Legal Insights

Union Disaffiliation and Employee Rights in Collective Bargaining: A Philippine Supreme Court Ruling

Philippine Supreme Court ruling on a local union's right to disaffiliate from its mother federation and the effect on collective bargaining and check-off.

Local Union Disaffiliation Rights and Check-Off Dues Under Philippine Law

Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a local union may disaffiliate from its mother federation and what happens to check-off dues.

Regulated vs. Prohibited Goods: The Limits of Agency Discretion in Customs Seizures

Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when customs authorities may hold seized goods and the distinction between regulated and prohibited imports.

Tearing Time Cards as Constructive Dismissal: Employer Accountability in the Philippines

Philippine Supreme Court rules that tearing an employee's time card constitutes constructive dismissal, entitling workers to backwages and separation pay.

Union Security Clauses: Balancing Union Rights and Employee Protection in the Philippines

Philippine Supreme Court ruling on union security clauses, expulsion, due process, and unfair labor practice claims.

Writ of Possession Is Ministerial Duty Despite Challenges to Mortgage Validity

Philippine Supreme Court ruling: a pending case questioning mortgage validity does not stop a writ of possession after foreclosure and redemption lapse.

VAT Liability and Contractual Stipulations: Lessons from Mendiola v. Commerz Trading

Philippine Supreme Court clarifies who bears VAT liability when a contract shifts tax burden—and who must pay the BIR.

Jurisdictional Boundaries When Agrarian Disputes Fall Under DAR Secretarys Authority

Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when DARAB lacks jurisdiction over CLOA cancellation cases and why the DAR Secretary must resolve them.

Estate Settlement Venue and Void Marriages: Key Lessons from Quiazon

Philippine Supreme Court clarifies estate settlement venue rules and the right to challenge void marriages after death.

Agency and Authority: When a Deed Does Not Mean a Done Deal in Property Sales

Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a deed of sale is void without proper agency authority under the Civil Code.

When Can Medical Records Be Subpoenaed? Patient Privacy Rules

Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when hospital records may be subpoenaed and how physician-patient privilege protects medical privacy in civil cases.

The Three-Day Rule: Strict Compliance for Seafarer Disability Claims

Philippine Supreme Court affirms strict three-day post-employment medical exam rule for seafarers claiming disability benefits; failure forfeits claims.

Co-Owner's Unauthorized Sale: When a Verbal Deal Binds Only the Seller's Share

Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a co-owner's verbal sale of inherited property is valid and what buyers must prove about an agent's authority.

Strict Compliance with Publication Rule Is Jurisdictional in Title Reconstitution

Philippine Supreme Court rules that failure to strictly comply with the 30-day publication requirement in reconstitution cases deprives courts of jurisdiction.

Quarrying Rights: Local Permits Prevail Despite National Authorization

Philippine Supreme Court rules that a national quarry permit does not override local government requirements like the governor's permit.

Seafarer Disability Claims: When Heart Disease Is Not Compensable Under POEA Contract

Philippine Supreme Court ruling on seafarer disability claims, work-connection requirement, and the mandatory 3-day post-employment medical examination under the POEA contract.

Shared Responsibility: Apportioning Liability Between Carriers and Arrastre Operators for Cargo Damage

Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when carriers and arrastre operators share liability for damaged cargo, and the rules on subrogation and prescription.

Dividing Labor When Teaching and Non-Teaching Staff Form Unions

Philippine Supreme Court ruling on bargaining units when teaching and non-teaching personnel join one union.

VAT Refund Claims: Strict Invoicing Rules and the Definition of Capital Goods

Philippine Supreme Court clarifies strict invoicing requirements and capital goods definition for VAT refund claims in Bonifacio Water Corporation case.

Duty of Candor: When Exercising a Right Becomes an Abuse of Right

Philippine Supreme Court ruling on abuse of rights under Article 19, Civil Code, and liability for damages in water disconnection case.

Rape and Consent: Why Love Does Not Justify Sexual Assault in Philippine Law

Philippine Supreme Court ruling affirms that being sweethearts is not a license for non-consensual sex, upholding rape convictions and clarifying the sweetheart defense.

Dishonesty in Public Service: Resignation Does Not Preclude Administrative Liability

Philippine Supreme Court ruling: resigning from government service does not erase administrative liability for gross dishonesty committed while in office.

No Separation Pay for Employees Dismissed for Cause: Key Labor Ruling

Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that employees validly dismissed for just causes like breach of trust are not entitled to separation pay.

Due Process in Employee Dismissal: Nominal Damages for Procedural Lapses

Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that dismissing an employee for just cause still requires procedural due process, or the employer pays nominal damages.