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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Employee Status Under the Control and Economic Reality Tests in Labor Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies how the control test and economic reality test determine employee status in Philippine labor law.
Dishonesty and Due Process: When Breach of Trust Justifies Termination
Supreme Court affirms dismissal of sales clerk for unauthorized scrap metal sale, clarifying just cause and due process in Philippine labor law.
When Can Loss of Trust Justify Employee Dismissal in Philippine Labor Law
Loss of trust justifies dismissal only for positions of confidence and must rest on substantial evidence, not mere suspicion.
Beyond Resignation: Constructive Dismissal and Harassment Claims in Philippine Labor Law
When does a resignation become constructive dismissal? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on forced resignation and workplace harassment claims.
Successor Liability in Philippine Labor Law: When Is a Company Responsible for Another's Debts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a company becomes liable for another firm's labor debts under successor liability rules.
Probationary Employment Termination: When Failure to Evaluate Means Regular Status
Learn when a probationary employee becomes regular and how employers must prove valid termination under Philippine labor law.
Regularization of Employees and Business Closure: Key Labor Law Lessons
Understand employee regularization rules, contractual obligations, and valid business closure under Philippine labor law.
Certiorari vs Appeal: Understanding Proper Remedies in Illegal Dismissal Cases in the Philippines
Learn the difference between certiorari and appeal in Philippine labor cases, and why choosing the wrong remedy can cost you your case.
Regular vs Project Employees: Understanding Security of Tenure in Philippine Labor Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the test for regular vs project employee status, security of tenure, and the two-notice rule in illegal dismissal cases.
Optional Retirement vs Financial Assistance: Employee Rights and Employer Prerogatives in Philippine Labor Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when optional retirement is an employer's prerogative and when financial assistance may still be granted as an equitable concession.
Due Process for Probationary Employees Navigating Termination and Notice Requirements in Philippine Labor Law
Understand the due process rights of probationary employees in the Philippines, including termination rules, notice requirements, and legal remedies.
When Strikes Turn Illegal Understanding Return TO Work Orders IN Philippine Labor LAW
Voluntary Resignation vs Illegal Dismissal: Key Differences and Employer Responsibilities in Philippine Labor
Learn the key differences between voluntary resignation and illegal dismissal in Philippine labor law, and what employers must do to avoid liability.
Just Cause vs Due Process: Navigating Employee Dismissal in the Philippines
Learn the difference between just cause and due process in Philippine labor law, and what employers must do to make dismissals valid.
Maintaining Decorum: Why Respectful Language Is Non-Negotiable for Lawyers in the Philippines
The Supreme Court's Molina v. Pacific Plans ruling clarifies how a manager's disrespectful conduct and disloyalty can justify dismissal under Philippine labor law.
Dismissal vs Proportionality: Employee Rights in Philippine Labor Law
When is dismissal too harsh a penalty for employee misconduct? The Supreme Court explains the rule of proportionality in labor cases.
Retrenchment in Philippine Labor Law: When Cost-Cutting Becomes Illegal Dismissal
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the strict requirements for valid retrenchment and redundancy, and the consequences of bad-faith dismissals.
Finality of Supreme Court Decisions: Understanding Res Judicata in Philippine Labor Disputes
Learn how the doctrine of res judicata bars relitigation of final labor rulings, with practical guidance for employers and employees.
Employee vs Stockholder Status: When Managers Are Still Employees Under Philippine Labor Law
Supreme Court clarifies when a manager who may also be a stockholder remains an employee entitled to labor law protections.
When Valid Dismissal Means No Separation Pay: Serious Misconduct Under Philippine Labor Law
Philippine Supreme Court rules on when validly dismissed employees lose separation pay due to serious misconduct under Article 282 of the Labor Code.
Balancing Employer Rights AND Employee DUE Process IN Termination Cases
A supervisor’s dismissal for abuse of authority upheld: the Supreme Court clarifies the twin requirements of valid termination under Philippine labor law.
Employee Misconduct and Loss of Trust: When Off-Duty Actions Justify Dismissal in Philippine Labor Law
When can off-duty conduct justify dismissal? The Supreme Court explains serious misconduct and loss of trust in Lopez v. NLRC.
Union Busting or Business Judgment? Understanding Legitimate Closures Under Philippine Labor Law
When can a company close a department without being guilty of union busting? The Supreme Court explains in this labor law case.
Workplace Stress and Heart Attacks: Protecting Employees Under Philippine Labor Law
Can a driver-messenger claim compensation for a heart attack? The Supreme Court says yes when work stress and strain contribute. Learn the rules.