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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
Illegal Dismissal and Optional Retirement: The Ondevilla Ruling on Employee Rights
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling on constructive dismissal, optional retirement age, and separation pay in Ondevilla v. Colegio de San Juan de Letran.
Bank Employees, Breach of Trust, and Dismissal for Just Cause in the Philippines
The Supreme Court ruled that bank employees who divert depositor funds may be dismissed for loss of trust and confidence, even if the bank suffered no proven loss.
Proving Loss of Trust and Confidence in Illegal Dismissal Cases in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when loss of trust and confidence justifies employee dismissal, and what employers must prove.
Judicial Ethics When Personal Vendettas Cloud Impartial Judgment
A look at how the Supreme Court reinforces judicial impartiality and the two-notice rule in dismissals.
Breach of Trust in Banking: Upholding Employee Dismissal for Fraudulent Acts
Supreme Court affirms dismissal of bank employees for fraud, ruling that bank laxity does not excuse employee misconduct and breach of trust.
Dismissal Due to Illness: Employers Must Secure Medical Certification
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on Manly Express v. Payong clarifies employer obligations when terminating employees due to disease or illness.
Attitude Problems and Employee Termination: Defining Just Cause in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when "attitude problem" can justify employee termination and the required notices for valid dismissal.
Procedural Rules vs Substantive Rights: Dismissal of Appeals for Technical Defects
Learn how the Supreme Court treats appeals dismissed for technical defects, and why procedural rules matter as much as substantive rights.
Retrenchment Requirements: Proving Financial Losses and Fair Criteria in Employee Dismissal
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on retrenchment: employers must prove substantial losses and use fair criteria like seniority when dismissing employees.
Eminent Domain and Timeliness: When Property Owners Lose the Right to Claim Damages Against the Government
A Supreme Court ruling explains why property owners who win dismissal of an expropriation case must still act promptly to claim damages.
Laches and Due Process in Public Employment: Can Delay Nullify a Wrongful Dismissal?
The Supreme Court clarifies when a dismissed public employee's delay in filing a complaint bars reinstatement, even if dismissal lacked due process.
Ondevilla v. Colegio de San Juan de Letran: Illegal Dismissal, Retirement, and CBA Benefits
The Supreme Court rules on illegal dismissal, optional retirement, CBA benefits for managers, and tax disputes in Ondevilla v. Colegio de San Juan de Letran.
Due Process in Termination: Ensuring Fair Notice and Opportunity to Be Heard
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the twin notice rule in employee dismissal and the consequences of non-compliance.
Balancing Employee Rights and Employer Authority in Philippine Termination Procedures
The Supreme Court clarifies the two-notice rule in employee dismissal, balancing employer authority with due process rights.
Duty Free Philippines v. Mojica: Civil Service, Not Labor Courts, Governs GOCC Employees
Employees of government-owned corporations with original charters must file dismissal cases with the Civil Service Commission, not the NLRC.
Upholding the Mandatory Nature of Summary Procedure Dismissal of Belated Answers in Ejectment Cases
A judge's severe reprimand for admitting a belated, unverified answer in an ejectment case underscores the mandatory character of the Revised Rule on Summary Procedure.
Dismissal Upheld Despite Prior Termination When Dishonesty Charges Become Moot
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies rules on project employment, labor-only contracting, and due process in illegal dismissal cases.
Forum Shopping: When Multiple Lawsuits Undermine Judicial Efficiency in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains when filing multiple petitions—even in the same court—constitutes forum shopping and warrants summary dismissal.
Forum Shopping Dismissal of Multiple Petitions in the Philippines Explained
Learn how the Supreme Court defines forum shopping and why filing multiple petitions in the Court of Appeals can lead to summary dismissal.
Dismissal of Dishonest Sheriff: Upholding Public Trust in Court Personnel
Supreme Court dismisses sheriff for misappropriating auction proceeds, reaffirming strict accountability for court employees.
Dismissal Based on Procedural Rules: The Importance of Timely Filing in Appeals
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how failing to file an appellant's brief on time can end an appeal, and why procedural rules matter.
Illegal Dismissal Case: Employer's Burden of Proof in Misappropriation Claims
MERALCO v. NLRC clarifies that employers bear the burden of proof in illegal dismissal cases, even for misappropriation charges.
Employee Dismissal: Proving Loss of Confidence Requires Clear Evidence
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling on illegal dismissal shows why employers must prove loss of confidence with clear evidence, not mere suspicion or contrived charges.
Misjoinder of Parties and Its Effect on Verification and Certification Requirements
Philippine Supreme Court rules that a misjoined party's failure to sign verification and certification against forum-shopping is not ground for dismissal.