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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
Breach of Trust as Just Cause for Employee Dismissal in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains when loss of trust and confidence justifies employee dismissal under Article 282 of the Labor Code.
Retrenchment and Due Process: Balancing Employer Rights and Employee Protection in Economic Downturns
The Supreme Court clarifies retrenchment rules under the Labor Code, including notice requirements and separation pay, in Cajucom v. TPI Philippines.
Fixed-Term Seafarers' Contracts: Illegal Dismissal and Compensation Standards
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that seafarers are contractual employees governed by POEA contracts, not regular employees under the Labor Code.
Illegal Dismissal and Abandonment: What Employers Must Prove in Philippine Labor Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies abandonment and due process requirements in illegal dismissal cases, protecting employee rights under the Labor Code.
Retrenchment in the Philippines: When Job Loss Is Not Justified Under the Labor Code
EMCO Plywood v. Abelgas explains when retrenchment is valid, why quitclaims do not always bar claims, and how separation pay must be computed.
When Two Regular Holidays Fall on the Same Day: Workers Still Get Double Holiday Pay
Philippine Supreme Court rules workers paid 200% holiday pay when two regular holidays fall on the same day, citing Labor Code Article 94.
Business Losses vs Labor Rights: Separation Pay Eligibility in Company Closures
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when serious business losses exempt employers from paying separation pay under Article 283 of the Labor Code.
Wage Distortion vs Management Prerogative: Salary Adjustments in the Philippines
When can employees claim wage distortion? The Supreme Court explains the limits of the Labor Code and management's right to set salaries.
Solidary Liability Ensuring Wage Compliance In Security Service Contracts
When a security agency underpays guards, the client company can be held jointly and severally liable under the Labor Code.
Probationary Employees and Security of Tenure: Illegal Dismissal Rules in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies probationary employees' security of tenure, illegal dismissal remedies, and backwages under the Labor Code.
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.
Seafarers' Employment Status: Contractual, Not Regular, Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that seafarers are contractual employees, not regular employees under Article 280 of the Labor Code.
Distinguishing Recruitment From Simple Assistance Labor Code Violations Examined
Supreme Court clarifies what constitutes illegal recruitment versus mere assistance in finding work, requiring proof of specific acts.
Illegal Recruitment: Why Proof of Specific Acts Matters in Philippine Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies what evidence proves illegal recruitment, distinguishing large-scale from simple offenses under the Labor Code.
Dishonesty in the Workplace: Falsification of Time Records as Grounds for Dismissal
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on employee dismissal for falsifying daily time records, and the legal basis under the Labor Code.
Defining Managerial vs Supervisory Roles for Union Membership in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between managerial and supervisory employees for union membership eligibility under the Labor Code.
Regular Employment and the Prolonged Service Doctrine in Philippine Labor Law
Learn how prolonged service of 20 years can establish regular employment under Article 280 of the Labor Code.
Regular vs Project Employees: Key Differences and Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies regular vs project employee status, tenure security, and monetary claims under Article 280 of the Labor Code.
Illegal Dismissal in the Philippines: Understanding Your Rights to Backwages and Separation Pay
Learn what illegal dismissal means in the Philippines, including your rights to full backwages, separation pay, and attorney's fees under the Labor Code.
Philippine Separation Pay: When Business Closure Is Not Enough to Avoid Labor Obligations
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when business closure does not exempt employers from separation pay obligations under Article 283 of the Labor Code.
Missed Deadlines: Why Proof of Notice Is Crucial in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on employer notice requirements, closure of business, and separation pay under Article 283 of the Labor Code.
When Negligence Isnt Gross Understanding Illegal Dismissal IN THE Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when employee negligence is not "gross" enough to justify dismissal under the Labor Code.
When Allowances Count as Wages: Separation Pay Computation Clarified
Supreme Court clarifies when allowances form part of wages for separation pay computation under Article 283 of the Labor Code.
Separation Pay in the Philippines: When Are Allowances Included?
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when monthly allowances form part of the salary base for computing separation pay under the Labor Code.