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.
Finality vs Justice: Reconciling Immutability of Judgments With Equitable Labor Standards
The Supreme Court clarifies when a final judgment can be reconsidered, balancing the doctrine of immutability with the rights of illegally dismissed employees.
Loss of Trust and Confidence: When Can Philippine Employers Dismiss Managerial Employees?
The Supreme Court in Manese v. Jollibee clarifies the less stringent standard for dismissing managerial employees for loss of trust and confidence.
Wage Deductions VS Post Employment Claims Protecting Employee Rights
Learn how the Supreme Court protects employee rights in wage deductions, labor-only contracting, and illegal dismissal cases under Philippine law.
Retirement Benefits CBA vs Labor Code: Pilot Entitlements Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when CBA retirement benefits prevail over Labor Code Article 287, using a PAL pilot's case as guide.
Self-Defense Claim Fails Without Unlawful Aggression in Murder Conviction
Supreme Court affirms murder conviction, holding that self-defense requires proof of unlawful aggression, which was absent when the victim was unarmed and attacked suddenly.
Illegal Dismissal vs Abandonment: Supreme Court Clarifies Employer's Burden of Proof
The Supreme Court clarifies the burden of proof in illegal dismissal cases and what constitutes abandonment of work.
Accountability in Public Office: Understanding Malversation of Public Funds in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains the elements of malversation of public funds and why restitution does not erase criminal liability for accountable officers.
Probationary Teacher Rights in the Philippines: Non-Renewal and Security of Tenure
When can a private school validly refuse to renew a probationary teacher's contract? The Supreme Court's ruling in St. Paul College vs. Ancheta explains.
Employee Transfers and Constructive Dismissal in the Philippines: Employer Rights and Employee Protection
When is a job transfer constructive dismissal? The Supreme Court explains management prerogative, diminution of benefits, and employee rights.
OFW Illegal Dismissal: Full Back Pay for Unexpired Contract After Yap v. Thenamaris
Learn how the Supreme Court awarded an OFW full salaries for the unexpired contract after illegal dismissal, applying the Serrano ruling.
When NO Means GO Understanding Lawful Employee Transfers AND Insubordination IN THE Philippines
Learn Philippine labor law on employee transfers and insubordination—when a "no" to a lawful order can cost a job.
Neglect of Duty in Public Service: Timely Delivery of Court Funds and Reports
Court employee fined for simple neglect of duty after failing to deposit collections on time and submit monthly reports.
Security of Tenure Prevails: Illegal Dismissal and the Employer's Burden of Proof
When an employer claims abandonment or habitual absenteeism, it bears the burden of proof. This case explains why.
Security of Tenure, Constructive Dismissal, and Floating Status in Security Agencies
When a security guard's floating status exceeds six months, the law treats it as constructive dismissal. Learn the rules from this Supreme Court case.
Calculating Loss of Earning Capacity in Wrongful Death Claims: The Roberto Lopez Case
The Supreme Court in People v. Lopez clarifies the formula for computing loss of earning capacity in wrongful death cases.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When Parent Companies Face Liability for Labor Violations
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when parent companies can be held liable for subsidiaries' labor violations, explained for employees and businesses.
Indirect Employers' Solidary Liability: Protecting Workers' Monetary Claims Under the Labor Code
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling on indirect employers' solidary liability for workers' wages, 13th month pay, and other monetary benefits.
Seafarers Disability When Standard Contracts Limit Compensation For Illnesses
SC rules basketball injury on board is work-related under the Bunkhouse Rule, entitling seafarer to disability benefits.
Reinstatement Rights of Police Officers After Acquittal: The Roaquin Case
When can a discharged police officer demand reinstatement and back pay after acquittal? The Supreme Court explains in Calinisan v. Roaquin.
Seafarers' Rights: Employer Liability for Illness Manifesting During Employment Despite Post-Contract Death
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on seafarer death benefits when illness manifests during employment but death occurs after contract term.
Retirement Benefits: When Incentives During Corporate Reorganization Are Narrowly Interpreted
Supreme Court rules retirement gratuities under EO 756 were temporary reorganization incentives, not permanent benefits including allowances.
Constructive Dismissal: Balancing Management Prerogative and Employee Rights
Learn when a job transfer amounts to constructive dismissal under Philippine labor law and how courts balance employer prerogative with employee rights.
Reassignment and RATA: When Government Employees Keep Their Allowance
The Supreme Court clarifies when a reassigned local government employee may continue receiving RATA, balancing administrative authority with employee rights.
When a Family Trust Fails: Proving Partnership and Ownership After Death
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how to prove a partnership existed and who owns family assets when a relative dies without formal documents.