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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Security of Tenure vs Political Patronage: Protecting Civil Service Employees From Unlawful Dismissal
When a mayor forced a municipal engineer to resign or transfer, the Supreme Court reaffirmed that civil service security of tenure cannot be sacrificed to political patronage.
Court Employees Must Avoid Even the Appearance of Impropriety: Balajadia v. Gatchalian
The Supreme Court fined a court stenographer P3,000 for simple misconduct after she hinted at a "commission" in exchange for faster work.
Good Faith Prevails When Government Entities Cant Recover Improperly Paid Benefits
Explore when good faith protects government employees from repaying benefits erroneously paid, based on Philippine Supreme Court rulings.
Regular vs Project Employees: SSS Coverage and Employer Obligations
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that project employees are still covered by compulsory SSS, and employers must remit contributions regardless of tenure.
Trust Betrayed When Managerial Dismissal Requires Solid Proof in Philippine Law
Managerial employees can be dismissed for loss of trust, but Philippine law requires substantial evidence—not mere suspicion—to justify termination.
Can Employers Restrict Employee Marriages to Competitors? The Glaxo Case
The Supreme Court upholds a drug company's policy against employees marrying competitor employees, citing management prerogative and conflict-of-interest prevention.
Project vs Regular Employment: Security of Tenure in Construction Projects
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when construction workers are project employees and how valid termination works under labor law.
Court Employees Cannot Act as Insurance Agents or Facilitate Bail Bonds
Court personnel are barred from insurance-related work, including referring accused persons to bonding companies, to protect judicial integrity.
Habitual Tardiness in the Judiciary: When Punctuality Becomes a Legal Duty
The Supreme Court suspends a sheriff for habitual tardiness, stressing that court employees must strictly observe official time.
Court Employees Cannot Act as Insurance Agents: A Lesson in Judicial Ethics
The Supreme Court fined a process server for facilitating bail bonds through a surety company, reaffirming the ban on court employees engaging in insurance activities.
Upholding Public Trust Court Employees Held TO High Standards OF Conduct
Attorney Discipline When Actions Abroad Affect Legal Standing in the Philippines
Philippine courts can discipline judiciary employees for misconduct even if a complainant withdraws the case, as shown in Gamboa v. Gamboa.
Fixed-Term Seafarers' Contracts: Illegal Dismissal and Compensation Standards
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that seafarers are contractual employees governed by POEA contracts, not regular employees under the Labor Code.
Habitual Absenteeism of Court Employees: Accountability and Mitigating Circumstances
The Supreme Court defines habitual absenteeism for court employees and clarifies that personal obligations do not excuse unauthorized absences.
Control Test vs Independent Contractor: Manila Water Ruling on Labor-Only Contracting
Supreme Court explains when a contractor is labor-only, not independent, and when workers become regular employees under Philippine labor law.
Transfer of Employees Is a Valid Managerial Prerogative Unless Done in Bad Faith
The Supreme Court explains when an employee transfer amounts to constructive dismissal and when it is a valid exercise of management prerogative.
Productivity Incentives Government Employees VS Private Sector Benefits
SC rules on whether GOCC employees with original charters may receive productivity incentives under RA 6971.
Constructive Dismissal: Demotion and Salary Reduction as Grounds for Illegal Termination
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on constructive dismissal through demotion and salary reduction, explained in plain language for employees and employers.
Wage Differentials Employees Must Demonstrate Underpayment FOR Claims TO Succeed
Extending Compassion Death Benefits After Retirement Under THE Employees Compensation ACT
Can a retired teacher's heirs claim death benefits under PD 626 if the illness began during service? The Supreme Court says yes.
Defining Independent Contractors: The Control Test in Philippine Labor Law
The Supreme Court clarifies the control test for distinguishing independent contractors from employees, protecting workers' rights under Philippine labor law.
Retirement Benefits vs Separation Pay: Employee Rights in the Philippines
Philippine law distinguishes retirement benefits from separation pay. Learn the rules, when each applies, and what employees should know.
Voluntary Resignation vs Constructive Dismissal: Protecting Employee Rights
Understand the difference between voluntary resignation and constructive dismissal, and how Philippine labor law protects employees from illegal termination.
Falsifying Time Records: A Breach of Public Trust and Ethical Standards
The Supreme Court rules that tampering with daily time records constitutes gross dishonesty, a grave offense for court employees.