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.
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.
Service Incentive Leave in the Philippines: Who Is Entitled to 5 Days
Service incentive leave Philippines: learn who gets 5 paid days, who is exempt, and how unused leave is paid.
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.
Logbook Entries Alone Insufficient to Prove Illegal Dismissal of Seafarer
Supreme Court rules a vessel logbook entry alone cannot prove a seafarer's incompetence; employers must show substantial evidence for valid dismissal.
Illegal Dismissal and Contractual Rights for Seafarers: Key Lessons from Loadstar v. Erispe
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies seafarers' rights on illegal dismissal, vacation leave, overtime pay, and medical expense claims under the POEA-SEC.
Seafarer Claims After Illegal Dismissal: Lessons from a Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies what benefits illegally dismissed seafarers can claim, and the strict rules on overtime pay and medical reimbursement.
Falsifying Time Records and Habitual Absenteeism in the Judiciary: A Lesson in Accountability
The Supreme Court disciplines court personnel for falsified DTRs and habitual absenteeism, reaffirming strict ethical standards in the judiciary.
Protecting Workers: Illegal Dismissal and the Rights of Pakyaw Employees in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that pakyaw workers are regular employees entitled to security of tenure, holiday pay, and service incentive leave pay.
Habitual Tardiness in the Judiciary: When Punctuality Becomes a Ground for Dismissal
Court employee dismissed for habitual tardiness and absenteeism. Learn the rules on punctuality and public trust in the Judiciary.
Finality of Judgments: Repeated Motions for Reconsideration in Administrative Cases
Supreme Court warns against filing repeated motions for reconsideration in administrative cases, affirming the doctrine of finality of judgments.
Deemed Approved Leave: What Happens When Government Agencies Ignore Leave Applications
When government agencies fail to act on leave applications within five working days, the leave is deemed approved. Learn the rules and protections.
Solidary Liability of Recruitment Agencies: Protecting Overseas Workers' Right to Fair Compensation
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on recruitment agencies' solidary liability for overseas workers' unpaid wages and the prescriptive period for money claims.
Dismissal for Prolonged AWOL Upholds Public Service Accountability
Court employee dropped from rolls after prolonged AWOL. The ruling affirms strict accountability for public servants.
Abandonment of Work: Proving Intent to Sever Employment in Philippine Labor Law
Explaining when absence becomes abandonment under Philippine law, using the Supreme Court's ruling in Aliten v. U-Need Lumber.
Protecting Seafarer Rights When Letters of Indemnity Don't Hold Water in Illegal Dismissal Cases
Philippine Supreme Court rules that seafarers' letters of indemnity are void when coerced, upholding illegal dismissal claims and wage protections.
Court Employee Misconduct: When Drunkenness at Work Means Simple Misconduct
A court aide who showed up drunk at the Palace of Justice was fined P5,000 for simple misconduct. Learn the rules on decorum for judiciary employees.
When Can Your Boss Transfer You? Understanding Lawful Orders and Insubordination in Philippine Labor Law
The Supreme Court explains when a transfer is a valid management prerogative and when refusing it becomes insubordination.
Overriding Commissions After Retirement: Employee Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether employees can claim commissions earned before retirement but paid after. Learn the rules.
When Can an Employee Be Dismissed: The Rule on Immediate Reinstatement Pending Appeal
Learn the rule on immediate reinstatement pending appeal in illegal dismissal cases, explained through the Philippine Airlines v. NLRC ruling.
Establishing Employer-Employee Relationship Is Key to Illegal Dismissal Claims in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why proving employer-employee relationship is essential before an illegal dismissal case can prosper.
When Is a Police Officer Considered On-Duty? Compensation Under Philippine Law
Philippine law treats police officers as on duty 24 hours a day for compensation purposes. Learn how this affects claims under the Employees' Compensation Program.