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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Security OF Tenure Illegal Dismissal AND THE Rights OF Security Guards
Balancing Technical Rules and Justice When the Court of Appeals Must Review Cases on Merit
The Supreme Court clarifies that failure to attach all pleadings to a Rule 42 petition should not automatically result in outright dismissal.
Litis Pendentia When Two Courts Collide Over Amusement Taxes
When two courts hear the same dispute over amusement tax rewards, litis pendentia allows dismissal of the later suit.
Breach of Public Trust: When Dismissal in Government Service Fails Due Process
A Supreme Court ruling on why a government employee's dismissal for insubordination was void for violating due process requirements.
Authority to Represent: Clarifying Witness Competency in Land Registration Cases
Supreme Court clarifies that witnesses need no special authorization to testify, reversing dismissal of land registration case.
Constructive Dismissal: Demotion and Intolerable Working Conditions Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies constructive dismissal through demotion and intolerable working conditions in The Orchard Golf and Country Club v. Francisco.
Loss of Confidence in Dismissal Cases: Employers Must Substantiate the Breach of Trust
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that loss of trust and confidence requires clear, convincing proof, not mere allegations.
Overseas Workers' Full Compensation for Illegal Dismissal: Key SC Ruling
SC clarifies that illegally dismissed overseas workers with contracts under one year get full unexpired term salaries, including benefits.
Dismissal for Misconduct When Neglect and Delay Cost Judicial Positions
A municipal treasurer's dismissal for serious dishonesty and grave misconduct was upheld despite procedural lapses, as the Supreme Court ruled on appeal rules and substantial justice.
Abandonment vs. Illegal Dismissal: Employer's Burden of Proof in Philippine Labor Law
When does absence become abandonment? The Supreme Court clarifies the employer's burden of proof in illegal dismissal cases.
Breach OF Trust AN Employees Dismissal FOR Dishonesty AND THE Limits OF Employer Discretion
Due Process vs Valid Dismissal: Balancing Employee Rights and Employer Authority in Termination Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies the requisites for valid retrenchment, distinguishing authorized causes from procedural due process in termination cases.
Retrenchment Validity: Balancing Employer Prerogative and Employee Security of Tenure
The Supreme Court clarifies the requisites for valid retrenchment and when quitclaims bar illegal dismissal claims in Pepsi-Cola v. Molon.
When Bank Officers Face Dismissal for Breach of Trust: The Cruz v. BPI Case
A bank assistant manager's dismissal for approving fraudulent dollar transactions is upheld by the Supreme Court as valid breach of trust.
Balancing Employee Discipline AND Compassion THE Illegality OF Disproportionate Dismissals
When is dismissal too harsh? The Supreme Court rules on proportionate penalties in labor discipline cases.
Redundancy Dismissal: Employers Must Prove Justification, Not Just Declare It
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that employers cannot simply declare redundancy—they must present substantial proof to justify dismissal.
Reckless Driving vs. Employee Rights: When Can a Driver Be Dismissed?
A bus driver's dismissal for reckless driving and dishonesty was upheld, but the employer still paid damages for skipping the twin-notice rule.
Accountability and Authority When Officials Overlook Financial Red Flags
A GSIS executive's dismissal for approving a flawed bid and premature payment, and the limits of certiorari.
Resignation vs Termination: Protecting Seafarer Rights in Contract Disputes
Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a seafarer's request to be relieved amounts to resignation, not illegal dismissal.
Forum Shopping Dismissal Affirmed FOR Seeking Conflicting Remedies IN Separate Suits
Standing to Sue: Why Private Complainants Cannot Appeal Criminal Dismissals Alone
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why private complainants lack legal standing to appeal criminal case dismissals without the Solicitor General.
Prolonged Layoff Equals Constructive Dismissal Employer Liability FOR Separation PAY
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when prolonged layoff becomes constructive dismissal, entitling employees to separation pay and backwages.
Probable Cause and Judicial Discretion: Safeguarding Against Unjust Prosecution
The Supreme Court affirms a trial judge's dismissal of murder cases for lack of probable cause, clarifying judicial discretion in warrant issuance.
Upholding Employers Right Willful Disobedience AS Just Cause FOR Termination
Supreme Court ruling on willful disobedience as just cause for dismissal, explaining employer rights and employee duties under Philippine labor law.