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.
Separation Pay in the Philippines: How to Compute It Correctly
Learn how separation pay is computed in the Philippines under the Labor Code, who qualifies, and what employees are entitled to receive.
13th Month Pay Computation Philippines: Who Gets It and How It Works
Learn the 13th month pay computation in the Philippines, who is entitled to receive it, and how to calculate it correctly.
Final Pay in the Philippines: What It Includes and the 30-Day Deadline
Final pay in the Philippines must be released within 30 days of separation. Learn what it includes and the rules on payment.
Overtime Pay in the Philippines: Rates and How to Compute It
Overtime pay in the Philippines: learn the legal rates, how to compute overtime, and what the Labor Code says about extra work hours.
Maternity Leave in the Philippines: 105 Days and Other Benefits Under R.A. 11210
Learn the 105-day maternity leave rule in the Philippines, who qualifies, how to avail it, and extra benefits under R.A. 11210.
Retirement Pay in the Philippines Under R.A. 7641: Who Qualifies and How It's Computed
Learn who qualifies for retirement pay in the Philippines under R.A. 7641, how the half-month salary is computed, and what the compulsory retirement age is.
Withholding Tax on Compensation in the Philippines: How It Works
Learn how withholding tax on compensation in the Philippines works, who deducts it, and what employees should know about income tax.
DMW License for Recruitment Agencies in the Philippines: Requirements
Learn how to secure a DMW license for recruitment agencies in the Philippines, including the requirements under RA 11641 and the licensing process.
OFW Placement Fees: What Recruiters May and May Not Charge
Learn what placement fees OFWs may legally be charged, what recruiters cannot collect, and how to fight illegal charges.
OWWA Membership in the Philippines: Benefits and How to Enroll
Learn about OWWA membership in the Philippines, its benefits for overseas Filipino workers, and how to enroll as a member.
OFW Employment Contract Philippines: POEA Rules and Standard Terms Explained
Understand the OFW employment contract Philippines POEA rules require, including standard terms, illegal recruitment, and worker protections under Philippine law.
COA’s Limited Role in Enforcing Final Court Judgments on Government Liabilities
The Supreme Court clarifies that COA cannot determine funding sources for final judgments, ensuring government obligations are honored without delay.
Can Creditors Garnish Public Officials' Salaries? Supreme Court Says Yes
Public officials' salaries are not exempt from garnishment absent a specific law, the Supreme Court ruled, clarifying the limits of wage protection.
Vicarious Liability of Schools: When Teachers Answer for Student Negligence
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when school principals and teachers are vicariously liable for student acts causing injury to third persons.
Reinstatement Wages After Illegal Dismissal: The 'Final Reversal' Rule Explained
When must employers pay reinstatement wages after an illegal dismissal ruling? The Supreme Court clarifies the "final reversal" rule in Del Monte Land Transport.
Upholding Moral Standards: Dismissal for Gross Immorality in the Judiciary
Court personnel face dismissal for gross immorality, even in private life, as the Supreme Court reaffirms exacting ethical standards.
Overtime Rights Security Guard DTRs As Proof Of Extra Hours
Security guards can prove overtime work through DTRs countersigned by the client. A 2024 Supreme Court ruling explains the rules.
Floating Status in Philippine Labor Law: When Suspension Becomes Illegal Dismissal
Learn when an employee's floating status becomes illegal dismissal under Philippine law, based on a 2024 Supreme Court ruling.
Misclassified Employee or Domestic Worker? Key Lessons from Gaspar v. M.I.Y. Real Estate
The Supreme Court clarifies when a worker is a regular employee versus a domestic worker under Philippine law.
GSIS Housing Loans and Insurance: Protecting Heirs' Rights After a Borrower's Death
A Supreme Court ruling on GSIS housing loans clarifies when Sales Redemption Insurance applies and how heirs can save a deceased borrower's property from cancellation.
Constructive Dismissal of OFWs: When Unbearable Work Conditions Amount to Illegal Termination
The Supreme Court clarifies when unbearable working conditions abroad amount to constructive dismissal of OFWs, entitling them to back wages and damages.
One-Year Ban on Appointments for Losing Candidates: Understanding the Restrictions
The Supreme Court clarifies the one-year constitutional ban on appointing losing candidates to government posts, including contractual engagements.
Psychological Incapacity and Expert Testimony: What Zamora v. Zamora Means for Nullity Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies that a psychological assessment report is not indispensable in nullity cases—totality of evidence is what matters.
Reviving Accountability: Condonation Doctrine and Preventive Suspension in Philippine Governance
Supreme Court clarifies the condonation doctrine and preventive suspension rules for public officers facing administrative and criminal liability.