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.
Constructive Dismissal: When a "Voluntary" Resignation Is Not Voluntary at All
The Supreme Court clarifies when a signed resignation letter is actually constructive dismissal, protecting employees from forced resignations disguised as voluntary acts.
Immediate Execution of Ombudsman Decisions: Protecting Public Service Integrity
Learn why Ombudsman dismissal orders take effect immediately despite pending motions for reconsideration, and what this means for public officers.
Loss of Trust and Confidence as Just Cause: Balancing Employer Rights and Due Process in Termination Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when loss of trust and confidence justifies dismissal, and when employers still owe employees procedural due process.
Sheriff Duties and Neglect in Attachment Cases: Protecting Your Property Rights
Learn how sheriffs must handle attached properties, their inventory duties, and what happens when they neglect these responsibilities.
When a Bus Driver's Sabbatical Becomes a Retirement Claim: The Macuray Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when a driver's break from work is abandonment, sabbatical, or retirement—and what benefits are due.
Defense of Relatives and Unlawful Aggression in Philippine Criminal Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when defense of relatives justifies a killing and why unlawful aggression is its indispensable requirement.
When Probationary Employment Becomes Regular: The Umali v. Hobbywing Rule
Explore when a probationary employee becomes regular by operation of law, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Umali v. Hobbywing Solutions.
CBA vs Bank Policy: Protecting Workers' Rights Against Unilateral Loan Changes
Supreme Court rules banks cannot impose credit-check requirements on CBA salary loans without negotiating with the union first.
Project Employment vs Regular Employment: Security of Tenure in Construction
The Supreme Court clarifies when construction workers are project employees, not regular employees, and their rights to wages and benefits.
Wage Increases and Management Prerogative: Balancing CBA Terms and Business Discretion
When can an employer set hiring rates above CBA wage increases without causing wage distortion? The Supreme Court explains.
Sheriff's Duty to Properly Handle and Liquidate Funds in Court-Ordered Actions
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies sheriffs must deposit execution expenses with the Clerk of Court, not receive direct payments.
SALN Dishonesty and Concealed Assets: De Castro v. Field Investigation Office
Supreme Court ruling on SALN dishonesty, concealed assets in children's names, and why omission amounts to grave administrative offense.
Unexplained Wealth and SALN Dishonesty: When Assets in Children's Names Count
Explains when hidden assets in children's names count as SALN dishonesty and why grave misconduct requires a direct link to official duties.
Corporate Liability Accountability FOR Unremitted SSS Contributions
Supreme Court affirms conviction of corporate officer for non-remittance of SSS contributions under RA 8282.
Insubordination in the Workplace: Defining the Scope of Employee Duties and Employer Authority
The Supreme Court clarifies when an employee's refusal to follow orders is insubordination and when it is a justified defense against dismissal.
Breach of Trust in Employment: Upholding Employee Rights Against Unsubstantiated Claims
Employers cannot dismiss on loss of trust without proof. Learn the legal requisites from a 2016 Supreme Court ruling.
Loss of Trust and Confidence as Ground for Dismissal: What Employers Must Prove
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when loss of trust and confidence justifies employee dismissal, requiring willful breach proven by substantial evidence.
Reinstatement Orders Are Immediately Executory: What Employers Must Know
A dismissed employee must be reinstated even while appeal is pending; failure to do so means paying accrued wages.
Fixed-Term Contracts: What the 30-Day Notice Rule Means for Renewal
Supreme Court ruling on fixed-term contracts, the 30-day notice requirement, and automatic renewal implications for employers and employees.
Diminution of Benefits: Government Employees and Contractual Bonuses Clarified
Supreme Court clarifies when government employees may keep contractual bonuses like the 14th month pay, and the limits of non-diminution.
Supreme Court on COLA Back Pay for Water District Employees: Good Faith Excuses Refund
The Supreme Court ruled that water district employees need not refund disallowed COLA back pay, citing good faith and the integration of allowances under the Salary Standardization Law.
Loan Payments and Proof: When a Certification Can Tip the Scales in Debt Disputes
A car loan dispute shows how a certification of payment can shift the burden of proof in Philippine debt cases.
Constructive Dismissal Claims: When Resignation Is Voluntary and Not Forced
The Supreme Court clarifies when a resignation is voluntary rather than constructive dismissal, and which money claims belong in labor courts.
Resignation vs. Constructive Dismissal: When Leaving a Job Is Not Forced
The Supreme Court clarifies when a resignation is voluntary and not constructive dismissal, and which money claims belong in labor courts.