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.
When Does a Company Bonus Become a Demandable Right in the Philippines?
Learn when a company bonus becomes a demandable right under Philippine law, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Maternal vs. Coca-Cola Bottlers.
Seafarer Death Benefits: Prescription Periods and Proving Work-Related Death
Learn the strict rules on prescription and compensability in seafarer death benefit claims, based on a recent Supreme Court ruling.
When a Dismissed Employee Can Vote: Certification Election Rules Clarified
The Supreme Court clarifies when dismissed employees may vote in certification elections and how blank ballots affect majority computation.
CBA vs Bank Policy: Protecting Workers' Rights Against Unilateral Loan Changes
Supreme Court rules banks cannot impose credit-check requirements on CBA salary loans without negotiating with the union first.
Union Dues Increase: Supreme Court Requires Strict Compliance for Agency Fees
The Supreme Court ruled that increased union agency fees require strict compliance with Labor Code approval and documentation requirements.
Good Faith in Collective Bargaining: Philippine Rule on Fair Labor Practices
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies good faith bargaining duties, unfair labor practice, and when strikes are justified in CBA negotiations.
Finality of Judgments: The Binding Effect of Unchallenged Court Orders
A Supreme Court ruling on how an unchallenged labor decision becomes final, binding, and bars re-litigation of the same issues.
CBA Loan Benefits vs Bank Policy: When Management Rules Violate the Agreement
SC rules on when a bank's "no negative data bank" policy for employee loans violates the existing CBA. Learn the limits of management prerogative.
Voluntary Arbitration vs. Labor Arbiter: Philippine Labor Dispute Jurisdiction
When does voluntary arbitration prevail over Labor Arbiter jurisdiction? The Supreme Court clarifies in University of the Immaculate Conception v. NLRC.
Illegal Strikes and Reinstatement: Balancing Rights and Responsibilities in Labor Disputes
Philippine law on illegal strikes and reinstatement: what workers and employers must know about protected concerted activity and its limits.
Gender Equality in Retirement: Challenging Discriminatory Collective Bargaining Agreements
When can a flight attendant challenge a discriminatory retirement age in court? The Supreme Court clarifies jurisdiction over CBA provisions.
Compulsory Retirement at 60: When Company Policy Violates Security of Tenure
A company policy forcing retirement at 60 can be illegal dismissal. The Supreme Court explains the difference between voluntary and compulsory retirement.
Defining Confidential Employees: Balancing Labor Rights and Management Prerogatives in Collective Bargaining
Supreme Court ruling on confidential employees in bargaining units and acting capacity pay, balancing labor rights with management prerogatives.
Jurisdiction vs Exercise of Jurisdiction: Upholding Court Authority Despite Procedural Errors
The Supreme Court clarifies that jurisdiction over labor cases persists despite procedural lapses, and rules on retirement age, CBA benefits, and tax refund claims.
Who Pays for an Illegal Strike? National Union Liability Under Philippine Law
When a local union stages an illegal strike, can the national union be held liable for damages? The Supreme Court clarifies agency and responsibility.
Wage Distortion In The Philippines Understanding Collective Bargaining And Legal Remedies
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies wage distortion, collective bargaining rights, and legal remedies for employees facing demotion or illegal dismissal.
Contract Bar Rule Explained: Certification Elections and CBAs in the Philippines
Learn how the contract bar rule limits certification elections during a CBA's term, based on the Formey Plastic case.
Check-Off Provisions in Philippine Labor Law: Employer Liability for Uncollected Union Dues
When an employer fails to deduct union dues under a CBA check-off, is it liable for the uncollected amount? The Supreme Court clarifies.