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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Double Jeopardy in Philippine Criminal Cases: When Dismissal Is Not Final
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies double jeopardy rules and trial court duties in dismissing criminal cases.
Grave Misconduct and Dismissal: When a Police Officer Serves as a Private Bodyguard
A police officer's unauthorized work as a private bodyguard is grave misconduct warranting dismissal, even with long service.
OFW Illegal Dismissal: Full Back Pay for Unexpired Contract After Yap v. Thenamaris
Learn how the Supreme Court awarded an OFW full salaries for the unexpired contract after illegal dismissal, applying the Serrano ruling.
Constructive Dismissal and Optional Retirement: The Ondevilla Case
The Supreme Court clarifies constructive dismissal, optional retirement age, and separation pay in illegal dismissal cases involving managerial employees.
Probationary Employment in the Philippines: Standards for Regularization and Illegal Dismissal
A general manager dismissed during probation won his illegal dismissal case because his employer failed to set reasonable standards for regularization.
Loss of Trust and Confidence: When Philippine Employers Can Validly Dismiss Employees
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when loss of trust and confidence justifies dismissal and who counts as managerial staff.
Quo Warranto and Reinstatement Rights After Ombudsman Dismissal in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on quo warranto, reinstatement rights, and the immediate executory nature of Ombudsman dismissal orders.
Loss of Trust Without Proof: Navigating Illegal Dismissal in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that loss of trust and confidence requires clear evidence, not mere suspicion, to justify employee dismissal.
Illegal Dismissal in the Philippines: Burden of Proof and Just Cause Explained
The Supreme Court explains the burden of proof in illegal dismissal cases and when loss of trust and confidence is a valid just cause.
Loss of Trust and Confidence in Philippine Labor Law: When Dismissal Becomes Illegal
Philippine labor law requires employers to prove willful breach of trust before dismissing employees. This case explains the standard.
Moral Conduct in Public Service: Upholding Ethical Standards in the Judiciary
Supreme Court affirms dismissal of libel complaint against prosecutor who questioned a judge's moral fitness in official pleadings.
Forum Shopping and Substitute Pleadings: Dismissal Without Prejudice in Philippine Courts
Understand when refiling a case after dismissal is allowed and when a substitute complaint supersedes the original.
Land Title Disputes: Finality of Court Decisions and Limits of Summary Proceedings
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified Land Bank's role in agrarian just compensation cases and the limits of summary dismissals.
Dismissal for Non-Appearance at Mediation: Balancing Technicality and Substantive Justice
A party's failure to attend mediation may justify dismissal, but courts must weigh technical rules against substantive justice.
Dismissal Denied: The High Cost of Procedural Lapses in Labor Disputes
A rape conviction affirmed on appeal shows how the Supreme Court treats minor inconsistencies in a witness's testimony and why trial-court findings carry great weight.
Security of Tenure Prevails: Illegal Dismissal and the Employer's Burden of Proof
When an employer claims abandonment or habitual absenteeism, it bears the burden of proof. This case explains why.
Security of Tenure, Constructive Dismissal, and Floating Status in Security Agencies
When a security guard's floating status exceeds six months, the law treats it as constructive dismissal. Learn the rules from this Supreme Court case.
Burden of Proof in Illegal Dismissal Cases: Establishing the Fact of Dismissal First
In illegal dismissal cases, employees must first prove the fact of dismissal before the burden shifts to the employer. Exodus v. Biscocho explains this rule.
Redundancy Dismissal in the Philippines: When Is It Legal? The Culili v. ETPI Case
The Supreme Court explains when redundancy dismissal is valid, what employers must prove, and the cost of missing procedural due process.
Finality of Judgment in Illegal Dismissal Cases: Solidary Liability and Employer-Employee Relationship
Explore the Supreme Court ruling on finality of judgment, solidary liability, and employer-employee relationships in illegal dismissal cases.
When Is a Nurse's Negligence Serious Misconduct? The Medical Center Manila Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a nurse's lapse amounts to gross negligence justifying dismissal, and when suspension is the proper penalty.
When Illegal Dismissal Claims of Probationary Employees Fall Outside DARAB Jurisdiction: Del Monte Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies DARAB jurisdiction over agrarian disputes, distinguishing recovery of possession cases from tenurial controversies under RA 6657.
When Is Employee Negligence Just Cause for Termination? A Philippine Guide
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when employee negligence justifies dismissal versus suspension, balancing employer rights and worker protection.
Sheriff Misconduct: When Negligence Leads to Dismissal in the Philippines
A deputy sheriff's deliberate delay in serving a writ led to dismissal for gross misconduct. Key lessons for court personnel.