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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Grievance Before Strike: SC Upholds CBA Machinery in Labor Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court rules unions must exhaust CBA grievance and arbitration procedures before declaring a strike, citing San Miguel Corp. v. NLRC.
Employer-Employee Relationship and the Control Test: Lessons from Villa v. NLRC
The Supreme Court's ruling in Villa v. NLRC clarifies the control test in employer-employee relationships and the rules on evidence in illegal dismissal cases.
Verbal Promises to Forgive Debt: Why Philippine Law Demands Written Agreements
Philippine law requires written agreements for debt forgiveness. Learn from PLDT v. NLRC why verbal promises are risky and how to protect your rights.
Meal Breaks Outside Company Premises Do Not Constitute Abandonment of Post
Philippine Airlines v. NLRC clarifies that employees may take meal breaks outside company premises without being guilty of abandonment of post.
Due Process in Labor Disputes: What Pepsi Cola v. NLRC Teaches About Fair Hearings
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that due process in labor cases means notice and opportunity to be heard, not endless chances to submit pleadings.
When Labor Tribunals Must Relax Technical Rules: The Lamsen Case
A look at Philippine Scout Veterans v. NLRC, where the High Court reminded labor tribunals to prioritize substance over technicalities.
Perfecting Your Appeal: Understanding Appeal Bonds in Philippine Labor Cases After R.A. 7730
Learn how R.A. 7730 changed appeal bonds in Philippine labor cases, plus key lessons from Producers Bank v. NLRC on jurisdiction and retirement benefits.
Contractor vs Employee: When a Principal Isn't the Employer in Service Agreements
Philippine Airlines v. NLRC clarifies when job contracting is legitimate, who bears liability for separation pay, and why control matters.
Project vs Regular Employment: What San Miguel v. NLRC Teaches About Employee Status
Understand project vs regular employment in the Philippines through San Miguel Corp. v. NLRC, a landmark case on employee classification and security of tenure.
Labor-Only Contracting and Illegal Dismissal: Ponce v. NLRC Explained
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on labor-only contracting, employer-employee relationships, and illegal dismissal in Ponce v. NLRC.
When a Labor Arbiter's Order Becomes Final and Executory: Lessons from Schering Employees' Labor Union v. NLRC
The Supreme Court clarifies when a Labor Arbiter's dismissal order becomes final and executory, and why it cannot be amended after the appeal period lapses.
Who Bears the Burden of Proof in Philippine Labor Disputes Over Unpaid Wages
A look at Ropali Trading v. NLRC, where the Supreme Court clarified who must prove payment of wages and commissions in labor cases.
Reinstatement vs. Separation Pay: Proportionality in Philippine Labor Law
PAL v. NLRC clarifies when redundancy justifies dismissal and why separation pay, not reinstatement, is the proper remedy.
Certiorari vs Appeal: The Proper Way to Challenge NLRC Decisions in the Philippines
Learn the correct remedy for questioning NLRC decisions—certiorari under Rule 65, filed with the Court of Appeals, not a direct appeal.
Supreme Court Limits Its Own Power: NLRC Cases Now Start at the Court of Appeals
The Supreme Court ruled that petitions challenging NLRC decisions must first be filed with the Court of Appeals, respecting the hierarchy of courts.
Invalid Sheriff's Sale: Protecting Property Rights in Judgment Execution
Learn from Dayonot v. NLRC why a sheriff's lack of authority voids an auction sale and what it means for judgment execution.
Can Promotional Salary Increases Offset Statutory Wage Hikes? PAL Ruling
Philippine Airlines v. NLRC: statutory wage increases under RA 6640 cannot be offset by promotional salary increases. Learn the rule.
Fixed-Term Contracts and Security of Tenure: What Romares v. NLRC Means for Employers and Workers
The Supreme Court explains when fixed-term employment contracts are valid and when they are a circumvention of the worker's security of tenure.
Constructive Dismissal vs Abandonment: Know Your Rights as an Employee in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts distinguish constructive dismissal from voluntary resignation, and what the San Miguel v. NLRC ruling means for your security of tenure.
Employee vs Independent Contractor: Key Lessons from Santos v. NLRC
The Supreme Court clarifies how Philippine courts determine employee vs independent contractor status, using the four-fold test in Santos v. NLRC.
Wrong Court, Wrong Remedy: Appeals From Labor Arbiter Decisions in the Philippines
Learn why a Labor Arbiter decision must be appealed to the NLRC, not the RTC, and how choosing the wrong remedy can make a judgment final and executory.
Fatal Deadline: Why Missing the NLRC Motion for Reconsideration Period Can Doom Your Labor Case
Missing the 10-day NLRC motion for reconsideration period makes a labor decision final and executory, barring all further remedies.
Forced Resignation in Labor Cases: When Proof of Intimidation Is Required
Teachers' resignations upheld as voluntary absent proof of intimidation; NLRC awards corrected for 13th month pay, vacation leave, and prescription.
Due Process in NLRC Appeals: Why Employers Must Be Heard
Philippine Supreme Court rules on due process in labor appeals, explaining why the NLRC cannot decide cases without giving both parties a chance to be heard.