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.
GOCC vs. Private Corporation: Labor Jurisdiction and the Philippine National Red Cross Case
Learn how the Supreme Court's charter test determines whether an employer is a GOCC and which tribunal—CSC or NLRC—has jurisdiction over labor disputes.
Loss of Trust and Confidence as a Valid Ground for Dismissal: The Vitarich Case
Philippine law requires more than an employer's mere assertion of lost trust to justify dismissal. Learn the rules from Vitarich v. NLRC.
Employee vs. Independent Contractor: The Four-Fold Test Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court's ruling in Corporal v. NLRC clarifies when workers are true employees, not independent contractors, under Philippine labor law.
When Can an Employer Terminate an OFW Due to Illness? The Medical Certificate Rule
Philippine law requires a medical certificate from a competent public health authority before an employer can validly terminate an OFW due to illness.
NLRC Appeal Bond Rules: Why Missing the Deadline Kills Your Labor Appeal
Learn why failing to post the NLRC appeal bond on time can dismiss your labor appeal, and how the DORELCO case shapes the rules.
Who Pays for an Illegal Strike? National Union Liability Under Philippine Law
When a local union stages an illegal strike, can the national union be held liable for damages? The Supreme Court clarifies agency and responsibility.
Piece-Rate Workers Can Be Regular Employees: The Lambo v. NLRC Ruling
How the Supreme Court ruled that piece-rate tailors are regular employees entitled to full labor rights under Philippine law.
Fishermen Are Not Field Personnel: Service Incentive Leave for Sea-Based Workers
Supreme Court ruling clarifies that supervised fishermen are not "field personnel" and are entitled to service incentive leave under Philippine law.
MSF Tire v. CA: When a Company Cannot Claim "Innocent Bystander" Status in Labor Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when a company with ties to a business in a labor dispute cannot claim "innocent bystander" status to obtain an injunction against picketing.
Proportionality in Employee Discipline: When Dismissal Is Too Harsh in the Philippines
Philippine labor law requires penalties to fit the offense. Learn when dismissal is disproportionate and how the Supreme Court applies this rule.
Employee vs. Independent Contractor: The Four-Fold Test Under Philippine Law
Philippine courts use the four-fold test to distinguish employees from independent contractors. Control is the key factor.
Security of Tenure for Private School Teachers: The NAMAWU v. San Ildefonso College Ruling
When do private school teachers gain permanent status, and what does illegal dismissal mean? The Supreme Court's ruling in NAMAWU v. San Ildefonso College provides clear answers.
Unwritten Company Policy and Illegal Dismissal: The Bangloy Case
Can an employee be fired under an unwritten policy? The Bangloy case shows why written, communicated rules are vital in Philippine labor law.
Motion for Reconsideration in NLRC Cases: A Jurisdictional Requirement, Not a Mere Technicality
Filing a Motion for Reconsideration with the NLRC is mandatory before seeking certiorari. Missing this step can be fatal to an otherwise meritorious case.
Volunteer or Employee? The Control Test in Philippine Labor Law
Learn how the control test determines employee status in the Philippines, using the landmark Filipinas Broadcasting v. NLRC case.
Employee vs. Partner in the Philippines: The Villaruel Case on Proof of Partnership
When is a worker an employee, not a partner? The Villaruel case clarifies the burden of proof and protects workers' labor rights.
Motion for Reconsideration Deadlines in Labor Cases: The CEU Lesson
Learn how a missed Motion for Reconsideration deadline made a labor decision final and executory in Centro Escolar University v. NLRC.
Can Employers Ban Marriage? The Illegality of Anti-Marriage Policies in the Philippines
Philippine law bans anti-marriage policies for women. Learn the rules, the PT&T case, and what to do if dismissed for getting married.
Successor Liability in Philippine Labor Law: When New Owners Inherit Labor Obligations
Learn when a successor company inherits a predecessor's labor obligations under Philippine law, based on the Caliguia ruling.
Just Cause Termination for Workplace Fighting: The Royo Case and Due Process in the Philippines
When can an employer fire an employee for fighting? The Royo case clarifies serious misconduct as just cause and the due process required.
When Can an Employer Assign Tasks Outside Your Job Description? Philippine Labor Law
Philippine law limits management prerogative. Learn when an employer can assign tasks outside your job description and your rights.