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.
Security of Tenure vs Agrarian Reform: Fishpond Tenant's Vested Rights Prevail
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether fishpond tenants retain security of tenure after RA 7881 excluded fishponds from agrarian reform coverage.
Equitable Reduction of Penalties in Lease Agreements: Balancing Contractual Freedom and Fairness
Supreme Court rules that courts may reduce unconscionable penalties in lease contracts, ordering return of 50% of forfeited security deposits.
Security Deposit Forfeiture and Lease Improvements: The Florentino v. Supervalue Ruling
The Supreme Court limits security deposit forfeiture in lease contracts and clarifies when lessees may claim reimbursement for improvements.
48-Hour Notice Rule in Security Contracts: Rights and Responsibilities
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the 48-hour notice rule in security service contracts and when agencies may be held liable for property loss.
The Indispensable Appeal Bond in Illegal Dismissal Cases: A Lesson from Forever Security
Why failing to post an appeal bond in illegal dismissal cases is fatal, and what abandonment really requires under Philippine labor law.
Security of Tenure: Proving Tenancy Rights in Agricultural Land Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies that tenancy cannot be presumed; all six elements must be proven for security of tenure.
Breach of Trust vs Security of Tenure: When Is Dismissal Too Harsh?
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains why loss of trust and confidence does not give employers unlimited power to dismiss, even managerial employees.
Acting Appointments vs Security of Tenure: Clarifying Employment Rights in Philippine Schools
Understand the Supreme Court ruling on acting appointments in schools—when temporary positions do not ripen into permanent tenure.
Security of Tenure: Defining Agricultural Tenancy in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies what makes a person an agricultural lessee entitled to security of tenure under Philippine agrarian laws.
When a Lease of Coconut Trees Becomes an Agricultural Leasehold: Granada v. Bormaheco
The Supreme Court explains when a contract labeled as a lease of coconut trees may actually create an agricultural leasehold with security of tenure.
Abolition of Public Office: Balancing Government Reorganization and Security of Tenure
The Supreme Court explains when abolishing a government office is valid and how it differs from removal, protecting security of tenure.
Regular vs. Project Employees: Security of Tenure in Service Contracting
The Supreme Court clarifies when workers in service contracting are regular employees entitled to security of tenure, not mere project hires.
Regular Employment Status of Drama Talents: Security of Tenure vs Independent Contractorship
Philippine Supreme Court rules drama talents are regular employees, not independent contractors, when work is necessary to business.
Service of Summons on Corporations: When Courts Acquire Jurisdiction
Learn when Philippine courts acquire jurisdiction over a corporation—valid service of summons or voluntary appearance—from Orion Security v. Kalfam.
Serving at the Board's Pleasure: Security of Tenure for Water District General Managers in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether water district general managers serve at the board's pleasure or enjoy security of tenure.
Privatization of Power: When Government Policy Meets Employee Security
Explore the Supreme Court ruling on NPC privatization, employee security of tenure, and the doctrine of mootness in administrative law.
Regular vs Project Employment: Security of Tenure in Philippine Labor Law
When repeated rehiring for vague "projects" turns project employees into regular workers entitled to security of tenure.
Valid Service of Court Orders: When a Security Guard's Receipt Counts in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when service of court orders on a security guard counts as valid receipt, affecting deadlines for appeals.
Substantial Compliance Protecting Workers in Corporate Restructuring
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on substantial compliance in corporate restructuring and its impact on worker protections and employment security.
Retirement Plans and Security of Tenure: Voluntary vs Compulsory Retirement in the Philippines
When does a retirement plan violate security of tenure? The Supreme Court explains the difference between voluntary and compulsory retirement.
Prolonged Suspension Equals Constructive Dismissal: Security Guard Rights Under Philippine Labor Law
When a security guard's preventive suspension lasts beyond 30 days without pay, it becomes constructive dismissal entitling the worker to reinstatement and backwages.
Fixed-Term Employment and Security of Tenure: When Contracts Expire Without Illegal Dismissal
The Supreme Court explains when fixed-term employment is valid and why expiration of a contract is not illegal dismissal.
Fixed-Term Employment in the Philippines: When Contracts Don't Guarantee Fixed Terms
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when fixed-term employment contracts are invalid for circumventing security of tenure.
Suing Your Security Agency After a Robbery: The Post-Robbery Agreement Rule
When can a bank sue its security agency after a robbery? The Supreme Court explains post-robbery agreements and insurance claims.