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.
Holdover Appointments and Compulsory Retirement: Key Lessons from Atty. Montenegro v. COA
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on salaries for public servants who continue working past compulsory retirement without CSC approval.
Illegal Dismissal of Pregnant Employee: SPID Corp. v. Ballesteros Explained
The Supreme Court affirmed that dismissing a pregnant employee without substantial evidence is illegal, reinforcing due process in Philippine labor law.
Constructive Dismissal vs. Voluntary Resignation: Key Lessons from ABS-CBN v. Magno
The Supreme Court clarifies the burden of proof in constructive dismissal claims and the fine line between forced and voluntary resignation.
SALN Misdeclaration: When Is It Simple Negligence, Not Serious Dishonesty?
The Supreme Court clarifies when a public official's SALN misdeclaration is simple negligence rather than serious dishonesty, and why explained wealth matters.
Burden of Proof in Illegal Dismissal: Proving the Employer-Employee Relationship
In illegal dismissal cases, the employee must first prove the employer-employee relationship. G.R. No. 244206 clarifies this burden.
Due Process in Administrative Cases: No Liability Without Formal Charges
Supreme Court rules a government employee cannot be held administratively liable without a formal charge, reaffirming due process in civil service cases.
Upholding Ethical Conduct: Disciplining Lawyers for Misrepresentation and Unauthorized Practice
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer for deceiving courts over inherited property and reprimanded another for unauthorized practice, reaffirming ethical duties.
Philippine Airlines v. Yañez: When Workplace Conduct Warrants Disciplinary Action
The Supreme Court clarifies when employers may discipline employees for creating a hostile work environment, even absent explicit sexual demands.
Diminution of Benefits: Government Employee Compensation and PCSO Board Authority
SC ruling on PCSO allowances disallowed by COA: board authority limits, non-diminution of benefits, and officer liability explained.
Upholding Fiscal Responsibility: The Limits of PCSO's Authority in Granting Employee Benefits
The Supreme Court affirms COA's disallowance of PCSO employee benefits, clarifying limits on board authority and liability rules.
Constructive Dismissal: Defining Unbearable Working Conditions in Philippine Labor Law
When does a difficult work environment become constructive dismissal? The Supreme Court clarifies the test in a seafarer's resignation case.
Simple Negligence vs Dishonesty: Upholding Public Trust in Government Service
A look at how the Supreme Court treats simple neglect of duty versus dishonesty, and why Ombudsman decisions in administrative cases must be executed promptly.
CBA-Protected Benefits: When Management Prerogative Cannot Override the Collective Bargaining Agreement
Philippine Bank of Communications v. PBCOMEA: benefits written into a CBA cannot be unilaterally changed by management without union participation.
Contractor or Employer: Defining the Boundaries of Labor-Only Contracting in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when a contractor is a legitimate job contractor rather than a labor-only contractor, and who is the true employer.
Good Faith as a Shield: Accountability in Governance for Disallowed Transactions
When can good faith protect public officers from liability for disallowed transactions? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on accountability in governance.
Independent Contractor vs Employee: How Unique Skills Determine Employment Status in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when unique skills and talent make a worker an independent contractor, not an employee, in Philippine labor law.
Loss of Trust and Confidence: When Can an Employer Terminate a Managerial Employee in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains the rules on dismissing managerial employees for loss of trust and confidence, and when belated reporting justifies termination.
Judicial Clemency Denied But Restitution Waived After Court Employee's Death
Supreme Court denies judicial clemency to guilty court clerk but waives unpaid restitution after death, applying compassionate justice.
Constructive Dismissal and Contract Ambiguity: Lessons from Esico v. Alphaland
The Supreme Court's ruling in Esico v. Alphaland clarifies constructive dismissal claims and the consequences of ambiguous employment contracts.
Illegal Dismissal vs. Voluntary Resignation: Proving Your Case in the Philippines
When is a resignation not voluntary? Learn how Philippine courts distinguish illegal dismissal from resignation and who bears the burden of proof.
Constructive Dismissal vs. Just Cause Termination: Key Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies that constructive dismissal and just cause termination are incompatible, reinforcing due process and security of tenure.
Public Office as Public Trust: Lessons from the Deputy Ombudsman Administrative Case
The Supreme Court's ruling against a former Deputy Ombudsman clarifies the administrative offenses of neglect, misconduct, and abuse of authority.
Employee Dismissal in the Philippines: Due Process and Substantial Evidence Requirements
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that employers must prove just cause with substantial evidence and follow procedural due process when dismissing employees.
Redundancy in Philippine Employment: When a Valid Termination Becomes Illegal Dismissal
Learn when redundancy is valid in Philippine labor law, and how the Supreme Court protects employees from illegal dismissal disguised as redundancy.