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 Ethical Conduct When Court Employees Lie, Cheat, or Defraud
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling on dismissing employees for dishonesty and loss of trust, and what it means for due process in termination cases.
Dismissal Due Process: Employee Rights to Notice and Hearing Before Termination
Philippine law requires two notices before dismissal, but a formal hearing is not always mandatory. Learn the rules.
Due Process in Dismissal: What the Supreme Court Really Requires
A 2009 Supreme Court ruling clarifies that a formal hearing is not always required before an employee is dismissed — only a genuine chance to be heard.
Due Process in Administrative Cases: Substantial Evidence Trumps Technical Rules
Explore how Philippine courts weigh substantial evidence over procedural technicalities in administrative proceedings, ensuring fairness and justice.
When Reclassified Positions Need New Appointments: Tagaro v. Garcia
The Supreme Court clarifies when position upgrades require new appointments and the consequences of forum shopping in government service disputes.
Graft and Corruption: Demanding Grease Money for Government Contracts
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling on demanding grease money for government contracts under the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.
Corporate Inspection Rights: Balancing Stockholder Access and Corporate Interests in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when a corporation may deny a stockholder's inspection request and the criminal consequences of wrongful refusal.
Stockholders' Right to Inspect Corporate Records: When Refusal Becomes a Crime
Explore the Supreme Court ruling on stockholders' inspection rights, prejudicial questions, and criminal liability for refusing access to corporate books.
The Imperative of Due Process Hearing Requirement for Preliminary Injunctions in Mortgage Disputes
The Supreme Court nullifies a preliminary injunction issued without hearing, underscoring due process in mortgage foreclosure disputes.
Mispleading Relationship in Rape Cases: Impact on Qualifying Circumstances
When an information misstates the offender's relationship to the victim, a qualifying circumstance fails, reducing rape to its simple form.
Judicial Misconduct and Due Process: When Courts Can Try a Judge for Off-Duty Acts
The Supreme Court clarifies that judges may face criminal trial in regular courts for off-duty acts, while administrative supervision stays with the Court.
Court Personnel Accountability: Dismissal for Fund Shortages and Dishonesty
Supreme Court affirms dismissal of court employee for P147,972.60 in fund shortages, missing receipts, and dishonest collection practices.
NEA Authority Over Electric Cooperatives: Regulation and Due Process Boundaries
Supreme Court ruling on NEA's supervisory power over electric cooperatives and the due process required in administrative removal cases.
Judicial Temperance: Upholding Courtroom Decorum and Judicial Conduct
Cañeda v. Menchavez explains why a judge who loses his temper and displays a firearm in court faces administrative discipline for unbecoming conduct.
Dismissal Before Prosecution Rests: Double Jeopardy and Due Process in Anti-Graft Cases
Supreme Court clarifies when a premature dismissal of an anti-graft case bars refiling, and why due process matters more than double jeopardy.
When a Judge Misses the 90-Day Deadline: The Duty to Decide Cases Promptly
The Supreme Court holds judges accountable for missing the 90-day decision period. Learn the rules and consequences.
Judicial Accountability: Consequences of Failing to Comply With Court Orders
Supreme Court clarifies that judges who ignore Court directives face administrative sanctions, even if underlying complaints lack merit.
Psychological Incapacity Reassessing Marital Nullity Under Article 36 of the Family Code
The Supreme Court clarifies that psychological incapacity under Article 36 need not fit rigid molds, urging a case-by-case, totality-of-circumstances approach.
Falsifying Personal Data Sheets: Dishonesty in Public Service and Its Penalties
The Supreme Court ruled that falsifying entries in a government employee's Personal Data Sheet constitutes dishonesty, but mitigating circumstances may reduce the penalty of dismissal.
Due Process in Electricity Disconnection: Why Law Enforcement Presence Matters
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on RA 7832: electricity disconnection for meter tampering requires law enforcement or ERB representative presence.
Horse Racing Regulation: Philracom's Power to Ensure Fair and Safe Races
The Supreme Court upholds Philracom's authority to issue rules and directives for the horse racing industry, including measures to eradicate Equine Infectious Anemia.
Perfected Sales Obligations Arise Upon Delivery Despite Documentation Disputes
Supreme Court clarifies that delivery of goods perfects a sale, making payment due even if invoices and purchase orders are disputed.
VFA Constitutionality Upheld: Balancing Sovereignty and International Agreements
The Supreme Court upheld the Visiting Forces Agreement as constitutional while striking down detention agreements that violated its terms.
Due Process in Employee Dismissal: Balancing Notice and Opportunity to Be Heard
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the twin notice requirement in employee dismissal—opportunity to be heard, not actual hearing, is the essence of due process.