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.
Employee vs Independent Contractor: Landmark Ruling on Regular Employment
Supreme Court clarifies when fixed-term contracts are invalid and workers become regular employees entitled to security of tenure.
Grave Misconduct and Personal Loans: When Public Officials Cross Legal Lines
The Supreme Court clarifies when a public official's personal loan becomes grave misconduct, and the proper remedy to question Ombudsman dismissals.
Probationary Employment Standards: When Vague Job Rules Lead to Illegal Dismissal
The Supreme Court clarifies when vague probationary standards make an employee regular, and the consequences for employers who fail to set clear job expectations.
Understanding Constructive Dismissal: Protecting Your Rights as an Employee
Learn what constructive dismissal means in Philippine labor law, how "floating status" affects security guards, and your rights as an employee.
Good Faith vs Bad Faith in Public Office: Lessons from Abillar v. People's Television Network
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when reliance on an official's assurance amounts to good faith, and what constitutes bad faith in public office.
Voluntary Resignation vs. Constructive Dismissal: Insights from Philippine Labor Law
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between voluntary resignation and constructive dismissal in Pascual v. Sitel Philippines Corporation.
Navigating the Thin Line Between Ecclesiastical and Secular Affairs: Insights from a Landmark Philippine Supre
When does a church dispute become a labor case? The Supreme Court clarifies the boundary between ecclesiastical affairs and secular employment.
Administrative Liability and the Limits of Official Duties in Public Service
A Supreme Court ruling on dishonesty shows how receiving benefits during suspension violates public trust and administrative rules.
Substantial Evidence in Labor Dismissals: When the Supreme Court Steps In
Explore when the Supreme Court reviews factual findings in labor cases, and how substantial evidence supports valid employee dismissal.
Unlocking the Right to Minimum Salary Upon Regularization: A Landmark Decision for Philippine Workers
The Supreme Court rules that company policies on minimum salary rates become binding once an employee is regularized, protecting workers from underpayment.
Breach of Contract: Enforceability of Employment Contracts Absent Actual Deployment
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether a perfected employment contract binds parties even without actual deployment, and which court has jurisdiction over breach claims.
When a Transfer Is Not Constructive Dismissal: Management Prerogative in Labor Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when an employee transfer is a valid exercise of management prerogative and not constructive dismissal.
Security of Tenure vs Qualification Standards Resolving Employment Disputes in Philippine Higher Education
Supreme Court clarifies retirement age rules, security of tenure, and CBA benefits for managerial employees in Philippine schools.
Jurisdictional Errors in Appeals: Barangay Officials and the Sandiganbayan
When appeals from RTC rulings on RA 3019 cases go to the wrong court, the Sandiganbayan holds exclusive appellate jurisdiction.
Joint Resolutions vs Laws: The Ang Nars Ruling on Salary Grades and Legislative Power
The Supreme Court clarifies that only bills can become laws, not joint resolutions, in a ruling on nurse salary grades.
Retirement Benefits: Labor Code Prevails Over Inferior Company Plans
Philippine Supreme Court rules company retirement plans cannot provide benefits lower than the Labor Code's minimum under Article 287.
Retirement Pay Law Prevails Over Company Manual in Optional Retirement Case
Supreme Court rules company retirement plans cannot provide benefits lower than the Labor Code's minimum under Article 287.
Judicial Longevity Pay: Crediting Prior Government Service for Justices and Judges
The Supreme Court ruled that prior OSG service may count toward judicial longevity pay, affecting retirement and salary benefits.
Illegal Dismissal of OFWs: Full Contract Pay Upheld by Supreme Court
The Supreme Court reaffirms that illegally dismissed OFWs are entitled to their full salaries for the unexpired portion of their contracts, striking down the three-month cap.
Reassignment vs. Transfer: What Public School Teachers Should Know
The Supreme Court clarifies when a public school teacher can be reassigned without consent, and how security of tenure applies.
SALN Violations and Government Ethics: Dishonesty vs Simple Negligence
The Supreme Court clarifies when SALN omissions amount to dishonesty or mere simple negligence in San Diego v. Fact-Finding Investigation Committee.
Conflicting Court Decisions: The Imperative of Case Consolidation in Philippine Law
When court decisions conflict, consolidation becomes necessary. This article explains the rules and practical implications for litigants in the Philippines.
Certiorari as Remedy Challenging Ombudsman Decisions in Administrative Cases
When can you file certiorari against an Ombudsman ruling? The Supreme Court clarifies the proper remedy for complainants when the Ombudsman absolves a respondent.
Sheriffs Duty to Serve Notice Before Implementing Writs: Consequences of Neglect
A sheriff who enforces a writ without prior notice violates due process. Learn the rules and penalties under Rule 39.