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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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.
Dismissal of Appeal: Client Bound by Counsel’s Negligence and Failure to Comply with Procedural Rules
When a lawyer’s negligence causes a missed appeal deadline, the client is still bound. Learn the rules and exceptions.
Security of Tenure When School Policies Lead to Illegal Dismissal
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on constructive dismissal of a permanent teacher due to discriminatory school policies and security of tenure violations.
Upholding Integrity: Dismissal for Dishonesty in Court Fund Handling
The Supreme Court dismisses a clerk of court for gross dishonesty and unauthorized withdrawals from the judiciary's fiduciary fund in a landmark accountability ruling.
Abandonment vs Illegal Dismissal: Employee Rights and Separation Pay
When does failure to report for work become abandonment, not illegal dismissal? A Supreme Court ruling explains the difference.
Strict Enforcement of the 60-Day Rule in Certiorari Petitions: Prudential Guarantee v. Court of Appeals
The Supreme Court affirms dismissal of a late certiorari petition, underscoring the mandatory and inextendible 60-day period under Rule 65.
Judge Dismissed for Gross Ignorance: The Rules on Preliminary Investigation and Bail
A judge's dismissal for mishandling preliminary investigations and bail bonds, and the lessons for judicial conduct.
Judicial Conduct and Dismissal: The Consequences of Gross Ignorance of the Law for Judges
A judge who flouts rules on preliminary investigation and bail faces dismissal. This case explains why.
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.
Integrity in Public Service: Dismissal for Immorality and Dishonesty in Data Sheet
Court interpreter dismissed for concealing criminal conviction and pending cases in her Personal Data Sheet, violating public trust.
Administrative Dismissal Withdrawal OF Complaint Does NOT Automatically Exonerate Respondent
Dismissal for Untimely Filing: Understanding Procedural Rules in Philippine Appeals
Learn why the Supreme Court upheld the dismissal of an appeal due to late docket fee payment, and what this means for litigants.
Balancing Technical Rules and Justice: The Discretion to Reinstate Appeals Despite Late Docket Fees
The Supreme Court clarifies when late payment of appellate docket fees may justify dismissal, and when courts may relax procedural rules.
Judicial Misconduct When Personal Interest Undermines Impartiality
When a judge becomes a party to cases before his own court, dismissal from service is the fitting penalty.
When Courts Must Independently Assess Criminal Case Dismissals: Judicial Discretion vs Agency Authority
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when courts may independently review prosecutorial dismissals of criminal cases versus deferring to agency authority.
Employee Transfers Management Rights VS Constructive Dismissal Claims
When is a transfer a valid management prerogative and not constructive dismissal? The Supreme Court explains in Mendoza v. Rural Bank of Lucban.
Breach of Trust Dismissal for Malversation of Public Funds by a Court Clerk
Court clerk dismissed for misappropriating judiciary funds; silence deemed admission; dishonesty and malversation warrant dismissal.
When a "Duplicate Original" Becomes a Technicality: Velasco v. Court of Appeals
The Supreme Court clarifies when a "duplicate original" copy satisfies appeal requirements, and when dismissal for technicality becomes grave abuse of discretion.
Public Trust Betrayed: Dismissal for Misappropriation of Judiciary Funds
Clerk of court dismissed for misappropriating judiciary funds; silence deemed admission of guilt in administrative cases.
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.
Breach of Trust: When Negligence Justifies Employee Dismissal in the Philippines
When does an employee's negligence justify dismissal for loss of trust and confidence? The Supreme Court explains in this Philippine labor case.
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.
Constructive Dismissal: Demotion and Salary Reduction as Grounds for Illegal Termination
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on constructive dismissal through demotion and salary reduction, explained in plain language for employees and employers.
Forum Shopping in Corporate Disputes: When Parallel Cases Get Dismissed
The Supreme Court explains when filing parallel cases on the same corporate dispute constitutes forum shopping, leading to dismissal.