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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Employee vs Independent Contractor: How the Control Test Decides Labor Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the control test in distinguishing employees from independent contractors, using a movie theater painter's illegal dismissal case.
Back Wages and Illegal Dismissal: What Salas v. PAGCOR Means for Employees
The Supreme Court clarifies that illegally dismissed employees are entitled to back wages even if later found guilty of separate administrative charges.
Seafarers' Employment Status: Contractual, Not Regular, Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that seafarers are contractual employees, not regular employees under Article 280 of the Labor Code.
Seafarers Are Contractual Employees: The Millares Ruling on Fixed-Term Overseas Work
The Supreme Court clarifies that Filipino seafarers are contractual, not regular, employees under Philippine law, and explains the limits of Article 280.
When Employment Contracts Expire: Protecting Security of Tenure in Philippine Labor Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when contract expiration becomes illegal dismissal, and why employees cannot be forced into early retirement before age 65.
CNA Signing Bonuses: Protecting Social Security Funds From Unauthorized Disbursements
The Supreme Court ruled that the SSS cannot grant CNA signing bonuses to its employees, protecting workers' trust funds from unauthorized disbursements.
Breach of Trust vs Social Justice: When Separation Pay Is Justified
The Supreme Court clarifies when dismissed employees may receive separation pay as social justice, using San Miguel Corporation vs. Lao.
Full Backwages for Illegally Dismissed Employees: Computation Until Finality of Judgment
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled that illegally dismissed employees are entitled to full backwages until the finality of judgment, not just until dismissal.
Court Employees' Private Misconduct: When Personal Dealings Undermine Public Trust
A Supreme Court ruling reminds court employees that honesty and integrity are required even in their personal and private dealings.
Upholding Ethical Conduct: Judiciary Employees' Duty to Maintain Integrity in Private Dealings
Court stenographers reprimanded for mishandling a property transfer, showing judiciary employees must uphold integrity even in private dealings.
Optional Retirement and Illegal Dismissal: The Ondevilla Case on Security of Tenure
The Supreme Court clarifies when an employee's early retirement is voluntary, and the rights of illegally dismissed employees who reach compulsory retirement age.
GSIS Employees Entitlement to Longevity Pay and Children's Allowance Amid Salary Standardization
Supreme Court clarifies when GSIS may increase non-integrated benefits like longevity pay and children's allowance after the Salary Standardization Law.
Judicial Ethics: Court Employees Must Be Above Suspicion at All Times
A court interpreter's well-meaning help in an election case still drew a fine—why judicial employees must avoid even the appearance of impropriety.
Falsification of Time Records: Dismissal for Dishonest Court Employees
Court employee dismissed for falsifying daily time records while studying elsewhere. Personal problems are no excuse for dishonesty in public service.
Falsified Time Records in Public Service: Accountability of Court Employees and Judges
A Supreme Court ruling on falsified Daily Time Records shows why integrity in public service is non-negotiable, even for judges.
Substantial Evidence and Due Process Protecting Government Employees From Unjust Dismissal
The Supreme Court reinstated a BID investigator dismissed by the Ombudsman, ruling that administrative charges require substantial evidence and procedural due process.
Employer Liability and Due Diligence in Philippine Road Accidents: Proving Defense Against Damages
Learn how Philippine courts assess employer liability for road accidents caused by employees and the due diligence defense.
Government Employees Strict Adherence TO Budgetary Laws Required FOR Salary Increases
Supreme Court rules government agencies must follow prescribed schedules for salary increases, affirming COA disallowances for premature payments.
Judicial Employees and Ethical Conduct: Upholding Integrity in the Philippine Justice System
How Philippine courts police their own ranks to preserve public trust and the rule of law.
Court Personnel Conduct: When Misconduct Warrants Suspension Even Without Criminal Charges
Supreme Court ruling on administrative liability of court employees for misconduct, dishonesty, and conduct unbecoming a public officer.
Security of Tenure and Due Process in Philippine Civil Service: Adiong v. Court of Appeals
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling that permanent civil service employees cannot be dismissed without just cause and due process.
Negligence in Court Duties: Releasing Funds Without Proper Authorization
Court cash clerk fined for releasing deposited funds without court order, highlighting strict accountability standards for judicial employees.
On Duty or Off Target: Defining Course of Employment in Police Compensation Claims
The Supreme Court clarifies when a police officer's death is compensable under employees' compensation law, applying the 24-hour duty doctrine.
Drunkenness on Duty: Upholding Ethical Standards for Government Employees in the Philippines
The Supreme Court suspends a court employee for six months for drinking on duty, reaffirming that public office is a public trust.