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.
When Teaching Doesn't Cover All: Narrowing the Scope of Occupational Disease Compensation
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that being listed as an occupational disease does not automatically make an illness compensable under Philippine law.
Judicial Independence: No CSC Clearance Required for Retiring Judiciary Employees
The Supreme Court rules that retiring judiciary employees need not secure CSC clearance for administrative cases, upholding judicial independence.
Breach of Trust Justifying Dismissal for Supervisors in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when supervisors may be validly dismissed for loss of trust and confidence, applying the totality of infractions rule.
When Insurance Exclusions Cover Damage But Not Loss: A Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
Philippine Supreme Court rules that "malicious damage" exclusion in insurance policies does not cover theft or loss of a vehicle.
When Business Downturns Lead to Employee Layoffs: Understanding Retrenchment Under Philippine Law
Learn the legal rules on retrenchment in the Philippines, including valid grounds, procedural requirements, and worker protections.
Finality vs Fairness: How Illegal Dismissal Awards Are Computed Up to Final Judgment
The Supreme Court clarifies that backwages and separation pay in illegal dismissal cases are computed up to finality of judgment, not just the labor arbiter's decision date.
Local Union Disaffiliation Rights and Check-Off Dues Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a local union may disaffiliate from its mother federation and what happens to check-off dues.
Sheriffs Must Execute Writs Promptly and File Periodic Returns: DBP v. Famero
The Supreme Court clarifies a sheriff's duty to execute writs with dispatch and file Section 14, Rule 39 periodic returns, imposing a fine for neglect.
Business Closure vs Retrenchment: Protecting Workers' Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the difference between business closure and retrenchment under Philippine labor law, and when separation pay is required.
Dividing Labor When Teaching and Non-Teaching Staff Form Unions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on bargaining units when teaching and non-teaching personnel join one union.
Upholding Attorney Accountability Neglect IN Filing Appellants Brief Leads TO Suspension
A look at Zuellig Freight v. NLRC on corporate name changes, illegal dismissal, and attorney's fees.
Dishonesty in Public Service: Resignation Does Not Preclude Administrative Liability
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: resigning from government service does not erase administrative liability for gross dishonesty committed while in office.
No Separation Pay for Employees Dismissed for Cause: Key Labor Ruling
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that employees validly dismissed for just causes like breach of trust are not entitled to separation pay.
Abandonment vs. Constructive Dismissal: Proving Intent in Philippine Labor Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the elements of abandonment of employment and why employers must prove clear intent to sever the employer-employee relationship.
Words Matter: Simple Misconduct and the Limits of Free Speech for Public Servants
A Sandiganbayan security guard's vulgar outburst at co-workers was simple misconduct, not grave. The ruling clarifies free speech limits for public servants.
Judicial Ethics: Court Employee Cannot Buy Litigated Property
Court employees must avoid acquiring property in litigation, even outside their court's jurisdiction, to uphold judicial integrity.
Probationary Employment: Employers Must Disclose Regularization Standards
Employers must inform probationary employees of regularization standards at engagement or risk them being deemed regular employees from day one.
Upholding Dismissal for Dishonesty When Casino Employees Betray Public Trust
Supreme Court reinstates dismissal of PAGCOR dealers who declared void craps throws as good dice, defrauding the house.
Double Insurance Claims: When CBA Hospitalization Benefits Exclude Other Insurer Payments
Philippine Supreme Court rules on whether CBA hospitalization benefits can be claimed alongside other health insurance payments. Key ruling explained.
Defining Regular Employment Security Benefits FOR Seasonal Farm Workers IN THE Philippines
Supreme Court clarifies when seasonal farm workers are regular employees entitled to SSS coverage and benefits under Philippine law.
Quitclaims and Labor Rights: Can Waivers Extinguish Employer Liability
When can a quitclaim bar an employee's labor claims? The Supreme Court explains solidary liability and waiver validity.
Quitclaims and Labor Rights: Can Waivers Extinguish Employer Liability?
When can a quitclaim bar an employee's labor claims? The Supreme Court explains solidary liability and valid waivers in Vigilla v. PCCr.
Academic Freedom and Ethical Standards: Selling Books to Students as Conduct Prejudicial to Service
A professor's sale of books to her own students was upheld as conduct prejudicial to service, clarifying limits of academic freedom.
Erosion of Public Trust: Dismissal for Graft and Corruption in the Judiciary
A process server's dismissal for soliciting money from litigants underscores the strict accountability of court personnel in the Philippines.