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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Attorney Accountability: When a Lawyer Fails to Deliver Legal Services
A lawyer who takes a client's money but fails to file cases faces suspension and must return the full amount with interest.
Debt and Dishonor: Upholding Integrity in Public Service — Bisnar v. Nicandro
Court stenographer held liable for willful failure to pay just debts and gross insubordination. A lesson in public accountability.
Falsifying Time Records in Philippine Government: Legal Consequences and Supervisor Responsibility
Explains the Supreme Court ruling on falsified time records, penalties under Philippine law, and the accountability of government supervisors.
Presumption OF Guilt IN Philippine Malversation Cases WHY Accountability Matters
Court Fund Accountability: Clerk of Court Liabilities in the Philippines
Financial audit case clarifies the accountability of clerks of court and cash clerks for shortages, delayed deposits, and misuse of court funds.
Accountability in the Judiciary: Understanding Neglect of Duty for Court Personnel in the Philippines
A look at how the Supreme Court defines and penalizes simple neglect of duty by court personnel, using a 2006 case as an example.
Accountability in the Courts: Understanding Neglect of Duty and Judicial Audits in the Philippines
A 2006 Supreme Court ruling clarifies the duties of judges and clerks of court in judicial audits, and the consequences of neglect of duty.
Accountability Confirmed: Public Officials Liable for Missing Funds Despite Internal Audits
Supreme Court affirms conviction of municipal treasurer for malversation despite internal audit showing no shortage, clarifying COA's exclusive audit authority.
Judicial Accountability Dismissal OF Charges Absent Malice OR BAD Faith IN Erroneous Orders
Judicial Accountability: Consequences of Negligence and Delay in Court Proceedings
Supreme Court penalizes a judge and court personnel for case delays, lost records, and false certificates of service, underscoring judicial accountability.
Accountability in Public Office: Canvassers' Duty of Care in Elections
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on election canvassers' liability for certifying padded votes, and the ethical duties of lawyers in public service.
Accountability in Public Works: Good Faith and Falsification of Documents by Public Officials
Supreme Court acquits three DPWH officials charged with falsifying road project completion reports, stressing good faith and lack of personal participation.
Judicial Accountability: Good Faith Exception for Erroneous Judgments
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that judges cannot be disciplined for erroneous rulings made in good faith, absent fraud or malice.
When Judges Must Dismiss Cases: The 90-Day Rule and Judicial Accountability in the Philippines
Philippine judges have a constitutional 90-day period to decide cases. This article explains the rule, its exceptions, and what happens when judges delay.
Judicial Accountability: The 90-Day Rule and Why Judges Cannot Blame Court Staff
A Supreme Court ruling reminds judges that the 90-day decision period is mandatory, and blaming staff will not excuse delay.
Public Officer Accountability for Confiscated Property: Malversation by Negligence
When a barangay captain accepts custody of confiscated lumber, he becomes an accountable officer. The Supreme Court explains why.
Workplace Misconduct and Fund Accountability: Lessons from a Clerk of Court Case
A clerk of court's failure to timely remit judiciary funds constitutes gross misconduct, even after full restitution.
Dismissal for AWOL: Upholding Public Trust and Accountability in the Judiciary
The Supreme Court drops a court employee for prolonged AWOL, reaffirming that public office is a public trust and absenteeism erodes judicial integrity.
Breach of Public Trust: The High Cost of Dishonesty for Court Officers in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court affirms direct bribery convictions of immigration officers and a lawyer, emphasizing public trust and accountability.
Delayed Remittance of Judiciary Funds: A Clerk of Court's Duty to Public Trust
A Supreme Court ruling on a clerk of court's delayed remittance of judiciary funds, explaining accountability rules and penalties.
Upholding Judicial Ethics: Lessons from Administrative Cases Against Baguio City Judges
The Supreme Court's consolidated ruling on administrative cases against Baguio City RTC judges clarifies standards of judicial conduct, propriety, and accountability.
Election Bans and Government Employee Reassignments: What Davalos Teaches Us
A look at how the Supreme Court treats cash advances, liquidation duties, and accountability of public officers.
Preventing Spurious Bail Bonds: Court Employee Accountability in the Philippines
The Supreme Court holds court personnel accountable for negligence that allowed spurious bail bonds and release orders to free detained prisoners.