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.
Breach of Trust and Confidence: When Managerial Employees Lose Separation Pay
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when loss of trust and confidence justifies termination and bars separation pay for managerial employees.
Illegal Strikes and Unfair Labor Practices: When Employee Remedies Survive
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when employees who joined an illegal strike may still claim backwages and separation pay for unfair labor practices.
Proving Ownership in Replevin: The Supreme Court's Ruling in Golden Delta v. Pre-Stress
The Supreme Court clarifies when appellate factual findings may be overturned and how to prove ownership in replevin cases.
Dishonesty in Public Office: The Price of False Entries and Delayed Deposits
A cashier's false cashbook entry and delayed bank deposits amount to dishonesty, warranting dismissal from government service.
Proportionality in Employee Discipline: When Is Dismissal Too Harsh?
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when dismissal is too harsh a penalty for workplace policy violations, explained in plain language.
Adultery and Public Service: Proving Immorality Beyond Suspicion in Administrative Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on immorality cases against court employees: the need for competent evidence and the limits of double jeopardy in administrative proceedings.
Delayed Retirement Benefits: Balancing Public Service and Official Discretion
A retired bookkeeper's unpaid terminal leave leads to graft charges against a mayor, but the Supreme Court dismisses the case on procedural grounds.
Breach of Contract and Bad Faith: Airlines' Liability for Downgraded Seats
Philippine Airlines held liable for downgrading a passenger's business class seat to economy, with the Supreme Court affirming damages for breach of contract in bad faith.
Police Power vs Customs Authority: The Limits of Search and Seizure in the Philippines
When can police search cargo without customs authority? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits in Boac v. People.
Drug Testing and Constitutional Rights: The Supreme Court's Balancing Act in the Philippines
The Supreme Court upheld random drug testing for students and employees but struck down mandatory tests for candidates and accused persons.
Mandatory Drug Testing Under RA 9165: What the Supreme Court Upheld and Struck Down
The Supreme Court upheld random drug testing for students and employees but struck down mandatory tests for candidates and criminal suspects.
Honesty Matters: Dismissal for False Statements in Government Job Applications
The Supreme Court ruled that false declarations in a Personal Data Sheet constitute dishonesty and falsification, warranting dismissal from government service.
Concurrent Jurisdiction and Estoppel: Ombudsman vs. DepEd in Teacher Discipline
The Supreme Court clarifies the Ombudsman's concurrent jurisdiction over public school teachers and the estoppel bar against belated jurisdictional challenges.
Management Prerogative vs Constructive Dismissal: Balancing Employer Rights and Employee Protection
When does a job transfer amount to constructive dismissal? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of management prerogative in Bisig Manggagawa sa Tryco v. NLRC.
Exhaustion of Remedies and Forum Shopping: Lessons from Oporto v. NPC Board
Supreme Court ruling on exhaustion of administrative remedies, forum shopping, and due process in administrative cases against government employees.
Mandamus and Discretionary Power: When Courts Can Compel Government Action
Explore when courts can compel government action through mandamus, using the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation case as a guide.
Fictitious Payee Rule and Bank Liability in Check Payments
When is a named payee "fictitious" under Philippine law? The Supreme Court explains who bears the loss when checks are paid without indorsement.
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.
Breach of Contract and Tortious Interference: Proving a Valid Contractual Right
Learn when tortious interference claims fail: a valid contract must exist before third-party interference can be actionable under Philippine law.
PCG Disciplinary Authority: Supreme Court Upholds Coast Guard’s Separate Administrative System
Supreme Court affirms the PCG Efficiency and Separation Board’s power to discipline uniformed personnel, distinct from civil service rules.
Upholding Workers Rights Illegal Dismissal AND THE Limits OF Corporate Discretion IN Labor Disputes
Supreme Court affirms illegal dismissal ruling against Purefoods for union busting, clarifies corporate procedural rules in labor disputes.
Upholding Due Process for Workers: When Business Closure Is a Subterfuge
Business closures must be bona fide. The Supreme Court explains when a simulated shutdown becomes illegal dismissal.
Finality of Judgments: Understanding Motions for Reconsideration in Philippine Labor Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when a second motion for reconsideration may be allowed, emphasizing finality of judgments and notice to counsel rules.
Ombudsman’s Power to Discipline and the One-Year Rule Under RA 6770
The Supreme Court clarifies that administrative offenses do not prescribe and the Ombudsman can directly impose penalties on erring officials.