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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
NTC Primary Jurisdiction Over Access Charge Disputes: PT&T v. Smart Communications
When do courts yield to the NTC on telecom access charge disputes? The Supreme Court clarifies the doctrine of primary jurisdiction.
Preventive Suspension for Separate Offenses: Smart Communications v. Solidum
Supreme Court clarifies that employers may impose fresh preventive suspensions for newly discovered offenses, and explains the limits of the rule.
Dishonesty as Just Cause for Dismissal: Lessons from the Smart Communications Case
When a department head approved fictitious marketing projects and fake agencies, the Supreme Court upheld dismissal for loss of trust and confidence.
Reinstatement During Appeal: Employer Must Pay Wages Until Final Reversal
Employers must pay reinstatement wages during appeal until the NLRC reversal becomes final. Learn the rule from Smart Communications v. Solidum.
When 'In Lieu of All Taxes' Does Not Mean Local Tax Exemption: Smart Communications v. City of Davao
The Supreme Court ruled that a franchise's "in lieu of all taxes" clause covers only national taxes, not local franchise taxes.