety bond can make a judgment final and executory.
Theft Charges and Double Jeopardy: Why the Right Charge Matters
A conviction for consummated theft was reduced to attempted theft because the information only charged frustrated theft. Learn why proper charges matter.
Illegal Dismissal: Proving Just Cause at the Time of Termination
When can an employer validly dismiss an employee? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on just cause, due process, and burden of proof in illegal dismissal cases.
Protecting Workers Employers Faulty Systems Cannot Justify Employee Penalties
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled that employers cannot penalize workers for systemic failures beyond their control.
Optional Retirement Requires Employee's Explicit Consent: A Guide to Article 302 of the Labor Code
The Supreme Court clarifies that optional retirement before age 65 requires the employee's explicit, voluntary consent; otherwise, it is illegal dismissal.
Supreme Court Affirms Negligence Ruling in Subrogation Claim Over Vehicular Accident
SC affirms insurer's subrogation claim, holding driver negligent and owner vicariously liable for damages from a 2014 collision.
When Fit-to-Work Assessments Prevail: Seafarer Disability Claims Under POEA-SEC
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a company-designated physician's fit-to-work declaration prevails over a seafarer's chosen doctor in disability claims.
Perfecting Appeals: The Strict Requirements for Employers in Labor Disputes
Employers must strictly comply with appeal bond and deadline rules under Article 223 of the Labor Code or risk losing their appeal entirely.
Breach of Trust: Defining Qualified Theft in Philippine Employment Relationships
The Supreme Court clarifies when an employee's misappropriation is qualified theft, not estafa, and explains the penalty rules.
Due Process and Administrative Investigations: The Limits of Certiorari
When can a government official question a show cause order through certiorari? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of this remedy.
Workplace Boundaries: When Misconduct Crosses Into Sexual Harassment
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a supervisor's unwanted kiss is grave misconduct, not simple misconduct, in Philippine administrative law.
Upholding Employers Right TO Discipline Dishonesty AS Just Cause FOR Termination
Supreme Court rules that a nurse’s theft of hospital supplies is just cause for dismissal, reaffirming management prerogative to discipline dishonest employees.
Upholding Employee Rights Minor Infractions Dont Justify Dismissal
Philippine Supreme Court rules minor infractions like eating on duty or occasional tardiness do not justify employee dismissal.