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 Transfers Management Rights VS Constructive Dismissal Claims
When is a transfer a valid management prerogative and not constructive dismissal? The Supreme Court explains in Mendoza v. Rural Bank of Lucban.
Transfer of Employees Is a Valid Managerial Prerogative Unless Done in Bad Faith
The Supreme Court explains when an employee transfer amounts to constructive dismissal and when it is a valid exercise of management prerogative.
Breach of Trust Dismissal for Malversation of Public Funds by a Court Clerk
Court clerk dismissed for misappropriating judiciary funds; silence deemed admission; dishonesty and malversation warrant dismissal.
When a "Duplicate Original" Becomes a Technicality: Velasco v. Court of Appeals
The Supreme Court clarifies when a "duplicate original" copy satisfies appeal requirements, and when dismissal for technicality becomes grave abuse of discretion.
Constructive Dismissal When Job Changes Lead to Illegal Termination
Learn how a demotion in rank and pay cut can amount to constructive dismissal, even when an employer claims abandonment.
Breach of Trust: When Negligence Justifies Employee Dismissal in the Philippines
When does an employee's negligence justify dismissal for loss of trust and confidence? The Supreme Court explains in this Philippine labor case.
Constructive Dismissal: Demotion and Salary Reduction as Grounds for Illegal Termination
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on constructive dismissal through demotion and salary reduction, explained in plain language for employees and employers.
Forum Shopping in Corporate Disputes: When Parallel Cases Get Dismissed
The Supreme Court explains when filing parallel cases on the same corporate dispute constitutes forum shopping, leading to dismissal.
Forum Shopping Dismissal: Redundant Suits and Lis Pendens Cancellation
When can a second case be dismissed as forum shopping? The Supreme Court explains in SK Realty v. Johnny KH Uy.
Dismissal Upheld: Grave Misconduct Outweighs Length of Service in Philippine Civil Service
Supreme Court rules length of service and first offense cannot save a civil servant from dismissal for grave misconduct like selling recycled exam stamps.
Voluntary Resignation vs Constructive Dismissal: Protecting Employee Rights
Understand the difference between voluntary resignation and constructive dismissal, and how Philippine labor law protects employees from illegal termination.
Dismissal for Grave Misconduct: Court Clerk's Unauthorized Handling of Court Documents
Court personnel must uphold integrity. A clerk's unauthorized removal of court records and possession of pre-signed bail bonds led to dismissal for grave misconduct.
The Imperative of Presence Dismissal for Absent Parties in Philippine Pre-Trial Proceedings
Learn how Philippine courts handle absent parties in pre-trial and when dismissal is proper under the Rules of Court.
Ombudsman's Discretion in Criminal Cases: Limits on Judicial Review
The Supreme Court in Perez v. Ombudsman explains why courts rarely overturn the Ombudsman's dismissal of criminal complaints, and where to file a challenge.
Grave Misconduct in the Judiciary: When a Clerk's Acts Betray Public Trust
A court clerk's unexplained possession of pre-signed bail bonds and removal of court records leads to dismissal for grave misconduct.
Desistance Does Not Automatically Dismiss a Disbarment Case Against a Lawyer
A complainant's change of heart does not automatically end a disbarment case. The Supreme Court explains when dismissal is still proper.
Illegal Dismissal and Employer-Employee Relationship in Philippine Labor Law
Learn how the Supreme Court protects employee rights in illegal dismissal cases, including the employer-employee relationship test and due process requirements.
Illegal Dismissal and Abandonment: What Employers Must Prove in Philippine Labor Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies abandonment and due process requirements in illegal dismissal cases, protecting employee rights under the Labor Code.
Timeliness of Labor Claims: Understanding Prescription Periods for Employees' Rights
Learn how prescription periods apply to money claims and illegal dismissal cases under Philippine labor law, explained through the Texon Manufacturing case.
Flight From Justice: How Fugitive Status Can Bar Appeal Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains how a fugitive's escape from custody can lead to dismissal of their appeal and loss of legal remedies.
Leave Benefits for Dismissed Employees: Balancing Justice and Accountability in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies prescriptive periods for money claims and illegal dismissal cases in Texon Manufacturing vs. Millena.
Leave Credits Survive Dismissal: The Paredes v. Padua Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies that dismissed government employees keep earned leave credits, even when retirement benefits are forfeited.
The Two-Notice Rule: Safeguarding Employee Rights Against Illegal Dismissal in the Philippines
Philippine law requires two written notices before dismissal. A 2004 Supreme Court ruling explains why failing to comply makes termination illegal.
Estafa Through Misappropriation: When an Employee's Failure to Account Amounts to Breach of Trust
The Supreme Court clarifies when an employee's failure to account for company funds and property constitutes estafa through misappropriation, reversing dismissals by prosecutors.