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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Backwages and Separation Pay: When the Employment Relationship Ends After Illegal Dismissal
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how backwages and separation pay are computed when an illegally dismissed employee is no longer reinstated.
Due Process in Administrative Dismissals: Balancing Fairness and Efficiency
The Supreme Court clarifies what procedural due process truly requires in administrative dismissals, using the Vivo v. PAGCOR case as a guide.
Breach of Trust: Dismissal for Dishonesty in Handling Court Funds
A Supreme Court ruling shows why court clerks who misappropriate judiciary funds face dismissal, even with restitution and mitigating circumstances.
When Performance Goals Lead to Disputes: Constructive Dismissal in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when unmet performance targets amount to constructive dismissal, explaining the employee's burden of proof.
Preliminary Injunctions and Ombudsman Decisions: The Gabuya Case on Due Process
The Supreme Court clarifies when preliminary injunctions may stop Ombudsman dismissal orders and the consequences of forum shopping.
Medical Certificate Requirements and Illegal Dismissal: Balancing Employer Prerogative and Employee Rights
When can an employer require a medical certificate without risking illegal dismissal? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of management prerogative.
Voluntary Resignation vs Constructive Dismissal: What Employees Must Prove
The Supreme Court clarifies when a resignation is voluntary and not constructive dismissal, and what evidence employees must present.
Dismissal for Drug Use Upholding Integrity in the Judiciary
Supreme Court dismisses court employee for shabu use, ruling it grave misconduct that tarnishes the Judiciary's image and integrity.
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.
Balancing Company Rules and Employee Rights: The Doctrine of Proportionate Penalty in Illegal Dismissal Cases
When does a company rule violation justify dismissal? The Supreme Court clarifies the doctrine of proportionate penalty in illegal dismissal cases.
Proving Illegal Dismissal: The Employee’s Initial Burden in Labor Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies the burden of proof in illegal dismissal cases and when dismissal for willful disobedience is lawful.
Illegal Dismissal Claims and the 60-Day Rule for Certiorari Petitions
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when courts may extend the 60-day period to file certiorari petitions, and discusses forced resignation in illegal dismissal cases.
Dismissal for Loss of Confidence: When a Validly Dismissed Employee Cannot Claim Retirement Pay
The Supreme Court ruled that an employee lawfully dismissed for serious misconduct and loss of confidence cannot be awarded retirement benefits as a measure of social justice.
Probable Cause in Kidnapping Cases: When Prosecutors Overstep Their Role
The Supreme Court clarifies the standard for probable cause in preliminary investigations and when a prosecutor's dismissal amounts to grave abuse of discretion.
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.
Tearing Time Cards as Constructive Dismissal: Employer Accountability in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court rules that tearing an employee's time card constitutes constructive dismissal, entitling workers to backwages and separation pay.
Floating Status VS Illegal Dismissal Security Guards Rights IN THE Philippines
Upholding Integrity Dismissal FOR Dishonesty IN Government Service
Voluntary Resignation Defense in Illegal Dismissal Cases: The Burden on Employers
When can an employer rely on a resignation letter? The Supreme Court clarifies the burden of proof in illegal dismissal cases involving claims of voluntary resignation.
Voluntary Resignation vs Illegal Dismissal: Protecting Employee Rights in the Philippines
When is a resignation voluntary? The Supreme Court clarifies the employer's burden of proof in illegal dismissal cases involving claims of voluntary resignation.
Corporate Reorganization VS Illegal Dismissal Protecting Employee Rights During Corporate Restructuring
When a company merely changes its name or restructures, it cannot use that as a pretext to terminate employees without valid cause.
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.
Due Process in Employee Dismissal: Nominal Damages for Procedural Lapses
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that dismissing an employee for just cause still requires procedural due process, or the employer pays nominal damages.
Just Cause Dismissal Still Requires Due Process: Nominal Damages for Twin-Notice Violation
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that even valid dismissals for just cause require the twin-notice rule; failure to comply merits nominal damages.