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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Quitclaims and Illegal Dismissal: Understanding Employee Rights and Waivers in the Philippines
When is a quitclaim valid? The Supreme Court explains the rules on waivers and illegal dismissal in Vergara v. CDM Security Agency.
Security of Tenure vs. Appointment: The Dator Case on Local Government Officials
The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on appointing municipal administrators, the condonation doctrine, and the limits of injunctive relief in Ombudsman cases.
Piece-Rate Workers Are Regular Employees Entitled to Security of Tenure
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that piece-rate payment does not negate regular employment, and abandonment requires proof of intent.
Fixed Term vs Project Employment: Protecting Workers' Security of Tenure
Philippine law on fixed-term and project employment, and how the Supreme Court protects workers' security of tenure against circumvention.
Reorganization in Bad Faith: Protecting Security of Tenure in Government Service
When government reorganizations target employees in bad faith, security of tenure still protects them. Learn the legal standard.
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.
Illegal Dismissal vs. Abandonment: When Turning Over Files Means Termination
The Supreme Court clarifies when an employee's turnover of files signals dismissal rather than abandonment, protecting workers' security of tenure.
Gopio v. Bautista: Security of Tenure for OFWs and the Limits of Contractual Termination Clauses
The Supreme Court voided a contract clause allowing an employer to dismiss an overseas worker on any ground with one month's pay, reaffirming security of tenure for OFWs.
Project Employment vs Regular Employment: Security of Tenure in Construction
The Supreme Court clarifies when construction workers are project employees, not regular employees, and their rights to wages and benefits.
When Union Disaffiliation Leads to Dismissal: Union Security Clauses and Illegal Strikes
The Supreme Court clarifies who may enforce a union security clause and when a strike becomes illegal, affecting dismissal of union officers and members.
Prolonged Floating Status of Security Guards Is Constructive Dismissal
Security guards placed on floating status beyond six months are constructively dismissed. Learn the rule from Padilla v. Airborne Security.
Security of Tenure: Prolonged Floating Status Is Constructive Dismissal
When a security guard's floating status exceeds six months, it becomes constructive dismissal. The Supreme Court explains the rule.
Quieting of Title: Banks Must Verify Ownership Before Accepting Untitled Land as Mortgage
A bank that fails to verify ownership of untitled land before accepting it as mortgage security loses the property. Learn the rules on quieting of title and due diligence.
Abandonment vs Illegal Dismissal: Protecting Security Guards' Rights
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a security guard who abandons his post may be validly dismissed versus illegally terminated.
Burden of Proof in Illegal Dismissal: Employer's Duty vs. Security Guard's Claim
Who bears the burden of proof in illegal dismissal cases? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on voluntary resignation vs. constructive dismissal.
Union Expulsion vs Dismissal: When a Union Security Clause Cannot Justify Termination
Supreme Court rules union officers cannot be expelled and dismissed based on grounds for impeachment under the union constitution.
Upholding Agrarian Reform Security of Tenure Prevails Despite Land Reclassification
Supreme Court rules tenants' rights survive land reclassification, affirming DARAB jurisdiction over agrarian disputes despite zoning changes.
Upholding Title Security: Collateral Attacks on Land Titles Face Strict Scrutiny
The Supreme Court reaffirms that Torrens titles, including those from emancipation patents, cannot be collaterally attacked, protecting landowners from indirect challenges.
When Business Closure Is Valid: Employer Prerogative vs. Employee Security
The Supreme Court explains when a company may validly close operations and terminate employees, and how workers can challenge the closure.
Security of Tenure, Constructive Dismissal, and the Floating Status of Security Guards in the Philippines
When does a security guard's floating status become constructive dismissal? The Supreme Court clarifies the six-month rule.
Security of Tenure vs Management Prerogative: Constructive Dismissal of Security Guards
When is a security guard on floating status constructively dismissed? The Supreme Court clarifies the six-month rule and the burden of proof.
Upholding Just Cause for Dismissal: The Importance of Challenging Adverse Rulings in Labor Disputes
Security guards on floating status beyond six months may be constructively dismissed, but employees must first prove dismissal.
Neglect of Duty: Reliance on Subordinates Does Not Excuse Lack of Due Diligence
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on managerial employees, loss of trust and confidence, and dismissal for breach of security protocols.
Security of Tenure for OFWs: Why Illegal Dismissal and Void Contracts Matter
A Supreme Court ruling affirms that overseas Filipino workers enjoy security of tenure, and contracts violating this right are void.