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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The Control Test in Illegal Dismissal Cases: De los Santos v. NLRC
How Philippine courts determine the real employer using the control test, and why a labor-only contractor cannot shield a company from liability.
When Judges Err on Compromise Agreements: A Lesson in Judicial Duty
A judge's dismissal of an already-decided case shows why ignorance of the law is no defense for members of the bench.
Strict Rules on Appeal Briefs: Why Technical Defects Can Cost a Case
The Supreme Court explains why a defective appellant's brief can lead to dismissal of an appeal, even if the case has merit.
Dismissal of Court Employee for Misconduct, Dishonesty, and Abuse of Authority in the Judiciary
A sheriff and court OIC was dismissed for drunken misconduct, dishonesty, and abuse of authority. The ruling underscores ethical standards in the judiciary.
Dismissal for Judicial Misconduct: Impartiality and Diligence in Granting Hospital Confinement
A judge's dismissal for granting hospital confinement without hearing shows why diligence and impartiality are non-negotiable in every judicial act.
Dismissal of Judge for Extortion-Adjacent Misconduct: Public Trust in the Judiciary
Supreme Court dismisses Judge Muro for gross misconduct in releasing a detained accused—a lesson on judicial integrity and due process.
Judicial Duty vs Dereliction: Balancing Discretion and Due Diligence in Preliminary Investigations
A judge's dismissal of a case without proper preliminary investigation constitutes dereliction of duty, as shown in this administrative case.
Docket Fees vs Filing Brief: Understanding Grounds for Appeal Dismissal in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that failure to file an appellant's brief is not the same as non-payment of docket fees for appeal dismissal.
Resignation VS Illegal Dismissal Employee Rights AND Separation PAY
When Immediate Court Action Is Allowed: Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies Explained
The Supreme Court explains when the exhaustion of administrative remedies rule may be set aside, using a teacher's dismissal case as an example.
Medical Certification and Due Process in Employee Dismissal: Protecting Workers from Arbitrary Termination
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on Cathay Pacific v. NLRC clarifies rules on medical certification and due process in employee dismissal for disease.
Burden of Proof in Illegal Dismissal: Unsigned Records Cannot Justify Termination
Unsigned records and self-serving documents cannot justify employee dismissal. The Supreme Court clarifies the employer's burden of proof in illegal termination cases.
Dismissal Dilemmas Proving Just Cause AND Ensuring DUE Process IN Labor Disputes
Mootness in Administrative Cases When Dismissal Renders Judicial Review Unnecessary
When the Ombudsman dismisses administrative charges, a pending petition questioning a preventive suspension order becomes moot. The Supreme Court explains.
Upholding Judicial Integrity: Dismissal for Immoral Conduct and Breach of Ethical Standards
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling shows why judges can be dismissed for immoral conduct and how a family's withdrawal of a complaint does not stop disciplinary action.
Sheriff’s Neglect of Duty: When Failure to Implement a Writ Means Dismissal
The Supreme Court held a sheriff liable for grave misconduct and gross dishonesty for failing to implement a writ of preliminary attachment and mishandling funds.
Preventive Suspension VS Illegal Dismissal Protecting Employee Rights IN THE Philippines
Unlawful Termination Employer Liability AND Employee Rights IN Dismissal Cases
Constructive Dismissal When Employer Actions Force Resignation: Hyatt Taxi Services vs. Catinoy
Preventive suspension beyond 30 days and conditional reinstatement can amount to constructive dismissal, as ruled in Hyatt Taxi Services vs. Catinoy.
Certification Election Findings on Employment Not Binding in Dismissal Cases
A Supreme Court ruling explains why a certification election finding on employer-employee relationship cannot bar a later illegal dismissal case.
PAGCOR v. Rilloraza: When Is an Employee Dismissal for Misconduct Valid?
Supreme Court explains when workplace misconduct justifies dismissal and when it is only simple neglect of duty, with security of tenure protected.
Dismissal for AWOL: Upholding Accountability in Public Service
Supreme Court affirms dismissal of court stenographer for habitual absenteeism and AWOL, reinforcing strict standards of public accountability.
Upholding Employee Rights Illegal Dismissal AND THE Importance OF DUE Process
Court Stenographer Dismissed for Habitual Absenteeism and AWOL: A Lesson in Public Accountability
Explore the Supreme Court's dismissal of a court stenographer for habitual absenteeism and AWOL, and the standards of conduct expected of court personnel.