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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Untangling Behest Loans, Prescription, and the Ombudsman's Discretion in PCGG v. Desierto
The Supreme Court clarifies when behest loan cases prescribe and limits the Ombudsman's dismissal power in PCGG v. Desierto.
Duty TO Prosecute WHY Neglecting Your Appeal CAN Lead TO Dismissal
Dismissal for Dishonesty: Faking Maternity Leave in the Philippine Judiciary
Court stenographer dismissed for dishonesty after faking maternity leave to adopt a child. Learn the civil service rules on maternity leave and integrity.
Certifying Non-Forum Shopping: The Personal Signature Requirement in Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court clarifies that a certificate of non-forum shopping must be personally signed by the party, not just counsel, or the case faces dismissal.
Employee vs Independent Contractor: How the Control Test Decides Labor Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the control test in distinguishing employees from independent contractors, using a movie theater painter's illegal dismissal case.
When Police Officers Face Summary Dismissal: Due Process and the Limits of Extraordinary Remedies
A police officer's summary dismissal for extortion upheld despite dismissal of criminal case; certiorari and mandamus cannot substitute for appeal.
Limits of Employer Discipline: Union Office Rules and Employee Rights
Supreme Court ruling on when an employee's violation of company rules may still not justify dismissal, balancing management authority and union rights.
Back Wages and Illegal Dismissal: What Salas v. PAGCOR Means for Employees
The Supreme Court clarifies that illegally dismissed employees are entitled to back wages even if later found guilty of separate administrative charges.
Judicial Ethics Under Scrutiny: Dismissal for Immorality and Misconduct
Supreme Court dismisses judge for illicit affair and courtroom drinking, reinforcing strict judicial ethics standards in the Philippines.
When Employment Contracts Expire: Protecting Security of Tenure in Philippine Labor Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when contract expiration becomes illegal dismissal, and why employees cannot be forced into early retirement before age 65.
The Mandatory Nature of Non-Forum Shopping Certifications in Ejectment Cases
A Supreme Court ruling underscores that the certification against forum shopping is a mandatory requirement in ejectment complaints, and its omission warrants dismissal.
Full Backwages for Illegally Dismissed Employees: Computation Until Finality of Judgment
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled that illegally dismissed employees are entitled to full backwages until the finality of judgment, not just until dismissal.
Attorney Accountability: Negligence and Breach of Duty in Legal Representation
A lawyer's failure to file an appellant's brief led to dismissal of an appeal and a six-month suspension. Learn the ethical rules and lessons from this Philippine Supreme Court case.
Dismissal for Misconduct: Upholding Ethical Standards in the Judiciary
A Supreme Court decision shows how gross neglect of duty and insubordination by a court employee led to dismissal from service with forfeiture of benefits.
Improper Venue Dismissal Know Your Rights Philippine Courts AND Procedural DUE Process
Learn how Philippine courts handle improper venue dismissal and why procedural due process protects your right to a fair hearing.
Due Process and the Ombudsman: Reinstating Charges After Dismissal
When can the Ombudsman revive dismissed charges? The Supreme Court explains the due process limits in Roxas v. Vasquez.
Due Process and Premature Rulings: Amending a Complaint Before an Answer
The Supreme Court clarifies that a plaintiff may amend a complaint as a matter of right before an answer is filed, even amid pending dismissal proceedings.
Speedy Trial Rights and Judicial Discretion: Lessons from a Judge's Administrative Liability
A judge's motu proprio dismissal of a criminal case for delay was ruled grave abuse of discretion, clarifying speedy trial limits.
Optional Retirement and Illegal Dismissal: The Ondevilla Case on Security of Tenure
The Supreme Court clarifies when an employee's early retirement is voluntary, and the rights of illegally dismissed employees who reach compulsory retirement age.
Integrity in the Judiciary: Dismissal for Misconduct and Neglect of Duty
Security guard dismissed for taking court plywood; security officer suspended for failing to report the theft. A lesson on integrity.
Corporate Officer vs Employee: Who Has Jurisdiction Over Illegal Dismissal Claims
The Supreme Court clarifies when an illegal dismissal case belongs to labor courts or the SEC/RTC in corporate officer disputes.
Falsification of Time Records: Dismissal for Dishonest Court Employees
Court employee dismissed for falsifying daily time records while studying elsewhere. Personal problems are no excuse for dishonesty in public service.
Substantial Evidence and Due Process Protecting Government Employees From Unjust Dismissal
The Supreme Court reinstated a BID investigator dismissed by the Ombudsman, ruling that administrative charges require substantial evidence and procedural due process.
Dismissal for Failure to File Brief: Procedural Rules Bind Litigants in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court upholds dismissal of appeal for failure to file brief on time, affirming that negligence of counsel binds the client.