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.
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.
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.
Certiorari vs Appeal: Choosing the Right Path for Legal Review in the Philippines
Learn when to file a petition for certiorari versus an appeal under Rule 45, explained through a Philippine Supreme Court labor case.
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.
Valid Dismissal for Insubordination: Employee Rights and Company Discipline in the Philippines
Understand when a strike is legal and dismissal valid under Philippine labor law, based on a Supreme Court ruling on employee rights.