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.
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Fiduciary Rank-and-File Employees: When Job Titles Do Not Bar Labor Benefits
The Supreme Court clarifies that fiduciary rank-and-file employees, despite supervisory-sounding titles, remain entitled to labor standards benefits under the Labor Code.
Unlocking Retirement Benefits for Part-Time Workers: A Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court confirms that part-time employees in the private sector are entitled to retirement benefits under Republic Act No. 7641.
Understanding Contempt of Court and the Consequences of Repeated Legal Harassment in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts penalize grave misconduct by judicial employees, including dismissal and forfeiture of benefits, to protect the integrity of the justice system.
Reinstated Government Employees Crediting Prior Service Upon Refund OF Retirement Benefits
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled that separation pay due to redundancy remains tax-exempt even if computed under a retirement plan formula.
Understanding Gross Neglect of Duty: Losing Court Evidence in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court penalized court employees for gross neglect of duty after losing drug evidence in custody.
When Compassion Clashes With Conduct: Separation Pay for Wrongfully Dismissed Employees
The Supreme Court clarifies when validly dismissed employees may—or may not—receive separation pay as an act of social justice.
Upholding Ethical Conduct Disciplining Court Employees FOR Actions Reflecting ON THE Judiciarys Integrity
The Supreme Court affirms dismissal of a vice-mayor for grave misconduct and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of service.
Strained Relations Doctrine Reinstated: When Separation Pay Beats Reinstatement in Labor Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when strained relations justify separation pay over reinstatement, even for rank-and-file employees.
Optional Retirement Under Labor Code: When Early Retirement Requires Employee Consent
SC clarifies optional retirement rules: employees cannot be forced to retire before 65 without explicit, voluntary consent under Article 302.
Court Interpreter Suspended for Incompetent Translations in RTC Malaybalay
SC suspends court interpreter for inaccurate Visayan-to-English translations, stressing the heavy responsibility of judicial employees.
Understanding the Consequences of Notarization Errors: A Guide to Notarial Responsibilities in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court disciplines court employees for incompetence and inefficiency, and what this means for notarial responsibilities in the Philippines.
Resignation vs Constructive Dismissal: What Employees Must Prove in Philippine Labor Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when a resignation is voluntary and when it amounts to constructive dismissal, and who bears the burden of proof.
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.
Independent Contractor vs Employee: Drawing the Line in Insurance Compensation
Supreme Court clarifies when insurance unit managers are independent contractors, not employees, and must repay drawing allowances.
Constructive Dismissal Employees Burden TO Prove Involuntary Resignation
Presidential Authority vs COA Oversight: Healthcare Benefits for Government Employees
Supreme Court ruling on when the President's approval of employee healthcare benefits still yields to COA audit rules and regulations.
Separation Benefits Under Company Policy: Proving Entitlement in Philippine Labor Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when employees can claim separation benefits under company policy, and what evidence proves entitlement.
Reinstatement After Illegal Dismissal: Employee Rights in Corporate Reorganizations
When a company reorganizes, employees still have rights. The Supreme Court explains illegal dismissal and reinstatement in NPC v. Cabanag.
Regular vs Project Employment: What the Supreme Court Requires of Employers
A 2019 Supreme Court ruling clarifies when construction workers are regular employees, not project employees, and what employers must prove.
Breach of Trust as Just Cause for Dismissal of Managerial Employees in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when loss of trust and confidence justifies dismissing managerial employees, and what happens when due process is not observed.
Upholding Employers Prerogative Valid Suspension FOR Employee Misconduct
Supreme Court affirms that employers may validly suspend employees for misconduct, even when guest complaints are not firsthand testimony.
Project vs Regular Employment: Security of Tenure and Employee Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between project and regular employment, and the security of tenure rights of employees.
Voluntary Resignation vs Illegal Dismissal: Protecting Employee Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when resignation letters and quitclaims are invalid, protecting employees from forced resignations and illegal dismissal.
Subsidiary Liability of Employers: Execution Against Employers for Employees' Civil Delicts
Supreme Court clarifies when employers may be held subsidiarily liable for employees' civil liability arising from criminal acts.