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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Upholding Employee Rights THE Limits OF Loss OF Confidence AS Grounds FOR Dismissal
Dismissal for Dishonesty, Habitual Absences and Immoral Conduct in Public Service
A Supreme Court ruling reminds public servants that dishonesty, habitual absenteeism and immoral conduct are separate grounds for dismissal from government service.
Ensuring Fair Trials: Addressing Allegations of Bias and Partiality in Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court dismisses an administrative complaint against a judge for alleged bias, clarifying when a judge's adverse rulings amount to partiality and when they do not.
Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies: When Can You Skip the Bureaucracy and Go to Court
Philippine Supreme Court explains the doctrine of exhaustion of administrative remedies and its exceptions, using a GSIS dismissal case as an example.
Executive Privilege vs Legislative Oversight: Defining the Limits of Presidential Power
The Supreme Court struck down E.O. 464's blanket ban on executive officials appearing before Congress, clarifying the proper scope of executive privilege in legislative inquiries.
Second Chances in Law: Lifting Suspension and Releasing Leave Credits After Misconduct
The Supreme Court lifts a dismissed lawyer's suspension and orders release of leave credits, but keeps the ban on government re-employment.
Dismissal of Appeals: Why Following Court Rules Matters
Learn why the Supreme Court dismissed a petition for review from the Secretary of Justice's resolution, and the importance of following proper court procedures.
Dismissed Appeal: Why Following Court Rules Matters in Philippine Litigation
A Supreme Court ruling shows why procedural rules matter: a Rule 43 petition wrongly filed against a DOJ resolution was dismissed.
Preventive Suspension of Public Officials: When Does It Apply
The Supreme Court explains when courts must order preventive suspension of public officials under the Anti-Graft law, and its limits.
Non-Retroactivity of BIR Rulings: The Benguet Case and Taxpayer Protection
Learn how the Supreme Court protects taxpayers from retroactive BIR rulings, based on the landmark Benguet Corporation case.
Due Process at Sea: Seafarers' Rights Against Illegal Dismissal in Philippine Law
Understand the Supreme Court's ruling on due process and loss of trust in dismissing confidential employees under Philippine law.
Who Is in Delay in Reciprocal Obligations? Philippine Contract of Sale Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when delay begins in reciprocal obligations under a contract of sale, and why mutual default cancels out.
Burden of Proof in Philippine Contract Law: Why Evidence Matters in Usage-Based Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on Skippers United Pacific v. NLRC clarifies employer burden of proof in seafarer dismissal cases and evidentiary standards.
Liability for Flood Damage: Private vs Public Drainage Systems
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a lessor is liable for flood damage—distinguishing private drainage maintenance from public sewer responsibility.
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.
Philippine Guaranty Law: Sureties Liable Even Without Dishonor Protest
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that guarantors and sureties remain liable on discounted export bills even without a formal protest of dishonor.
Fixed-Term vs Regular Employment: Know Your Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains when fixed-term employment contracts are valid and when they violate the security of tenure of regular employees.
Easement of Right of Way: Balancing Access and Property Rights in Subdivision Developments
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies temporary easement rules for subdivision access, distinguishing preliminary injunctions from permanent rights of way.
Real Party-in-Interest and CIAC Jurisdiction in Construction Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies indispensable parties and CIAC jurisdiction in construction arbitration, using the Heritage Park case as a guide.
Breach of Trust: Understanding Estafa and Criminal Liability in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court defines estafa by misappropriation under Article 315 of the Revised Penal Code and what it means for your liability.
Judges Cannot Blame Staff for Delayed Decisions: Supreme Court Ruling on Court Records
The Supreme Court held that a judge cannot pass the blame to court staff for delays in deciding cases, affirming that docket management is ultimately the judge's duty.
Disbarment for Conflicting Interests and Misleading Use of Judicial Title
Supreme Court fines disbarred lawyer P155,000 for disrespecting courts and defying IBP orders in A.C. No. 11508.
Impersonation in Civil Service Exams: Upholding Integrity in Public Service
Court dismisses court employees for dishonesty after one impersonated another in the 1989 civil service exam, affirming strict standards for public servants.
Dismissal for Habitual Tardiness: Upholding Efficiency and Public Trust in the Judiciary
The Supreme Court dismisses a repeat offender for habitual tardiness, affirming that public office is a public trust demanding strict observance of working hours.