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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Religious Freedom and SSS Coverage: The Salvation Army Case Explained
The Supreme Court ruled that religious ministers can be SSS-covered employees. Learn how the Court balanced faith and social security law.
Understanding Penalties and Probation: Key Insights From a Landmark Social Security Fraud Case
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies penalties for SSS fraud, probation disqualification, and why courts cannot impose outdated sentences.
Employer Liability for Unremitted SSS Contributions: Key Lessons from the Supreme Court
The Supreme Court clarifies employer liability for unremitted SSS contributions, damages, and penalties under the Social Security Act.
Social Security Coverage: Who Qualifies as an Employer and Member Rights
Supreme Court clarifies SSS coverage rules, employer definition, and member rights in Haveria v. SSS.
Second Marriages and SSS Benefits: Proving Legal Spousal Status for Social Security Claims
The Supreme Court clarifies that only a legal spouse qualifies for SSS death benefits, even if the member designated a second wife as beneficiary.
Res Judicata in Social Security Cases When Prior Labor Rulings Prevail
Explore how the Supreme Court applied res judicata to bar an SSS contribution claim after a final NLRC ruling on employer-employee relationship.
Defining Employer When Family Administration Creates Social Security Obligations
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a family member managing a hacienda becomes an "employer" liable for SSS contributions.
Directors Personally Liable for Unremitted SSS Contributions: The Garcia Doctrine
The Supreme Court holds directors personally liable for collected but unremitted SSS contributions, piercing the corporate veil under the Social Security Law.
Lawyer's Neglect of Client's Case Warrants Suspension from Practice
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for three months for gross negligence in failing to file position paper and attend hearings before the Social Security Commission.
CNA Signing Bonuses: Protecting Social Security Funds From Unauthorized Disbursements
The Supreme Court ruled that the SSS cannot grant CNA signing bonuses to its employees, protecting workers' trust funds from unauthorized disbursements.
Employee vs Independent Contractor: SSS Coverage for Farmworkers in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a "pakyaw (piece-rate) basis considered an employee entitled to compulsory Social Security System (SSS) coverage? The ruling is a reminder that the label used b