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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Employee Theft and Termination: Defining Analogous Misconduct at Work
Theft from a co-employee is analogous to serious misconduct and can justify dismissal, even without employer loss.
Employee Theft and Termination: Defining Analogous Serious Misconduct in Philippine Labor Law
When does stealing a co-worker's property justify dismissal? The Supreme Court clarifies under Article 282 of the Labor Code.
Upholding Public Trust: Dishonesty Leads to Dismissal Despite Mitigating Factors
Supreme Court ruling shows falsifying a Daily Time Record is grave dishonesty warranting forfeiture of retirement benefits, even after resignation.
When an Employee's Unauthorized Acts Justify Dismissal: Meralco v. Dejan
The Supreme Court clarifies when an employee's unauthorized release of company property constitutes serious misconduct and loss of trust, justifying termination.
Breach of Trust: Employer May Dismiss for Misconduct Despite Acquittal
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that an employee's acquittal in a criminal case does not bar dismissal for loss of trust and confidence.
Loss of Confidence as a Valid Ground for Dismissal in Philippine Labor Law
When can an employer fire a worker for loss of confidence? The Paulino v. NLRC case explains the rules.
Breach of Trust and Confidence as Just Cause for Employee Dismissal in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains when an employer may validly dismiss an employee for loss of trust and confidence, citing Villanueva v. NLRC.
Loss of Confidence as Just Cause: Employee Dismissal Despite Criminal Acquittal
Can an employer fire an employee acquitted of theft? Yes, if substantial evidence supports loss of confidence. Learn the rule.
Drug Testing in the Workplace: Employer Rights vs Employee Rights and Due Process
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on drug testing in the workplace, balancing employer rights, employee rights, and due process in dismissal cases.
Habitual Tardiness and Misconduct: When Repeated Infractions Justify Dismissal
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when habitual tardiness, absenteeism, and insubordination justify dismissal, and the price of skipping due process.
Refusal to Obey and Dismissal: Lessons from Realda v. New Age Graphics
When can an employer fire a worker for refusing overtime? The Realda case explains just cause, due process, and nominal damages.
When Dismissal of the Main Case Kills Injunctions and Triggers Forum Shopping
A preliminary injunction dies with the main case. Filing similar suits in different courts is forum shopping.
Judicial Integrity Imperiled When Judges Betray Public Trust Lessons From Falsified Court Decisions
When a judge fabricates annulment decisions without proceedings, the Supreme Court shows why dismissal and disbarment follow.
Illegal Dismissal in the Philippines: When Loss of Trust and Confidence Doesn't Justify Termination
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that loss of trust and confidence requires willful breach by employee; poor sales performance alone is not enough.
Prescription Period for Illegal Dismissal: The 4-Year Rule in Philippine Labor Law
Illegal dismissal claims prescribe in four years, not three. Learn the rule and how refiling a case interrupts prescription.
Due Process in Employee Dismissal: Nominal Damages for Procedural Lapses
Learn how Philippine labor law treats dismissals for just cause without procedural due process, and when courts award nominal damages.
When Judges Ignore Court Directives: Administrative Consequences in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court rulings show judges who disregard court directives face administrative liability, including fines, suspension, or dismissal from service.
When a General Manager Is Not a Corporate Officer: Jurisdiction Over Illegal Dismissal Claims
The Supreme Court clarifies when a corporate officer is really an employee, and who has jurisdiction over dismissal disputes.
When Strikes Go Wrong: Illegal Dismissals and Union Security Clauses in the Philippines
Learn when terminating employees for union disloyalty is illegal, based on a Philippine Supreme Court ruling on certification elections and union security.
Union Security Clauses and the Freedom Period: When Dismissal for Disloyalty Fails
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that signing a certification election petition during the freedom period is not union disloyalty justifying dismissal.
Illegal Dismissal vs Abandonment: Supreme Court Clarifies Employer's Burden of Proof
The Supreme Court clarifies the burden of proof in illegal dismissal cases and what constitutes abandonment of work.
Probationary Employee Rights: When Misclassification Makes You Regular From Day One
Learn how the Supreme Court protects probationary employees from unfair dismissal and when lack of clear standards makes you a regular employee.
Verbal Dismissal in the Philippines: Why Oral Termination Is Illegal Without Due Process
Verbal dismissal alone cannot lawfully end employment in the Philippines. Learn the due process rules from Uy v. Centro Ceramica.
Repeated Infractions: When Company Policy Violations Justify Employee Dismissal in the Philippines
The Supreme Court ruled that an employee's repeated violations of company rules can justify dismissal, even if past offenses were already penalized.