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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Understanding the Limits of Medical Benefits for Government Employees in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when government-owned corporations may grant medical benefits to employees—and why presidential approval matters.
Navigating Government Allowances and Disallowances: Key Insights From the Supreme Court's Ruling on SSS vs COA
The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on government allowances and disallowances, offering key insights for public officers and employees.
Voluntary Resignation vs. Constructive Dismissal: What Philippine Employees Should Know
The Supreme Court clarifies when a resignation is truly voluntary and when it amounts to constructive dismissal in illegal termination cases.
Understanding Refund Obligations for Illegally Disbursed Government Benefits in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when government employees must refund disallowed benefits, applying the Madera rules on return.
Understanding Lawyer Misconduct: Consequences of Breaching Professional Ethics in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when illegally obtained evidence cannot be used in administrative cases against court employees, explaining the fruit of the poisonous tree doctrine.
Understanding Employee Entitlements: The Right to 13th Month Pay for Commission-Based Workers in the Philippin
A clear guide to the 13th month pay rule for commission-based employees, citing the latest Supreme Court interpretation.
Understanding CNA Benefits: Who Qualifies and the Consequences of Misallocation
The Supreme Court clarifies CNA incentive eligibility and the liability for granting benefits to non-qualified employees.
Disallowed Government Allowances: When the Supreme Court Excuses Refund
The Supreme Court excused employees from refunding disallowed calamity and incentive allowances, citing humanitarian considerations under Madera.
Navigating Employee Incentives Understanding THE Limits OF Government Agency Compensation Powers
The Supreme Court affirms COA's disallowance of CNA incentives given to non-rank-and-file SSS employees, clarifying limits on agency compensation powers.
Navigating Collective Negotiation Agreement Incentives in Philippine Government Agencies
The Supreme Court clarifies when CNA incentives may be granted to managerial employees and who must refund disallowed amounts.
Illegal Dismissal Claims: Key Insights From a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on illegal dismissal claims, the burden of proof on employees, and why position papers matter in labor cases.
Understanding Grave Misconduct: The Impact of Drug Use on Public Employment in the Philippines
Explore how drug use constitutes grave misconduct in Philippine public service, its legal basis, and consequences for government employees.
Mastering the Appeal Period: How to Navigate Voluntary Arbitrator Decisions in the Philippines
Learn the correct appeal period for voluntary arbitrator decisions in the Philippines, clarified by the Supreme Court in DORELCO Employees Union v. DORELCO.
Management Prerogative vs. Constructive Dismissal: Balancing Employer Rights and Employee Security
The Supreme Court clarifies when loss of trust, negligence, and abandonment justify dismissal, protecting employees from arbitrary termination.
Understanding Estafa When Trust AND Contracts Collide IN Business Transactions
When project employees become regular: what Toyo Seat v. Velasco means for fixed-term hiring in the Philippines.
Understanding Liability for Unauthorized Corporate Expenditures: Lessons from a Landmark Philippine Supreme Co
The Supreme Court clarifies when government officials and employees must return disallowed benefits like the NFA's Food and Grocery Incentive.
Understanding Total and Permanent Disability Benefits for Seafarers: Key Insights from a Recent Supreme Court
The Supreme Court clarifies who qualifies as a seafarer for disability benefits, ruling that offshore platform workers on fixed structures are land-based employees.
Reassignment Orders and Insubordination: What Public Employees Must Know
Public employees must comply with reassignment orders even while appeals are pending. The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of insubordination.
Bank Liability and Depositor Rights: Fiduciary Duties in the Philippines
The Supreme Court affirms that banks owe depositors extraordinary diligence, and a bank cannot escape liability for its employees' unauthorized acts.
Determining Employee Status: The Fine Line Between Employment and Partnership in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when workers are employees, not partners, and the legal consequences for dismissal in the Philippines.
Deceptive Resignation: Protecting Employees From Employer Misrepresentation in Termination
When employers force resignation letters through false promises, the Supreme Court may treat it as illegal dismissal. Learn the safeguards.
Labor-Only Contracting: When a Contractor Becomes a Mere Agent of the Employer
The Supreme Court clarifies labor-only contracting rules in Ortiz v. Forever Richsons, protecting regular employees from illegal dismissal.
Navigating Liability in Government Housing Loan Disbursements: Insights from a Landmark COA Ruling
Learn how the Supreme Court rules on COA disallowances, good faith defenses, and liability for government employees who received disallowed benefits.
Understanding the Limits of Government Agency Compensation: The Lumauan vs COA Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when government employees must return disallowed allowances, explaining the rules on COLA integration and liability.