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.
Upholding Contingent Attorneys Fees When ARE They Enforceable
When are contingent attorney's fees enforceable in Philippine labor cases? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules in Masmud v. NLRC.
Substituted Service in Labor Cases: Balancing Due Process and Efficient Resolution
The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on substituted service in labor cases, balancing due process rights with the need for efficient resolution.
Appeal Bonds in Labor Cases: Timely Filing Is Key to Perfecting Appeals
Learn why a late or invalid appeal bond fails to perfect an employer's labor appeal, and what this means for employee claims.
The Perils of Untimely Appeals: Adherence to Procedural Rules in Philippine Courts
Explore how strict procedural rules shape Philippine labor cases, from appeal deadlines to due process in dismissals.
Due Process and Service of Summons in Labor Disputes: Ensuring Fair Notice
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when service of summons in labor cases is complete, even if mail is unclaimed.
Appeal Bond in Labor Cases: Why Missing the Deadline Is Fatal
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why an employer's failure to post an appeal bond within 10 days makes a Labor Arbiter's decision final and executory.
Compromise Agreements in Labor Disputes: When Settlements Are Final and Binding
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on enforceability of compromise agreements in labor cases, even without counsel present, and limits on lawyer's authority.
Res Judicata in Philippine Labor Disputes: When Prior Rulings Bar Relitigation
Explaining res judicata in labor cases through Garcia v. PAL, where a final ruling on employer-employee relationship barred a later illegal dismissal claim.
Perfecting Appeals: Strict Observance of Timelines in Labor Disputes
Learn how the Supreme Court enforces strict appeal deadlines in labor cases and why missing them is fatal to a party's cause.
Certiorari vs Appeal: Choosing the Right Path for Legal Review in the Philippines
Learn when to file a petition for certiorari versus an appeal under Rule 45, explained through a Philippine Supreme Court labor case.
Motion for Reconsideration: The Indispensable Step Before Certiorari in Labor Cases
Learn why exhausting remedies like a motion for reconsideration is vital before filing a certiorari petition in Philippine labor disputes.
Jurisdiction Over Labor Disputes: The Decisive Moment of Filing Claims
A Supreme Court ruling on why filing the wrong remedy — or the right one too late — can end a labor case before the merits are ever reached.
Appeal Bond in Labor Cases: Why Missing the Deadline Is Fatal to an Employer's Appeal
The Supreme Court explains why an employer's failure to post an appeal bond on time is fatal, rendering the labor arbiter's decision final and executory.
Perfecting Labor Appeals: The Indispensable Surety Bond and Jurisdictional Requirements
Posting an appeal bond is jurisdictional in labor cases. A late bond means no appeal, and the Labor Arbiter's decision becomes final.
Jurisdiction Limits When Labor Disputes Overshadow Regular Court Actions In Property Disputes
When can a regular court hear a property dispute that stems from a labor case? The Supreme Court settles the jurisdictional boundary.
Procedural Lapses and Employee Reinstatement: Balancing Justice and Technicalities in Labor Disputes
A Supreme Court ruling on how procedural lapses in labor cases should not defeat substantive justice, and the rules on immediate reinstatement pending appeal.
Suspension of Claims Against Corporations Under Rehabilitation: Philippine Law Explained
Learn how corporate rehabilitation suspends all claims, including labor cases, under Philippine law, based on the PAL v. Zamora ruling.
Affidavits of Desistance: When Can Employees Reclaim Their Rights?
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when affidavits of desistance or quitclaims in labor cases are invalid and employees can pursue their claims.
Prescription Periods in Labor Disputes: Why Filing on Time and in the Right Court Matters
A Supreme Court ruling on prescription of money claims in labor cases, and why filing in the wrong court can be fatal.
Burden of Proof in Labor Cases: Supreme Court Upholds Employee Rights in Wage Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that employers bear the burden of proof in labor standards cases, protecting workers' claims for unpaid wages.
Missed Deadlines Dismissed Cases Understanding Failure TO Prosecute IN Philippine Courts
Understand how Philippine courts handle failure to prosecute and missed deadlines, and why procedural rules may be relaxed in labor cases.
Lost Your Labor Case Appeal? The Supreme Court on Mandatory Appeal Bonds
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why employers must post an appeal bond to perfect a labor appeal, and the consequences of failing to do so.
Missed Deadline Dismissed Appeal Why Perfecting Appeals On Time IS NON Negotiable IN Philippine Labor Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on appeal bonds in labor cases: non-posting within the reglementary period is fatal and jurisdictional.
Substantial Compliance in Appellate Procedure: Balancing Technical Rules and Justice
The Supreme Court relaxes technical rules in labor cases, allowing substantial compliance with Rule 65 and Rule 13 requirements.