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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Security of Tenure: Prolonged Floating Status Is Constructive Dismissal
When a security guard's floating status exceeds six months, it becomes constructive dismissal. The Supreme Court explains the rule.
Quieting of Title: Banks Must Verify Ownership Before Accepting Untitled Land as Mortgage
A bank that fails to verify ownership of untitled land before accepting it as mortgage security loses the property. Learn the rules on quieting of title and due diligence.
Abandonment vs Illegal Dismissal: Protecting Security Guards' Rights
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a security guard who abandons his post may be validly dismissed versus illegally terminated.
Burden of Proof in Illegal Dismissal: Employer's Duty vs. Security Guard's Claim
Who bears the burden of proof in illegal dismissal cases? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on voluntary resignation vs. constructive dismissal.
Union Expulsion vs Dismissal: When a Union Security Clause Cannot Justify Termination
Supreme Court rules union officers cannot be expelled and dismissed based on grounds for impeachment under the union constitution.
Upholding Agrarian Reform Security of Tenure Prevails Despite Land Reclassification
Supreme Court rules tenants' rights survive land reclassification, affirming DARAB jurisdiction over agrarian disputes despite zoning changes.
Upholding Title Security: Collateral Attacks on Land Titles Face Strict Scrutiny
The Supreme Court reaffirms that Torrens titles, including those from emancipation patents, cannot be collaterally attacked, protecting landowners from indirect challenges.
When Business Closure Is Valid: Employer Prerogative vs. Employee Security
The Supreme Court explains when a company may validly close operations and terminate employees, and how workers can challenge the closure.
Security of Tenure, Constructive Dismissal, and the Floating Status of Security Guards in the Philippines
When does a security guard's floating status become constructive dismissal? The Supreme Court clarifies the six-month rule.
Security of Tenure vs Management Prerogative: Constructive Dismissal of Security Guards
When is a security guard on floating status constructively dismissed? The Supreme Court clarifies the six-month rule and the burden of proof.
Upholding Just Cause for Dismissal: The Importance of Challenging Adverse Rulings in Labor Disputes
Security guards on floating status beyond six months may be constructively dismissed, but employees must first prove dismissal.
Neglect of Duty: Reliance on Subordinates Does Not Excuse Lack of Due Diligence
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on managerial employees, loss of trust and confidence, and dismissal for breach of security protocols.
Security of Tenure for OFWs: Why Illegal Dismissal and Void Contracts Matter
A Supreme Court ruling affirms that overseas Filipino workers enjoy security of tenure, and contracts violating this right are void.
Upholding Management Prerogative Employee Transfers AND Constructive Dismissal IN THE Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when employee transfers and probationary dismissals violate security of tenure and due process.
Illegal Dismissal and Corporate Liability: The People's Security, Inc. Case
Supreme Court clarifies illegal dismissal rules, abandonment defense, and when corporate officers may be held personally liable.
When a "Retainership" Is Really Employment: The Control Test and Security of Tenure
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a retainership agreement masks an employer-employee relationship, applying the control test to protect security of tenure.
Protecting Workers: Illegal Dismissal and the Rights of Pakyaw Employees in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that pakyaw workers are regular employees entitled to security of tenure, holiday pay, and service incentive leave pay.
Fixed-Term Employment vs Regular Employment: Security of Tenure Under the Labor Code
Explaining Oyster Plaza Hotel v. Melivo on when fixed-term and probationary workers become regular employees entitled to security of tenure.
Corporate Mergers and Employee Rights: Understanding Job Security in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court rules that corporate mergers do not terminate employees' jobs; absorbed workers continue employment with the surviving corporation.
Project vs Regular Employment: Understanding Security of Tenure in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains when project employees become regular workers and how security of tenure applies in Philippine construction labor law.
Reorganization and Security of Tenure: Why Employees Must Exhaust Administrative Remedies First
Supreme Court ruling on LWUA reorganization clarifies that employees challenging government restructuring must first exhaust administrative remedies before going to court.
Security of Tenure in Career Executive Service: Rank Appointment Is Essential
Supreme Court clarifies that Career Executive Service officers hold security of tenure only in their rank, not in specific positions.
Security of Tenure Limited to Rank, Not Position, in the Career Executive Service
The Supreme Court clarifies that security of tenure in the Career Executive Service attaches to rank, not to a specific position, allowing reassignments without violating constitutional guarantees.
Union Security Clauses and Due Process: Yumang v. RPN 9
When can an employer terminate an employee expelled by a union? The Supreme Court clarifies the due process required under union security clauses.