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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Redundancy in Labor Law Justifying Employee Termination During Business Restructuring
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when business restructuring justifies termination and how regular employment status is determined under the four-fold test.
Defining Regular Employment: The Case of Dealco Farms and the Comboys
The Supreme Court clarifies the test for regular employment under Philippine labor law, emphasizing the employer's business nature and the employee's role.
Regular Employment and Security of Tenure: When Suspension and Reinstatement Bar Later Dismissal
The Supreme Court affirms that condonation of infractions and return to work protect an employee's security of tenure against dismissal.
Regular Employee Status, Security of Tenure, and Retirement Rights Under Philippine Labor Law
SC ruling on regular employment, illegal dismissal, and retirement rights under Article 302 of the Labor Code.
Reinstatement vs Retirement: Resolving Conflicting Employment Rights After Illegal Dismissal
When an illegally dismissed employee reaches retirement age, the right to reinstatement yields to the employer's valid retirement plan, the Supreme Court rules.
Independent Contractors vs Regular Employees: Defining the Boundaries of Employer Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies when a principal is not the employer of a contractor's workers, and why the regular employment test does not apply in trilateral arrangements.
Seafarer Misconduct and Due Process: Balancing Just Cause With Procedural Rights in Maritime Employment
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that seafarers dismissed for just cause without procedural due process get nominal damages, not reinstatement.
Regular Employment vs Fixed-Term Contracts: Security of Tenure for Electric Cooperative Linemen
When do fixed-term contracts mask regular employment? The Supreme Court clarifies security of tenure rules for linemen in Agusan del Norte Electric Cooperative v. Cagampang.
Upholding Trust AND Confidence IN Employment When Employee Actions Justify Dismissal
Breach of Trust and Due Process in Employment Termination: Striking a Balance
The Supreme Court clarifies when breach of trust justifies dismissal and when employers still owe procedural due process.
Seafarers Disability Incorrectly Filed Appeal Doesnt Forfeit Benefits DUE TO Illness Contracted During Employment
Project Employee Status Requires Clear Notice: Hanjin Heavy Industries v. Ibañez
When does a construction worker become a regular employee? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on project employment and termination.
Seafarer Death Benefits: The Primacy of the Employment Contract's Term
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a seafarer's death during the contract term entitles heirs to death benefits under the POEA Standard Employment Contract.
When Is Negligence "Gross and Habitual"? Lessons from Belle Corporation v. Macasusi
The Supreme Court clarifies the standard for dismissing employees for gross negligence and the rules on project versus regular employment in the Philippines.
Gross Negligence and Project Employment: Protecting Employee Rights Against Unjust Dismissal
Learn how the Supreme Court defined gross negligence and project employment in Belle Corporation v. Macasusi, protecting employees from unjust dismissal.
Insufficient Notice Leads to Illegal Dismissal of Seafarer: Due Process in Maritime Employment
A seafarer's dismissal was ruled illegal because vague logbook entries and a general notice failed the due process requirements under POEA rules.
Breach of Trust in Employment: When a Demand Letter Leads to Dismissal
A managerial employee's demand letter against her employer can justify dismissal for breach of trust under Philippine labor law.
Overseas Workers Rights Illegal Dismissal and Fair Compensation in Maritime Employment
Understand the Supreme Court ruling on illegal dismissal of overseas Filipino workers and how compensation is computed under RA 8042.
Dismissal vs Compassion: Balancing Employee Misconduct and Employment Security
The Supreme Court ruled that dismissal was too harsh for an employee's lapses during family crises, affirming that compassion tempers discipline.
Cooperative Membership vs Employment: Defining SSS Coverage Obligations
Supreme Court rules cooperatives can be employers of their owner-members for SSS coverage purposes, clarifying when membership does not negate employment.
Project vs Regular Employment: Clarifying Rights in Fixed-Term Contracts
The Supreme Court clarifies when repeated fixed-term hiring still means project, not regular, employment under Philippine law.
Mental Capacity and Employment: Protecting Employees From Unjust Dismissal
When can an employer drop a worker for mental incapacity? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules and due process requirements.
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.
Fixed-Term Employment: Employers Cannot Terminate Before Contract Expiry Without Just Cause
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on fixed-term employment: employers cannot terminate workers before contract expiry without just cause, even with waiver clauses.