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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When Defiance Meets Clemency Reassessing Penalties FOR Judicial Insubordination
Habitual Absenteeism in the Philippine Civil Service: Allowable Absences and Penalties Explained
Understand the rule on habitual absenteeism in the Philippine civil service, the allowable leave credits, and how penalties are determined.
Equitable Reduction of Penalties When Courts Can Adjust Contractual Damages in the Philippines
Philippine courts can reduce contractual penalties and liquidated damages when they are unconscionable or when the obligation was partly performed.
Court Employee's Dismissal for Soliciting Money from Litigant Upheld
Court personnel who demand money from litigants face dismissal. The Supreme Court explains the penalties and rules in Buyag v. Caliwag.
Real Property TAX Penalties Illegal Overcharges AND Taxpayer Protection Under THE Real Property TAX Code
Termination vs Rescission: Lease Contract Disputes and Penalties in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the legal difference between terminating and rescinding a lease contract, and when penalties apply.
Due Process in Retrenchment: Balancing Employer Prerogative and Employee Rights
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between just and authorized causes in dismissal, and the penalties for violating notice requirements.
Modifying Penalties When Retirement Alters Judicial Discipline
When a judge retires before serving a suspension, the Supreme Court may convert the penalty to a fine. Learn how this works.
Upholding Union Democracy: Illegal Suspensions, Elections, and Financial Transparency
Supreme Court affirms penalties for union officers who suspended members without due process, held premature elections, and failed to render financial reports.
Prescription of Penalties: Imprisonment Must Begin Before Evasion Can Trigger Prescriptive Period
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that prescription of penalties under Article 93 RPC only runs when a convict escapes during actual imprisonment, not while at large.
When Does Prescription of Penalties Begin? The Doctrine of Evasion of Sentence
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that prescription of penalties under Article 93 RPC only runs when a convict escapes while serving imprisonment.
Upholding Accountability Consequences FOR Habitual Absenteeism IN Public Service
The Supreme Court rules on habitual absenteeism in public service, clarifying penalties, AWOL rules, and mitigating circumstances.
Judicial Accountability: Undue Delay in Rendering Decisions and Its Consequences
When judges fail to decide cases on time, justice is denied. Learn the rules, penalties, and lessons from a Supreme Court ruling.
Sheriffs' Duty to Execute Court Orders Promptly and Consequences of Dereliction
A sheriff's failure to implement a writ of demolition without delay constitutes dereliction of duty, warranting administrative penalties.
Upholding Ethical Conduct: Dismissal for Absences and Discourtesy in Public Service
Court employees must uphold public trust. Learn how habitual absences and gross discourtesy led to penalties in this administrative case.
Unauthorized Notarization Lawyers Face Suspension FOR Expired Commissions
Notarizing documents without a valid commission is lawyer misconduct. A Supreme Court ruling shows the penalties for unauthorized notarization.
Habitual Tardiness in Public Service: Defining and Penalizing Inefficiency
The Supreme Court clarifies what constitutes habitual tardiness in government and the penalties for this administrative offense.
Habitual Tardiness in the Workplace: When Excuses Don't Excuse Accountability
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on habitual tardiness, pregnancy as an excuse, and penalties under Civil Service rules.
Upholding Work Ethic Consequences for Habitual Tardiness in Public Service
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on habitual tardiness in public service, penalties, and why family excuses don't excuse chronic lateness.
Lawyer's Courtroom Conduct: Disbarred Attorney Fined PHP 155,000 for Disrespect
Supreme Court fines disbarred lawyer for disrespecting court personnel and disobeying IBP orders, clarifying penalties after disbarment.
Habitual Tardiness in Public Service: Upholding Accountability and Efficiency
A Supreme Court resolution on habitual tardiness in the judiciary explains how the offense is defined, why excuses fail, and what penalties apply to court employees.
Carnapping vs Theft: Defining Unlawful Taking of a Motor Vehicle
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when taking a vehicle is carnapping, not qualified theft, and the proper penalties.
Entrapment vs Illegal Search: Safeguarding Rights in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court explains the difference between valid entrapment and illegal warrantless searches in drug cases, and clarifies penalties for selling small amounts of shabu.
Negligence and Security Protocol: Defining Duty in Judicial Premises
Supreme Court ruling on security guard negligence in judicial premises, explaining duty standards, simple neglect, and penalties under civil service rules.