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.
Mistake vs Misconduct in Employee Dismissal: Due Process in Philippine Labor Law
When is an employee's honest mistake a valid ground for dismissal? The Supreme Court clarifies the line between error and misconduct.
Illegal Dismissal and Abandonment: Proving Employee Intent in Philippine Labor Law
When does failure to report for work become abandonment? The Supreme Court clarifies the employer's burden of proof in illegal dismissal cases.
Management Prerogative vs Employee Benefits: When Removing Workplace Chairs Is Valid
Supreme Court ruling on when management can remove workplace amenities without violating labor laws or the non-diminution rule.
Abandonment vs. Illegal Dismissal: Employer's Burden of Proof in Philippine Labor Law
When does absence become abandonment? The Supreme Court clarifies the employer's burden of proof in illegal dismissal cases.
Supervisory Status and Union Formation: Defining the Rights of Capatazes in Labor Law
The Supreme Court rules capatazes are supervisory employees who may form their own union separate from rank-and-file workers.
Retirement vs. Separation Pay: The Age Rule in Philippine Labor Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when an employee can claim retirement benefits and when separation pay applies under the Labor Code.
Upholding Employers Right Willful Disobedience AS Just Cause FOR Termination
Supreme Court ruling on willful disobedience as just cause for dismissal, explaining employer rights and employee duties under Philippine labor law.
When Commissions Count in Separation Pay: A Philippine Labor Law Guide
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when sales commissions form part of salary for separation pay computation and when quitclaims are invalid.
Constructive Dismissal: When a Transfer Becomes Illegal Under Philippine Labor Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when a workplace transfer amounts to constructive dismissal, protecting employees from retaliatory reassignments.
Duty to Bargain During Intra-Union Disputes: Employer Obligations Under Philippine Labor Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that intra-union leadership disputes do not excuse an employer from the duty to bargain collectively.
Due Process in Employee Dismissal: The Two-Notice Rule and Employer Obligations
Learn the two-notice rule in Philippine labor law and how the Supreme Court applied it to probationary employees in Carvajal v. Luzon Development Bank.
Employee Theft and Termination: Defining Analogous Serious Misconduct in Philippine Labor Law
When does stealing a co-worker's property justify dismissal? The Supreme Court clarifies under Article 282 of the Labor Code.
Loss of Confidence as a Valid Ground for Dismissal in Philippine Labor Law
When can an employer fire a worker for loss of confidence? The Paulino v. NLRC case explains the rules.
Control Test Decides Employer-Employee Relationship in Philippine Labor Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on Charlie Jao v. BCC Products Sales Inc. explains the control test and four elements determining employer-employee relationship.
Prescription Period for Illegal Dismissal: The 4-Year Rule in Philippine Labor Law
Illegal dismissal claims prescribe in four years, not three. Learn the rule and how refiling a case interrupts prescription.
Due Process in Employee Dismissal: Nominal Damages for Procedural Lapses
Learn how Philippine labor law treats dismissals for just cause without procedural due process, and when courts award nominal damages.
Voluntary Retirement: Why Employee Consent Is Key to Valid Retirement Plans
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on voluntary retirement plans, employee consent, and the validity of retirement agreements in labor law.
When NO Means GO Understanding Lawful Employee Transfers AND Insubordination IN THE Philippines
Learn Philippine labor law on employee transfers and insubordination—when a "no" to a lawful order can cost a job.
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.
Facilities vs Supplements in Wage Disputes: Key Distinctions Under Philippine Labor Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the legal distinction between facilities and supplements in computing wages, and when employers may deduct their value.
Employee vs Independent Contractor: Key Factors in Philippine Labor Law
The Supreme Court clarifies the control test distinguishing employees from independent contractors, using an insurance agent case as guide.
Regular vs Project Employees: Security of Tenure in Philippine Labor Law
Supreme Court clarifies when project employees become regular employees entitled to security of tenure under Philippine labor law.
Unlawful Withholding of Salary Constitutes Constructive Dismissal: An Employer's Guide
Learn how unlawful salary withholding can amount to constructive dismissal under Philippine labor law, and what employers must avoid.
Retrenchment vs Illegal Dismissal: When Business Downturns Justify Employee Separation
Learn when retrenchment is valid under Philippine labor law and how procedural lapses affect separation pay and employee rights.