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.
Government Reorganization: Security of Tenure vs Legislative Authority
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling on ATO abolition, hold-over status, and security of tenure in government reorganizations.
Breach of Trust and Employee Dismissal: Employer's Burden of Proof in Philippine Labor Law
Explore the Supreme Court's ruling in Temic Automotive v. Cantos on breach of trust dismissals, emphasizing the employer's burden of proof.
Security Guards Duty to Accept Assignments vs Constructive Dismissal
When does a security guard's floating status become constructive dismissal? The Supreme Court clarifies the rule in Exocet v. Serrano.
Dishonesty in Public Service: Falsifying Time Records and the Limits of Leniency
Court personnel who falsify time records commit dishonesty, a grave offense. The Supreme Court explains when leniency may apply.
Upholding Accountability Attorney Sanctioned FOR Misleading THE Court AND Obstructing Justice
Supreme Court rules on contempt jurisdiction, residual powers of trial courts, and ministerial duties of court officers in execution pending appeal.
No Certificate, No Appeal: Strict Rule on Non-Forum Shopping in Labor Cases
The Supreme Court affirms that a certificate of non-forum shopping is mandatory for NLRC appeals, and procedural rules will not be relaxed for unmeritorious claims.
When a Heated Argument Is Not "Fighting": A Philippine Labor Law Lesson on Just Cause Dismissal
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that "fighting" as a just cause for dismissal requires physical combat, not mere verbal altercations.
Closure Due to Losses: Employer's Duty and Employee Rights in Termination Cases
Understand the rules on closure due to business losses, including employer obligations and employee rights in termination cases.
Court Employee Disciplined for Improper Fee Demands and Unprofessional Behavior
Supreme Court suspends a clerk of court for demanding unauthorized fees and acting unprofessionally toward a litigant seeking court documents.
Closure Due to Losses: Employee Rights and Employer Obligations in the Philippines
Understand the rules on business closure due to losses in the Philippines—what employees are entitled to and what employers must do.
Prescription Periods in Illegal Dismissal Cases: Clarifying the Statute of Limitations
The Supreme Court clarifies that illegal dismissal claims prescribe in four years, not three, distinguishing backwages from ordinary money claims.
Labor Appeals: Failure to Serve Appeal Memorandum Is Not Jurisdictional
The Supreme Court clarifies that failure to furnish the opposing party a copy of a labor appeal memorandum is only a formal lapse, not a jurisdictional defect.
Habitual Absenteeism in Public Service: Upholding Efficiency and Accountability
The Supreme Court dismisses a process server for habitual absenteeism, reaffirming that public office is a public trust demanding efficiency and accountability.
Breach of Trust Establishing Conspiracy in Qualified Theft Cases in the Philippines
How a cashier's breach of trust led to 30 counts of qualified theft, and what the Supreme Court ruled on penalties.
Service Charges and CBA Terms: When Negotiated Contracts Are Exempt in Labor Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when service charges are due under a CBA, and how negotiated contracts and special rates are exempt.
Employees Compensation for Leukemia: Proving Increased Occupational Risk
A widow's claim for EC death benefits failed because she could not prove her husband's security guard work increased his leukemia risk.
Burden of Proof in Labor Disputes: Employers Must Substantiate Claims of Payment
Employers who claim they paid workers' wages and benefits must prove it with payroll records. Learn the rule from a 2014 Supreme Court case.
When Labor Officials Cannot Appeal: The Real Party-in-Interest Rule
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that quasi-judicial officers like the Labor Secretary cannot appeal adverse appellate decisions, reinforcing judicial detachment.
Vehicle Accidents and Utility Posts: Liability Under Philippine Law
Learn how Philippine courts determine liability when a vehicle damages utility infrastructure, including negligence, vicarious liability, and damages.
Due Process in Termination: Employer's Duty to Ensure Fair Hearing and the Scope of Nominal Damages
Supreme Court clarifies employers' duty to observe procedural due process in dismissals and the proper basis for awarding nominal damages.
Upholding Employee Rights NPC Employees Entitled TO Separation PAY Despite Corporate Restructuring
Supreme Court rules NPC illegally dismissed employees entitled to separation pay, backwages despite corporate restructuring under EPIRA.
Termination Due to Illness in the Philippines: Balancing Employer Rights and Employee Protection
The Supreme Court clarifies when employers may validly terminate employees due to disease, and the procedural due process required under Philippine labor law.
Reinstatement vs Return to Work: Clarifying Employment Rights After a Transfer
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that reinstatement only applies to illegal dismissal, while a valid transfer requires a return to work order.
When Illegal Strike Actions Override Reinstatement Orders: Supervening Events in Labor Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when a final reinstatement order may yield to supervening events, including findings of illegal strike acts.