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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Backwages After a Return-to-Work Order: Lessons from ALECO v. ALEO
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when backwages are due after the Labor Secretary assumes jurisdiction over a strike and issues a return-to-work order.
When Labor Officials Cannot Appeal: The Real Party-in-Interest Rule
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that quasi-judicial officers like the Labor Secretary cannot appeal adverse appellate decisions, reinforcing judicial detachment.
Certiorari and the Secretary of Labor: Ensuring Procedural Correctness in Labor Disputes
When can a party file certiorari against the Labor Secretary's decision? The Supreme Court clarifies the proper remedy and timing.
Protecting Workers Rights Employer Interference AND Unfair Labor Practices
Supreme Court clarifies the proper remedy for challenging the Labor Secretary's assumption of jurisdiction over strikes in industries vital to national interest.
Jurisdiction Over OFW Disciplinary Cases: POEA vs NLRC Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies that the NLRC has no appellate jurisdiction over POEA disciplinary action cases against OFWs; appeals go to the Labor Secretary.
POEA Jurisdiction Over Seafarer Disciplinary Cases: NLRC Has No Appellate Review
Supreme Court clarifies that appeals from POEA disciplinary action cases against seafarers go to the Labor Secretary, not the NLRC.
When the Secretary of Labor May Award Higher Wages Than a Union MOA
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether the Labor Secretary can grant wage increases higher than a union's memorandum of agreement.
When Strikes Defy Orders: Consequences for Union Officers in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on illegal strikes, union officer liability, and penalties for defying labor secretary orders.
Illegal Strike Penalties: Union Officers' Dismissal Upheld in PILTEA Case
Supreme Court reinstates dismissal of union officers who staged illegal strike despite Labor Secretary's assumption order and procedural violations.
Reinstatement of Union Members: Scope of Labor Secretary's Order in Illegal Strike Cases
Supreme Court clarifies which union members are reinstated under a Labor Secretary's assumption-of-jurisdiction order in illegal strike cases.
Employer Status and Return-to-Work Orders: PLDT v. MKP on Labor Disputes
The Supreme Court rules on the limits of the Labor Secretary's power to exclude redundant workers from return-to-work orders under Article 263(g).
Labor Secretarys Authority Reinstatement Orders AND THE Scope OF Labor Disputes
Exhausting Administrative Remedies: A Key Principle in Philippine Labor Disputes
Why skipping the appeal to the Labor Secretary doomed a union's election protest before the Supreme Court.
Limits of DOLE Jurisdiction: When the Labor Secretary Can Intervene in Philippine Labor Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies that the Labor Secretary may only assume jurisdiction over strikes in industries indispensable to national interest.
Secretary of Labor's Power to Assume Jurisdiction in Labor Disputes: A Guide
Learn when the Labor Secretary can assume jurisdiction over strikes and lockouts, and what this means for workers and employers.