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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Protecting Workers: Illegal Dismissal and the Rights of Pakyaw Employees in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that pakyaw workers are regular employees entitled to security of tenure, holiday pay, and service incentive leave pay.
Fixed-Term Employment vs Regular Employment: Security of Tenure Under the Labor Code
Explaining Oyster Plaza Hotel v. Melivo on when fixed-term and probationary workers become regular employees entitled to security of tenure.
Corporate Mergers and Employee Rights: Understanding Job Security in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court rules that corporate mergers do not terminate employees' jobs; absorbed workers continue employment with the surviving corporation.
Project Employees: When Length of Service Does Not Mean Regular Employment
Supreme Court clarifies that project employees may be validly terminated upon project completion, even after years of continuous service.
Project vs Regular Employment: Understanding Security of Tenure in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains when project employees become regular workers and how security of tenure applies in Philippine construction labor law.
Fixed-Term Contracts: What the 30-Day Notice Rule Means for Renewal
Supreme Court ruling on fixed-term contracts, the 30-day notice requirement, and automatic renewal implications for employers and employees.
Reorganization and Security of Tenure: Why Employees Must Exhaust Administrative Remedies First
Supreme Court ruling on LWUA reorganization clarifies that employees challenging government restructuring must first exhaust administrative remedies before going to court.
Court Employee Accountability: Certifying False Documents in the Philippine Judiciary
The Supreme Court holds court employees liable for grave misconduct and dishonesty for certifying spurious decisions, reinforcing public trust in the judiciary.
Mitigating Dismissal Proportionality in Disciplinary Actions for Rank and File Employees
When is dismissal too harsh for a first-time offense? The Supreme Court clarifies the rule on dishonesty and grave misconduct in public service.
Voluntary Resignation vs Constructive Dismissal: What Employees Must Prove
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the burden of proof in constructive dismissal claims involving voluntary resignation and retirement.
Independent Contractor vs Employee: The Right of Control Test in Philippine Labor Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the right of control test distinguishing independent contractors from employees in Valeroso v. Skycable.
Diminution of Benefits: Government Employees and Contractual Bonuses Clarified
Supreme Court clarifies when government employees may keep contractual bonuses like the 14th month pay, and the limits of non-diminution.
Beyond the Road: Field Personnel Status and Overtime Rights for Bus Employees in the Philippines
Supreme Court ruling clarifies that bus drivers and conductors are not field personnel, entitling them to overtime and service incentive leave pay.
Coca-Cola Route Helpers: Regular Employees Despite Agency Transfers
Philippine Supreme Court rules route helpers remain regular Coca-Cola employees despite transfers to labor contractors, applying stare decisis.
Procedural Due Process in Employment Termination: The Right to a Hearing
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that employers must provide a hearing or conference, not just written notices, before validly dismissing employees.
LRTA v. Pili: When a Government Agency Answers for a Subsidiary's Labor Debts
The Supreme Court clarifies when a government-owned corporation can be held liable for the monetary claims of a subsidiary's employees.
Upholding Ethical Standards: Dismissal for Dishonesty in Public Service
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on dismissal for dishonesty in public service, explaining ethical standards and consequences for government employees.
Demotion by Assignment: Protecting Employees from Constructive Dismissal
When does a transfer become constructive dismissal? The Supreme Court explains how demotion in rank, even without pay cut, violates security of tenure.
Supreme Court on COLA Back Pay for Water District Employees: Good Faith Excuses Refund
The Supreme Court ruled that water district employees need not refund disallowed COLA back pay, citing good faith and the integration of allowances under the Salary Standardization Law.
Dismissal FOR Grave Misconduct Extortion BY Court Employees Undermines Judicial Integrity
Fixed-Term Employment: When Repeated Contract Renewals Create Regular Employee Status
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when repeated fixed-term contract renewals convert employees to regular status with security of tenure.
Financial Assistance After Termination: Balancing Employee Rights and Employer Interests
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when separation pay may be granted to employees validly dismissed for just cause.
Maintaining Decorum: Ethical Standards for Court Employees in the Philippines
The Supreme Court reprimands a process server for discourtesy toward a superior, reaffirming strict ethical standards for all court personnel in the Philippines.
When Can an Employer Fire for Serious Misconduct and Loss of Trust? A Guide
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling on valid dismissal for serious misconduct and loss of trust and confidence in managerial employees.