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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Grave Misconduct and Personal Loans: When Public Officials Cross Legal Lines
The Supreme Court clarifies when a public official's personal loan becomes grave misconduct, and the proper remedy to question Ombudsman dismissals.
Probationary Employment Standards: When Vague Job Rules Lead to Illegal Dismissal
The Supreme Court clarifies when vague probationary standards make an employee regular, and the consequences for employers who fail to set clear job expectations.
The Right to Speedy Disposition of Cases: When Delay Dismisses a Libel Charge
A six-year delay in resolving a preliminary investigation violates the constitutional right to speedy disposition of cases, leading to dismissal.
Timely Payment of Docket Fees in Appeals: A Guide to Avoiding Case Dismissal
Learn how the Supreme Court's ruling in Ang v. Court of Appeals underscores the mandatory payment of appellate docket fees to perfect an appeal.
Understanding the Limits of Private Complainants in Challenging Criminal Case Dismissals in the Philippines
Explore how Philippine courts treat private complainants' appeals in criminal case dismissals, including standing and procedural rules.
Who May Appeal a Criminal Case Dismissal? The Rule on Private Complainants
A private complainant cannot question the dismissal of a criminal case; only the OSG may appeal the criminal aspect. Learn the rule.
Speedy Disposition of Cases: When Ombudsman Delay Justifies Dismissal
The Supreme Court clarifies when Ombudsman delay violates the constitutional right to speedy disposition of cases, applying the Cagang guidelines.
Speedy Disposition of Cases: When Ombudsman Delay Justifies Dismissal
The Supreme Court clarifies when the Ombudsman's inordinate delay in preliminary investigation violates the constitutional right to speedy disposition of cases.
Judicial Duties in Bail Applications: The Consequences of Gross Ignorance of the Law
A judge's dismissal for granting bail without hearings shows why bail rules demand strict compliance. Learn the duties.
Illegal Dismissal and Union Busting: What SPC Power v. Santos Teaches Employers
The Supreme Court explains when dismissal becomes illegal, focusing on union busting and the employer's burden of proof in termination cases.
Understanding Illegal Dismissal When Mistakes Dont Justify Firing
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when retrenchment is illegal dismissal, requiring proof of losses and fair selection criteria.
Illegal Dismissal and Wage Claims: Lessons from Lusabia v. Super K Drug Corporation
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies abandonment of employment, the employer's burden of proof in wage disputes, and remedies for illegally dismissed workers.
Valid Dismissal and Separation Pay: Key Lessons from a 2020 Supreme Court Ruling
A 2020 Supreme Court ruling clarifies when dismissal for willful disobedience is valid and when separation pay may—or may not—be granted.
Reinstatement and Length of Service: Employee Rights in Illegal Dismissal Cases
When illegally dismissed employees return to work, does their service clock reset? The Supreme Court clarifies the reckoning point for length of service.
Illegal Dismissal of Seafarers: Due Process and Contract Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the twin notice rule and monetary awards for illegally dismissed seafarers under Philippine law.
Understanding Redundancy In Employment Legal Grounds And Employer Obligations In The Philippines
Learn the legal grounds for redundancy in the Philippines, employer obligations, and how courts review these dismissals.
Balancing Speedy Trial Rights With the State's Right to Prosecute: Castañeda v. People
The Supreme Court clarifies when dismissal for delayed prosecution violates double jeopardy and the limits of the right to speedy trial.
Understanding Double Jeopardy Insights From A Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Case
The Supreme Court explains when dismissal of a criminal case does not trigger double jeopardy, using the Anti-Hazing Law case of Castañeda v. People.
Regular vs Fixed-Term Employment: Know Your Rights as a Philippine Employee
Understand the difference between regular and fixed-term employment in the Philippines, and learn how courts protect employees from illegal dismissal.
Understanding Constructive Dismissal in OFW Rape and Harassment Cases: Insights from the Supreme Court
The Supreme Court clarifies constructive dismissal for OFWs facing sexual harassment and abuse, emphasizing totality of evidence over waivers.
Protecting Seafarers From Sexual Harassment and the Right to Damages
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on constructive dismissal of an OFW household worker who faced sexual harassment and maltreatment abroad.
Understanding Constructive Dismissal: Protecting Your Rights as an Employee
Learn what constructive dismissal means in Philippine labor law, how "floating status" affects security guards, and your rights as an employee.
Understanding Illegal Dismissal and Due Process Rights in Philippine Workplaces
The Supreme Court clarifies the twin requirements of substantive and procedural due process in employee termination cases.
Reinstatement in Illegal Dismissal: The Strained Relations Doctrine Explained
Illegal dismissal entitles workers to reinstatement and backwages. The strained relations doctrine is a narrow exception—learn how courts apply it.