The Supreme Court ruled that Fitness First’s personal trainers were regular employees, not independent contractors, due to the company’s control over their work schedules, quotas, and performance standards. The Court ordered the payment of backwages, separation pay, pro-rata 13th month pay, and attorney’s fees.
Escauriaga v. Fitness First, Phil. [January 22, 2024] Read More »
In Ortigas v. Court of Appeals, a mortgage encumbrance was executed in favor of the petitioners’ predecessor-in-interest. However, the property was foreclosed and sold on a public auction without their participation. A TCT was issued in favor of the highest bidder, Carredo, upon which a memorandum of encumbrance was annotated. Upon Carredo’s petition, the trial court granted the cancellation of the said memorandum of encumbrance. The Supreme Court ruled that a petition for the annulment of judgement is proper to challenge the aforementioned trial court decision.
In Bartolome v. Toyota Quezon Avenue, Inc., the Supreme Court ruled that verbal abuse and indifferent behavior by an employer, which force an employee to resign, constitute constructive dismissal. The Court emphasized that such hostile actions make working conditions unbearable, leaving the employee no choice but to resign.
Bartolome v. Toyota Quezon Avenue, Inc. [April 3, 2024] Read More »
In Intia v. Ferrer, the Supreme Court addressed allegations against Judge Ferrer, including misconduct, business involvement, case delays, and courtroom demeanor. The Court dismissed most charges due to insufficient evidence but fined Judge Ferrer ₱35,000 for violating rules prohibiting judges from engaging in private business activities.
In National Food Authority v. City Government of Tagum, the Supreme Court ruled that the National Food Authority (NFA) is exempt from paying real property taxes. The Court held that, as a government instrumentality, it is immune from the local governments’ power to tax under Sec. 133(o) of the LGC. Moreover, its properties are properties of public dominion. Hence, further exempted from real property taxes under Sec. 234(a) of the LGC.
National Food Authority v. City Government of Tagum [May 21, 2024] Read More »
In Romero y Flores v. People, the Supreme Court convicted the accused of rape only, modifying the original charge of kidnapping with rape. The Court ruled that both forcible abduction and rape were proven. However, the accused should be convicted of rape only, while forcible abduction was absorbed.
In Oro Enterprises, Inc. v. NLRC, the Supreme Court held that Republic Act No. 7641, which grants retirement pay to employees without a retirement plan, applies retroactively to existing employment contracts. This interpretation favors workers, ensuring financial security upon retirement, even if no prior agreement existed.
Oro Enterprises, Inc. v. NLRC [November 14, 1994] Read More »
In Union Bank v. Santibañez, the Supreme Court ruled that creditors must file monetary claims against a deceased person’s estate in probate court, not directly against heirs. This ensures proper estate settlement and debt payment. Additionally, heirs are only liable for debts if they were parties to the original obligation.
In Estate of K.H. Hemady v. Luzon Surety, the Supreme Court ruled that a surety’s obligations are transmissible to heirs upon death. The Court allowed Luzon Surety’s contingent claims against Hemady’s estate, emphasizing that such obligations are not strictly personal and thus pass to successors.
Estate of K.H. Hemady v. Luzon Surety [November 28, 1956] Read More »
In Uson v. Del Rosario, the Supreme Court ruled that the lawful wife, Maria Uson, inherited her deceased husband’s property, as per the laws in effect at his death. The Court denied inheritance claims by his illegitimate children, emphasizing that new rights under the New Civil Code cannot retroactively impair vested rights.
