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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Reinstatement Without Backwages: Balancing Employee Rights and Employer Prerogatives in Labor Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when a business closure is valid, when procedural lapses only merit nominal damages, and when corporate veils may be pierced.
Breach of Contract and Nominal Damages When Extraordinary Diligence Falls Short
When a shipper breaches a contract but the insurer fails to prove actual loss, the Supreme Court awards nominal damages instead.
Breach of Contract Alone Does Not Justify Compensatory Damages: Pryce Properties v. Octobre
The Supreme Court clarifies when breach of contract warrants compensatory damages versus nominal damages, and when attorney's fees may be recovered.
Due Process in Employment Termination: Balancing Cause and Procedure
The Supreme Court clarifies that dismissals with just cause remain valid even without procedural due process, but employers must pay nominal damages.
Just Cause vs. Due Process: When a Valid Dismissal Still Costs the Employer
A valid dismissal for just cause does not erase the employer's duty to observe procedural due process. The Supreme Court explains the two-notice rule and nominal damages.
Temperate vs Nominal Damages: When Philippine Courts Award Moderate Compensation
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when temperate damages apply instead of nominal damages, using a shipping collision case as the guide.
Due Process in Termination: Employer's Duty to Ensure Fair Hearing and the Scope of Nominal Damages
Supreme Court clarifies employers' duty to observe procedural due process in dismissals and the proper basis for awarding nominal damages.
When Can a Property Buyer Be Liable in a Forcible Entry Case?
The Supreme Court rules that a subsequent buyer of property cannot be held liable for nominal damages unless it violated the plaintiff's rights.
Nominal Damages Liability of a Third Party Transferee in Property Disputes
A third-party buyer of property cannot be held liable for nominal damages unless it violated the plaintiff's rights.
Due Process in Employee Dismissal: Nominal Damages for Procedural Lapses
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that dismissing an employee for just cause still requires procedural due process, or the employer pays nominal damages.
Just Cause Dismissal Still Requires Due Process: Nominal Damages for Twin-Notice Violation
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that even valid dismissals for just cause require the twin-notice rule; failure to comply merits nominal damages.
Airline Breach of Contract of Carriage: Nominal Damages for Flight Disruptions
When do flight disruptions give rise to nominal damages? The Supreme Court clarifies airline and travel agent liability for breach of contract of carriage.
Breach of Company Policy in Employee Termination: Due Process Lessons from SURNECO v. Gonzaga
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling shows that violating your own company procedure during dismissal can cost an employer P30,000 in nominal damages even if the dismissal is valid.
Just Cause vs. Due Process: Supreme Court on Employee Dismissal and Company Procedure
When is a dismissal valid despite procedural lapses? The Supreme Court clarifies just cause, due process, and nominal damages in labor cases.
Refusal to Obey and Dismissal: Lessons from Realda v. New Age Graphics
When can an employer fire a worker for refusing overtime? The Realda case explains just cause, due process, and nominal damages.
Due Process in Employee Dismissal: Nominal Damages for Procedural Lapses
Learn how Philippine labor law treats dismissals for just cause without procedural due process, and when courts award nominal damages.
When Dust Settles Lawsuits Rise Understanding Neighbor Disputes and Damages from Construction in the Philippin
The Supreme Court clarifies when construction dust and debris entitle a neighbor to damages, distinguishing moral from nominal damages.
Retrenchment and Release: Balancing Employer Rights and Employee Protection in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies valid retrenchment requirements, the role of quitclaims, and when nominal damages apply in labor cases.
Due Process in Termination: Balancing Employer Rights and Employee Protection in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that dismissal for just cause still requires procedural due process, with nominal damages for violations.
Misconduct vs Termination: Balancing Employee Rights and Employer Prerogatives
A seafarer's dismissal for a positive drug test is upheld, but the Court awards nominal damages for lack of due process.
Due Process vs Abandonment: Balancing Employee Rights in Termination Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that valid dismissal for abandonment still requires due process; employers must pay nominal damages for notice violations.
Abandonment of Work and Due Process: When Dismissal Is Valid but Still Costs the Employer
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that abandoning work is a just cause for dismissal, but employers who skip the two-notice rule still pay nominal damages.
Just Cause vs Due Process: What Bacolod-Talisay Realty Teaches About Employee Dismissal
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on dismissal with just cause but defective procedure, explaining nominal damages for employees.
Upholding Due Process in Termination: Nominal Damages for Procedural Lapses
When dismissal has just cause but lacks due process, employers pay nominal damages. Learn the twin notice rule.