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.
When Court Errors Are Judicial, Not Administrative: A Guide for Litigants
The Supreme Court clarifies when a judge's error is a judicial matter for appeal, not an administrative case for discipline.
Managerial vs. Supervisory Employees: Unionization Rights Under Philippine Labor Law
Learn how Philippine law distinguishes managerial from supervisory employees and why misclassification can block unionization rights.
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.
Meal Breaks Outside Company Premises Do Not Constitute Abandonment of Post
Philippine Airlines v. NLRC clarifies that employees may take meal breaks outside company premises without being guilty of abandonment of post.
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.
Withdrawal of an Administrative Complaint: Does It Auto-Dismiss Cases Against Court Personnel?
Withdrawing an administrative complaint against court personnel does not automatically end the case. The Supreme Court explains when dismissal is proper.
Illegal Recruitment in the Philippines: Employer Duties and Employee Rights
Understand illegal recruitment in the Philippines, employer responsibilities, and employee rights based on a recent Supreme Court ruling.
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.
When Is a Lawyer Liable for a Missed Appeal? Lessons from Sattar v. Lopez
The Supreme Court clarifies when a lawyer may be disciplined for a missed appeal, and when the client's own neglect is to blame.
Losing Control: Understanding Loss of Jurisdiction After Appeal in Philippine Courts
When a case is appealed, the trial court loses jurisdiction. This administrative case explains the rule and its limits.
Judicial Misconduct: Neglect of Duty and Insubordination in Philippine Courts
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge's failure to follow procedural rules and obey a superior's directive, resulting in a fine.
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.