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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
Illegal Dismissal in the Philippines: Why Employers Bear the Burden of Proof
In illegal dismissal cases, Philippine law places the burden of proof on the employer. Learn the rules from Austria v. NLRC.
Project Employee vs Regular Employee: Fixed-Term Contracts and Illegal Dismissal in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when project employees become regular, and why fixed-term contracts do not permit illegal dismissal.
Loss of Confidence as a Valid Ground for Dismissal: What Employers Must Prove
The Supreme Court explains when loss of confidence justifies employee dismissal and why employers cannot rely on mere suspicion.
When Negligence Isnt Gross Understanding Illegal Dismissal IN THE Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when employee negligence is not "gross" enough to justify dismissal under the Labor Code.
Floating Status and Constructive Dismissal: Security Guards' Rights in the Philippines
Security guards placed on floating status for over six months may claim constructive dismissal. Learn the rules from a Supreme Court case.
Abandonment vs. AWOL: When Unauthorized Absence Is Not Illegal Dismissal
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when unauthorized absences amount to abandonment of work, and when they only merit suspension instead of dismissal.
Honesty in Public Service: Why Truthfulness in Your Personal Data Sheet Matters
A professor's dismissal for writing "MBA" instead of "MBA units" in his Personal Data Sheet shows why accuracy in public documents is non-negotiable.
Voluntary Resignation vs Constructive Dismissal: Protecting Employee Rights in the Philippines
Understand the difference between voluntary resignation and constructive dismissal in Philippine labor law, as explained in Admiral Realty v. NLRC.
When Can an Employee Be Dismissed for Loss of Confidence: Philippine Jurisprudence
Understand when loss of confidence justifies dismissal under Philippine labor law, as clarified by the Supreme Court in Coca Cola Bottlers v. NLRC.
Docket Fees and Court Jurisdiction in the Philippines: Payment Rules to Avoid Case Dismissal
Learn how Philippine courts treat docket fees, jurisdiction, and the risk of dismissal when damages are not specified in complaints.
When Supervening Events Trump Dismissal: Due Process and Equity in Philippine Administrative Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how supervening events and equity can overturn an administrative dismissal despite valid due process.
Redundancy and Retrenchment: Balancing Business Viability and Employee Rights in the Philippines
Philippine law allows redundancy and retrenchment as valid grounds for dismissal, but employers must meet strict legal requirements. This article explains the rules.
Retrenchment and Redundancy in the Philippines: Employer Rights and Employee Protections
Philippine law allows retrenchment and redundancy as valid grounds for dismissal. This article explains the rules employers must follow and the protections workers retain.
Missed Deadlines Dismissed Appeals Why Timely Filing Is Non-Negotiable in Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court affirms dismissal of an appeal for a late brief, underscoring that procedural deadlines bind both counsel and clients.
Unfounded Misconduct Claims: Protecting Public Servants From False Accusations
Learn how Philippine jurisprudence protects employees from baseless misconduct allegations and requires employers to prove just cause for dismissal.
Illegal Dismissal in the Philippines: Proving Your Case Even Without a Termination Letter
Illegal dismissal can be proven even without a termination letter. Learn the rules from a Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
Certiorari vs Appeal: When Courts Can Review Dismissal Orders in Administrative Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when certiorari, not appeal, is the proper remedy for challenging dismissal orders in administrative disputes.
Certiorari vs Appeal: Choosing the Right Legal Remedy in Philippine Courts
Learn why certiorari cannot substitute for a lost appeal in ejectment cases, and how choosing the wrong remedy leads to dismissal.
Upholding Judicial Efficiency: The Supreme Court's Stance on Court Working Hours and Accountability
The Supreme Court clarifies that answering nature's call is not abandonment of work, and dismissal for such trivial infraction is illegal.
When Nature Calls: Can Your Employer Fire You for Using the Restroom?
Supreme Court rules answering the call of nature is not a just cause for dismissal—know your rights under Philippine labor law.
Employer-Employee Relationship and the Control Test: Lessons from Villa v. NLRC
The Supreme Court's ruling in Villa v. NLRC clarifies the control test in employer-employee relationships and the rules on evidence in illegal dismissal cases.
Due Process in Employee Dismissal: When Can New Evidence Be Introduced on Appeal?
When can an employer introduce new evidence on appeal in a dismissal case? The Supreme Court explains the limits of due process.
Due Process in Employee Dismissal: Understanding Illegal Termination Under Philippine Labor Law
Learn the two-notice rule and just causes for valid dismissal in the Philippines from the Gothong Lines case on illegal termination.
Child Support Cannot Be Waived: Res Judicata in Philippine Family Law
Philippine Supreme Court rules that a child's right to support cannot be renounced or barred by a prior dismissal, citing Civil Code Articles 301 and 2035.