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.
Regular Employment Status and Labor-Only Contracting: The San Miguel Corporation Case
Learn how the Supreme Court protected a worker's regular employment status against labor-only contracting schemes in San Miguel Corporation v. NLRC.
Due Process in Employee Dismissal: Salazar v. Philippine Duplicators Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies procedural due process in Salazar v. Philippine Duplicators, Inc., a landmark case on employee termination in the Philippines.
Willful Failure to Pay Just Debts: Disciplinary Risks for Philippine Government Employees
Philippine public servants can face administrative discipline for willful failure to pay just debts, even after settlement. Learn the rules and risks.
DOLE Philippines v. Esteva: Labor-Only Contracting and Regular Employment Rights
Supreme Court ruling on labor-only contracting, regular employment, and employer liability in DOLE Philippines v. Esteva (G.R. No. 161115).
Government Incentives When Must Employees Repay Disallowed Benefits
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when government employees must refund disallowed incentive benefits, distinguishing good faith recipients from approving officers.
Falsifying Time Records in Public Service: A Path to Dishonesty Charges
Learn how falsifying time records leads to dishonesty charges in Philippine public service, based on a Supreme Court ruling.
Who's the Boss? Determining Employer Liability in Labor-Only Contracting
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a principal employer becomes solidarily liable with a labor-only contractor for workers' claims.
Constructive Dismissal: When Employee Transfers Become Unfair Labor Practices
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a management transfer becomes constructive dismissal and unfair labor practice.
Can an Employee Be Denied Retirement Benefits for Breach of Trust?
The Supreme Court rules on whether a bank manager validly dismissed for breach of trust can still claim retirement benefits after his compulsory retirement date had passed.
Reinstatement of Union Members: Scope of Labor Secretary's Order in Illegal Strike Cases
Supreme Court clarifies which union members are reinstated under a Labor Secretary's assumption-of-jurisdiction order in illegal strike cases.
Breach of Trust Establishing Estafa Through Misappropriated Funds
Explore how failure to remit collected funds constitutes estafa under Article 315(1)(b) of the Revised Penal Code, as ruled in Pucay v. People.
Constructive Dismissal When Employer Actions Force Employee Resignation
Understand constructive dismissal in Philippine labor law, when employer actions force resignation, and the burden of proof on employers.
Business Closure in the Philippines: Navigating Layoffs and Employee Rights During Financial Distress
Learn the rules on business closure in the Philippines, including separation pay, notice requirements, and employee rights when a company shuts down due to losses.
When Is Employee Termination Illegal? Key Rules from a Supreme Court Ruling
Learn when termination becomes illegal under Philippine labor law, based on a Supreme Court ruling on unjustified dismissal and procedural lapses.
When Can an Employer Dismiss a Managerial Employee in the Philippines? Trust and Breach of Trust
Understand when Philippine employers can validly dismiss managerial employees for breach of trust, including the legal requirements and limits.
Balancing Right to Work and Employer Prerogative: Absences and Termination
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when excessive absences justify dismissal, emphasizing proportional penalties and employer burden of proof.
Limits on Delegated Authority: NPC Drivers and Mechanics Association v. NPC
When board members send alternates to vote, are their resolutions valid? The Supreme Court says no—discretion cannot be delegated.
Employer Liability for Negligent Employee: Quasi-Delict vs Subsidiary Liability
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when employers face direct liability for employee negligence under Article 2180, Civil Code, distinct from subsidiary criminal liability.
Illegal Dismissal Claims: When Early Retirement and Unapproved Leave Bar Recovery
A professor's claim of illegal dismissal fails after voluntary early retirement and unapproved leave. Learn the legal rules.
Sheriff's Dishonesty Leads to Dismissal: Upholding Integrity in Court Service
Supreme Court dismisses sheriff for extorting money from litigant, reaffirming strict standards of honesty for court personnel.
Seasonal Work vs Regular Employment: Security of Tenure in Philippine Labor Law
When are "seasonal" workers considered regular employees? The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction and its impact on security of tenure.
Compromise Agreements and Employee Rights: When Settlements Don't Erase Prior Illegal Dismissals
A compromise agreement settles monetary claims but doesn't erase a prior ruling of illegal dismissal, especially for non-signatories.
Employee Status Under the Control and Economic Reality Tests in Labor Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies how the control test and economic reality test determine employee status in Philippine labor law.
Judicial Restraint vs Workplace Conduct: Defining Boundaries of Authority and Decorum in the Philippine Judici
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge's abuse of authority and a clerk's misconduct clarifies decorum standards for all judiciary personnel.