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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Proving Illegal Dismissal: The Employee’s Initial Burden in Labor Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies the burden of proof in illegal dismissal cases and when dismissal for willful disobedience is lawful.
Abandonment vs. Constructive Dismissal: Proving Intent in Philippine Labor Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the elements of abandonment of employment and why employers must prove clear intent to sever the employer-employee relationship.
Abandonment vs. Illegal Dismissal: Burden of Proof in Philippine Labor Cases
Learn how the Supreme Court distinguishes abandonment from illegal dismissal and who bears the burden of proof in termination disputes.
Forum Shopping Dismissal of Labor Case Reversed for Lack of Basis
Supreme Court clarifies that filing separate labor standard and illegal dismissal cases in different fora does not constitute forum shopping.
Just Cause vs. Due Process: Supreme Court on Employee Dismissal and Company Procedure
When is a dismissal valid despite procedural lapses? The Supreme Court clarifies just cause, due process, and nominal damages in labor cases.
Supreme Court: Strict Adherence to Procedural Rules Prevails in Labor Appeals
Learn when courts may relax procedural rules in labor cases and why the Supreme Court rejected a belated appeal in Building Care Corp. v. Macaraeg.
Substantial Compliance with Procedural Rules: Santos v. Litton Mills and the Primacy of Justice
The Supreme Court relaxes procedural rules when there is substantial compliance, ensuring justice prevails over technicalities in labor cases.
Final Judgments Are Immutable: Limits of Legal Review in Labor Cases
A final judgment cannot be reopened. Learn how the Supreme Court applied the immutability doctrine in a labor dispute.
Appeal Bonds for GOCCs in Labor Disputes: The Banahaw Broadcasting Case
When must government-owned corporations post appeal bonds in labor cases? The Supreme Court clarifies in Banahaw Broadcasting.
Employer Liability for Employee Negligence: Proving Due Diligence in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on employer liability for employee negligence and the burden of proving due diligence in labor cases.
Finality of Judgments: Understanding Immutability and Exceptions in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies the doctrine of finality of judgments and its exceptions in a labor case involving illegal dismissal and retirement.
Compromise Agreements in Labor Cases: Upholding Freedom to Contract and Settling Disputes
The Supreme Court affirms a compromise agreement ending a long-running illegal dismissal case, underscoring the validity of amicable settlements in labor disputes.
Compromise Agreements in Labor Cases: When Settlements Are Final and Binding
The Supreme Court affirms a compromise agreement between Coca-Cola and workers, explaining when quitclaims and settlements are valid and binding.
When Does the 10-Day Appeal Period Start in Illegal Dismissal Cases?
Learn when the 10-day appeal period starts in labor cases and why a security guard's receipt of a decision may not bind the employer.
Anib v. Coca-Cola: Technical Rules Yield to Substantial Justice in Labor Cases
Supreme Court reminds courts that procedural technicalities should not bar review of labor cases, remanding an illegal dismissal dispute for hearing on the merits.
Dismissal Disputes Balancing Procedural Rules With Substantial Justice IN Labor Cases
Explore how the Supreme Court prioritized substantial justice over procedural technicalities in a criminal case, ensuring fairness prevails.
Appeal Dismissed: Failure to Post Appeal Bond Is Jurisdictional Defect in Labor Cases
Learn why failing to post an appeal bond in labor cases is a jurisdictional defect that can cost you your appeal.
Personal Liability of Corporate Officers: Limits on Altering Final Labor Judgments
When can corporate officers be personally liable in labor cases? The Supreme Court clarifies limits on modifying final judgments.
Retrenchment and Release: Balancing Employer Rights and Employee Protection in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies valid retrenchment requirements, the role of quitclaims, and when nominal damages apply in labor cases.
Toll Fee Deductions and Due Process: Protecting Employee Wages and Rights in Dismissal Cases
Supreme Court rules on illegal wage deductions from commissions and clarifies the 30-day preventive suspension rule in labor cases.
Collective Bargaining Agreements and Voluntary Arbitration in Labor Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on CBA disputes, grievance machinery, and voluntary arbitration jurisdiction in labor cases.
Illegal Dismissal, Retirement Age, and Employee Benefits: Key Lessons from Ondevilla v. Colegio de San Juan de
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on constructive dismissal, optional retirement, and CBA benefits for managerial employees in this Philippine labor case.
Perfecting Appeals Strict Compliance With Appeal Bonds In Labor Cases
Learn why the Supreme Court requires strict compliance with appeal bonds and deadlines in labor cases, and what happens when employers fail to perfect their appeals on time.
Dismissal Based on Technicality When Courts Must Prioritize Justice Over Procedure
The Supreme Court relaxes procedural rules in labor cases to resolve the merits of an illegal dismissal dispute involving retirement age.