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.
Forum Shopping in the Philippines: Avoiding Conflicting Court Decisions
The Supreme Court clarifies the prohibition on forum shopping in labor cases, warning parties against raising the same issues in multiple forums to delay execution.
Understanding Compromise Agreements in Labor Disputes: When Are They Valid
The Supreme Court clarifies when compromise agreements and quitclaims in labor cases are valid, and when courts may invalidate them.
Lawyer Suspended for Neglecting Client’s Case and Failing to Inform Her of Adverse Decision
The Supreme Court suspends a lawyer for six months for neglecting a client’s labor case and failing to inform her of the adverse decision, which barred her appeal.
Piercing the Corporate Veil in Labor Cases: The Toledo Construction Ruling
When courts ignore corporate structures to enforce labor judgments, protecting workers from fraudulent asset transfers and evasion.
Unfair Dismissal: Protecting Employees From Arbitrary Termination and Belated Evidence
The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on belated evidence in labor cases and reaffirms protections against illegal dismissal under Philippine law.
When Foreclosure Is Valid Despite Pending Labor Case: HSBC v. Galang
The Supreme Court clarifies when a lender may foreclose despite a pending illegal dismissal case, applying debtor-creditor rules.
Piercing the Corporate Veil in Labor Cases: A Supreme Court Guide
The Supreme Court explains when courts can pierce the corporate veil to hold owners liable for unpaid labor judgments.
Piercing the Corporate Veil in Labor Cases: When Owners and Related Companies Can Be Held Liable
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts can pierce the corporate veil in labor disputes and hold owners and related firms solidarily liable for judgments.
Resignation and Commission Rights: Insights From a Philippine Labor Case
A seafarer's resignation and quitclaim can bar disability claims. Learn the rules on valid waivers and company doctor assessments.
Illegal Dismissal Claims: Key Insights From a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on illegal dismissal claims, the burden of proof on employees, and why position papers matter in labor cases.
Employee Dismissal and Due Process: Lessons from the TESDA v. Abragar Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when a void judgment in labor cases can be attacked, and why impleading indispensable parties matters.
Indispensable Parties in Labor Cases: Lessons from TESDA v. Abragar
Learn why impleading all indispensable parties is critical in labor disputes, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in TESDA v. Abragar.
Proving Illegal Dismissal: The Burden of Substantial Evidence in Philippine Labor Cases
Learn how the Supreme Court defines the employee's burden of proof in illegal dismissal cases, based on the Jarabelo ruling.
Understanding Forum Shopping: Protecting Legal Integrity and Client Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies forum shopping rules, penalizing a lawyer with two-year suspension for refiling a dismissed labor case.
Understanding Forum Shopping: A Philippine Lawyer's Duty to Avoid Duplicative Suits
The Supreme Court explains forum shopping and res judicata through a lawyer's two-year suspension for filing a duplicative labor case.
Just Cause for Dismissal: The Role of Evidence in Philippine Labor Disputes
When can an employer dismiss workers for just cause? The Supreme Court clarifies the evidentiary standard in labor cases.
Constructive Dismissal and Abandonment: Key Insights from a Philippine Labor Case
Learn how Philippine courts distinguish constructive dismissal from abandonment of work, and when separation pay is due.
Navigating the Thin Line Between Ecclesiastical and Secular Affairs: Insights from a Landmark Philippine Supre
When does a church dispute become a labor case? The Supreme Court clarifies the boundary between ecclesiastical affairs and secular employment.
Substantial Evidence in Labor Dismissals: When the Supreme Court Steps In
Explore when the Supreme Court reviews factual findings in labor cases, and how substantial evidence supports valid employee dismissal.
Finality of Monetary Awards in Labor Cases: The Tan v. Dagpin Rule
Learn how the Supreme Court's Tan v. Dagpin ruling protects final labor judgments from recomputation after full payment.
Strained Relations Doctrine Reinstated: When Separation Pay Beats Reinstatement in Labor Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when strained relations justify separation pay over reinstatement, even for rank-and-file employees.
When a Transfer Is Not Constructive Dismissal: Management Prerogative in Labor Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when an employee transfer is a valid exercise of management prerogative and not constructive dismissal.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: Holding Affiliate Companies Liable for Illegal Dismissal
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when affiliate corporations can be held solidarity liable for illegal dismissal and monetary awards in labor cases.
Separation Benefits Under Company Policy: Proving Entitlement in Philippine Labor Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when employees can claim separation benefits under company policy, and what evidence proves entitlement.