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.
Illegal Dismissal and Retirement Age: When Expiring Contracts Mask Unlawful Termination
Supreme Court clarifies when a "contract expiration" is really illegal dismissal, and why early retirement requires an employee's explicit consent.
Strikes and Due Process: Balancing Labor Rights and Employer Prerogatives in the Philippines
Explore how Philippine labor law balances workers' right to strike against employer prerogatives, with due process at the core.
Habitual Tardiness in the Public Sector: Upholding Efficiency and Public Trust
The Supreme Court reprimands a court clerk for habitual tardiness, reaffirming that personal hardships do not excuse chronic lateness in public service.
Attorney Discipline When Actions Abroad Affect Legal Standing in the Philippines
Philippine courts can discipline judiciary employees for misconduct even if a complainant withdraws the case, as shown in Gamboa v. Gamboa.
Fixed-Term Seafarers' Contracts: Illegal Dismissal and Compensation Standards
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that seafarers are contractual employees governed by POEA contracts, not regular employees under the Labor Code.
Liability for Security Guard Actions: Clarifying Employer Responsibility in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a business is liable for a security guard's wrongful acts and when the security agency bears responsibility.
Habitual Absenteeism of Court Employees: Accountability and Mitigating Circumstances
The Supreme Court defines habitual absenteeism for court employees and clarifies that personal obligations do not excuse unauthorized absences.
Control Test vs Independent Contractor: Manila Water Ruling on Labor-Only Contracting
Supreme Court explains when a contractor is labor-only, not independent, and when workers become regular employees under Philippine labor law.
Transfer of Employees Is a Valid Managerial Prerogative Unless Done in Bad Faith
The Supreme Court explains when an employee transfer amounts to constructive dismissal and when it is a valid exercise of management prerogative.
Conflict of Interest Upholding Ethical Standards for Court Sheriffs
Explaining how the Supreme Court disciplines court sheriffs for conflict of interest and misconduct, setting ethical standards.
Constructive Dismissal When Job Changes Lead to Illegal Termination
Learn how a demotion in rank and pay cut can amount to constructive dismissal, even when an employer claims abandonment.
Retirement Benefits vs Separation Pay: Employee Rights in the Philippines
Philippine law distinguishes retirement benefits from separation pay. Learn the rules, when each applies, and what employees should know.
When Can a Lessee Stop Paying Rent? Peaceful Enjoyment Rules Explained
Learn when Philippine law allows a lessee to suspend rent payments and what "peaceful enjoyment" really means under Civil Code Articles 1654 and 1658.
Confirming Land Titles: Possession Isnt Always Ownership
A Supreme Court ruling on search warrants clarifies that holding a Torrens title does not automatically mean ownership, and explains the limits of seizure.
When Can You Challenge an Order Denying a Motion to Dismiss? The Caballes Case
The Supreme Court explains why an order denying a motion to dismiss is interlocutory and cannot be questioned via certiorari.
Anonymous Complaints and Civil Service Discipline: Ensuring Fair Process in Government Oversight
When can anonymous complaints trigger civil service discipline? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on initiating administrative cases against government employees.
Illegal Strikes: Balancing Worker Rights and Employer Interests in Termination Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when union officers and members may be dismissed for illegal strikes, and what due process requires.
Wage Distortion vs Management Prerogative: Salary Adjustments in the Philippines
When can employees claim wage distortion? The Supreme Court explains the limits of the Labor Code and management's right to set salaries.
Judicial Stability vs Land Disputes: Resolving Conflicting Property Rights Claims
The Supreme Court explains how the doctrine of judicial stability bars courts from interfering with co-equal courts' judgments in property disputes.
Business Closure and Employee Rights: Employer Obligations in Termination
Understand employer obligations when closing a business in the Philippines, including notice requirements, separation pay, and when dismissal is valid.
In Pari Delicto: When Both Parties Are at Fault, Neither Can Sue in Construction Contracts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on in pari delicto in construction contracts where both parties knowingly violated the law, barring recovery.
Reassignment Without Consent: Security of Tenure for Philippine Civil Servants
When can a government employee be reassigned against their will? The Supreme Court's ruling in Cariño v. Daoas explains the limits of transfer powers.
Res Judicata in Labor Disputes: Final NLRC Decisions Cannot Be Relitigated
Final and executory NLRC decisions bar relitigation. The Supreme Court explains res judicata in labor cases.
Banks' Fiduciary Duty to Protect Depositors' Funds: What the Law Requires
Philippine law imposes a strict fiduciary duty on banks to protect depositors' funds. This article explains the legal standards and consequences of breach.