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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Court Employee Dismissed for Habitual Absenteeism and Insubordination
Philippine Supreme Court dismisses court utility worker for habitual absenteeism, AWOL, and insubordination, affirming strict standards for judiciary employees.
Defiance and Dismissal: Loss of Retirement Benefits for Striking Employees
When a pilot defied a return-to-work order, he lost his employment status and, ultimately, his retirement benefits. Here's why.
Court Personnel and Homeowners' Association Duties: When Civic Service Is Not Moonlighting
Supreme Court clarifies when court employees may serve in homeowners' associations without violating conduct rules on outside employment.
Floating Status Limits and Project Employee Regularization in Philippine Labor Law
Supreme Court clarifies six-month limit on floating status and when project employees become regular under Philippine labor law.
Civic Duty vs Conflict of Interest: Court Employees and Community Leadership
The Supreme Court clarifies when court personnel may serve as homeowners' association officers without violating conduct rules.
When Is an Illness Compensable? GSIS v. Tañedo on Work-Connection Evidence
The Supreme Court clarifies the evidence needed to prove work-connection for non-occupational diseases under the Employees' Compensation Law.
Can Employees Get Attorney's Fees Even If Represented By PAO? Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: employees represented by the Public Attorney's Office can still receive attorney's fees in labor cases.
Abandonment Requires Clear Intent Protecting Employees From Unjust Dismissal
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that abandonment of work requires clear intent to sever employment, not mere absence from work.
Maintaining Decorum: Workplace Altercations and the Duty of Court Employees in the Philippines
The Supreme Court fined two court employees for a workplace altercation, reaffirming that decorum and professionalism are non-negotiable in the judiciary.
Workplace Conduct: Upholding Decorum Among Court Employees in the Philippines
The Supreme Court reminds court personnel that professionalism and decorum are non-negotiable, fining two employees for a workplace altercation.
PAO Representation Does Not Bar Attorney's Fees Award in Labor Cases
Supreme Court rules that employees represented by the Public Attorney's Office can still recover attorney's fees from employers who unlawfully withheld wages.
Redundancy Programs Ensuring Fairness IN Employee Selection
The Supreme Court rules that a redundancy program must use fair criteria in selecting employees to dismiss, not just general business logic.
Judicial Accountability vs Mercy: Balancing Misconduct Penalties with Mitigating Circumstances
The Supreme Court shows how mitigating circumstances can temper penalties for court employees guilty of grave misconduct, gross neglect, and dishonesty.
Maintaining Labor Peace: The Duty to Preserve Status Quo During Labor Disputes
Learn how the Supreme Court protects employees from illegal dismissal and clarifies the duty to maintain the status quo during labor disputes.
When Court Employees Overstep: The Caoili Case on Judicial Misconduct
A clerk of court dismissed for grave misconduct after leaking an unsigned order, procuring lawyers, and receiving monthly payments from a litigant.
When a Judge's Business Dealings Amount to Conduct Unbecoming a Judge
The Supreme Court fined a judge P5,000 for selling rice to court employees, ruling it violated judicial conduct rules on financial dealings.
Regular Employment vs Independent Contractor: The Control Test in Philippine Labor Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when construction workers are regular employees, not independent contractors, using the four-fold test and control test.
Court Employees' Misappropriation of Funds: Administrative Liability and Penalties
Explore the Supreme Court's ruling on court employees found guilty of dishonesty and grave misconduct for misappropriating judiciary funds.
Breach of Trust: Dismissal for Dishonesty and Misconduct in Public Service
Court employees who misappropriate judiciary funds face dismissal for dishonesty, grave misconduct, and gross neglect of duty.
Constructive Dismissal Claim Fails Without Proof of Overt Dismissal Act
Supreme Court clarifies that employees alleging constructive dismissal must prove actual dismissal, not just claim it.
Government Spending on Refresher Courses That Benefit Both Employees and the Agency
Supreme Court rules government agencies may fund refresher courses that prepare employees for eligibility exams when the agency also benefits.
Procedural Due Process in Administrative Cases: When a Show Cause Memorandum Suffices
The Supreme Court clarifies when a show cause memorandum satisfies procedural due process in administrative disciplinary proceedings against government employees.
Court Personnel’s Failure to Pay Just Debts: Administrative Liability Explained
Court employees who borrow from lawyers with pending cases and fail to pay face administrative sanctions. Learn the rules.
Debt Default and Court Personnel: Ethical Standards for Court Employees
A court stenographer's unpaid debt to a lawyer with a pending case leads to suspension, underscoring ethical standards for court personnel.