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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Diminution of Benefits vs CBA in Separation Pay Disputes: NFL v. Sime Darby Pilipinas
When a company policy grants higher separation pay than the CBA, which prevails? The Supreme Court explains in NFL v. Sime Darby Pilipinas.
Employee Transfers Management Rights VS Constructive Dismissal Claims
When is a transfer a valid management prerogative and not constructive dismissal? The Supreme Court explains in Mendoza v. Rural Bank of Lucban.
Retroactive Regular Employment: When Prior Service Counts Toward Benefits
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when prior contractual service counts toward regular employment and CBA benefits under labor law.
Free Meals or More Than Free Meals? Interpreting Collective Bargaining Agreements
When a CBA says "after three hours," does it mean exactly three or more than three? The Supreme Court settles the rule on plain meaning.
Security of Tenure in the CES: Clarifying Eligibility and Reassignment Rights
The Court clarifies when a demotion amounts to constructive dismissal, the limits of CBA benefits for managerial employees, and retirement rights under the Labor Code.
Collective Bargaining: When Partial Agreements Do Not Make a CBA
Supreme Court clarifies that partial agreements in conciliation do not constitute a completed CBA; parties must still negotiate in good faith.
Upholding Contractual Freedom: The Validity of CBA Suspension Agreements in Philippine Labor Law
The Supreme Court upholds a 10-year CBA suspension between PAL and PALEA, affirming that voluntary agreements to suspend collective bargaining are valid exercises of contractual freedom.
Wage Disputes and Managerial Prerogatives: Balancing Labor Rights and Business Realities
In LMG Chemicals v. Secretary of Labor, the Supreme Court upheld a wage increase and retroactive CBA, clarifying the limits of an employer's financial-loss defense.
Eyewitness Testimony in Philippine Murder Cases: Credibility Standards for Conviction
How Philippine courts weigh eyewitness testimony in murder cases, explained through the Lacbayan decision and its credibility standards.
CBA Arbitral Award Retroactivity in the Philippines: Meralco v. Secretary of Labor Explained
Learn the rule on retroactivity of CBA arbitral awards from Meralco v. Secretary of Labor, including the six-month period and hold-over principle.
Illegal Dismissal in the Philippines: Why Unauthenticated Evidence and Lack of Due Process Can Cost Employers
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies illegal dismissal rules: retirement age, CBA benefits, and employer liability in Ondevilla v. Colegio de San Juan de Letran.
Extending CBA Benefits Protecting Workers Rights Beyond Contract Expiration
Philippine Supreme Court rules CBA economic provisions continue beyond expiration until a new agreement is reached, protecting worker benefits.
CBA Extension Protecting Workers Rights Beyond Contractual Terms
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on CBA extension beyond stipulated term and benefits for employees hired after expiration.
Meralco v. Quisumbing: CBA Retroactivity and Balancing Labor Rights with Management Prerogatives
The Supreme Court clarifies when arbitral CBA awards retroact and how wage increases balance labor rights with management prerogatives.
Grievance Before Strike: SC Upholds CBA Machinery in Labor Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court rules unions must exhaust CBA grievance and arbitration procedures before declaring a strike, citing San Miguel Corp. v. NLRC.
Employer Neutrality in Union Certification Elections and Employee Rights to Representation
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on employer neutrality during certification elections, freedom period CBAs, and employee rights to choose their bargaining representative.
Retirement Benefit Claims Under CBAs: Who Has Jurisdiction in Philippine Labor Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies jurisdiction over retirement benefit claims arising from collective bargaining agreements, distinguishing Labor Arbiter and Voluntary Arbitrator authority.
Regular Employee Status, Security of Tenure, and CBA Benefits in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when seasonal workers become regular employees entitled to CBA benefits and security of tenure.
Seasonal Workers as Regular Employees: Rights Under Philippine Labor Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when seasonal workers become regular employees entitled to CBA benefits and labor arbiter jurisdiction.
Voluntary Resignation and Bonus Entitlement: What Philippine Employees Should Know
Learn when resigned employees lose their right to CBA bonuses under Philippine law, based on a Supreme Court ruling.
Illegal Dismissal and Retirement Age: What Philippine Law Requires of Employers
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies illegal dismissal, retirement age, and CBA benefits for managerial employees in the Philippines.
Can a New Union Register During an Existing CBA? The KAMADA Ruling
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a new labor union may register during a CBA's lifetime, and clarifies the freedom period rule.
Retroactivity and Creditability of Wage Increases in Collective Bargaining Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when CBA wage increases retroact and whether they can be credited against future mandated wage increases.
When CBA Wage Hikes Count: Retroactivity and Creditability Under Article 253-A
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when CBA wage increases are retroactive and not creditable against future mandated wage hikes.