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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Dismissed for Delay? Understanding Due Diligence in Philippine Court Cases
Learn how the Supreme Court handles procedural delays and due diligence in labor cases, using a recent illegal dismissal ruling as a guide.
Sticking to the Rules: Why Proper Document Submission Matters in Appeals
A petition for review before the Court of Appeals must include a certified true copy or duplicate original of the assailed decision. Failure to comply means outright dismissal.
Justice Delayed IS Justice Denied Upholding Timely Disposition OF Cases IN Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court rules on illegal dismissal, retirement age, and the importance of timely case disposition in Ondevilla v. Colegio de San Juan de Letran.
Private Complainants Cannot Appeal Criminal Case Dismissals Without State Conformity
Philippine Investment Two v. Sebastian clarifies when a private complainant may appeal a criminal case dismissal and the State's role in prosecutions.
Dismissal of Administrative Cases Against Judges: Upholding Judicial Integrity and Curbing Frivolous Complaint
Supreme Court dismisses administrative complaint against Judge Angeles for failure to prosecute, protecting judges from frivolous cases and preserving judicial integrity.
Dismissal of Appeal: Strict Application of Procedural Rules in Philippine Courts
Learn how Philippine courts determine jurisdiction and cause of action from complaint allegations, not defenses, in this civil procedure case analysis.
Dereliction of Duty and Dismissal Integrity in Public Service: Lessons from DBP v. Nequinto
The Supreme Court dismissed a sheriff for grave misconduct after he abused his authority in enforcing a writ of execution against a government bank.
Gross Immorality by Judges: Dismissal and Three-Year Suspension From Law Practice
The Supreme Court dismissed a judge for gross immorality over an extramarital affair and suspended him from law practice for three years.
The Control Test in Illegal Dismissal Cases: De los Santos v. NLRC
How Philippine courts determine the real employer using the control test, and why a labor-only contractor cannot shield a company from liability.
When Judges Err on Compromise Agreements: A Lesson in Judicial Duty
A judge's dismissal of an already-decided case shows why ignorance of the law is no defense for members of the bench.
Strict Rules on Appeal Briefs: Why Technical Defects Can Cost a Case
The Supreme Court explains why a defective appellant's brief can lead to dismissal of an appeal, even if the case has merit.
Dismissal of Court Employee for Misconduct, Dishonesty, and Abuse of Authority in the Judiciary
A sheriff and court OIC was dismissed for drunken misconduct, dishonesty, and abuse of authority. The ruling underscores ethical standards in the judiciary.
Dismissal of Judge for Extortion-Adjacent Misconduct: Public Trust in the Judiciary
Supreme Court dismisses Judge Muro for gross misconduct in releasing a detained accused—a lesson on judicial integrity and due process.
Dismissal for Judicial Misconduct: Impartiality and Diligence in Granting Hospital Confinement
A judge's dismissal for granting hospital confinement without hearing shows why diligence and impartiality are non-negotiable in every judicial act.
Judicial Duty vs Dereliction: Balancing Discretion and Due Diligence in Preliminary Investigations
A judge's dismissal of a case without proper preliminary investigation constitutes dereliction of duty, as shown in this administrative case.
Docket Fees vs Filing Brief: Understanding Grounds for Appeal Dismissal in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that failure to file an appellant's brief is not the same as non-payment of docket fees for appeal dismissal.
Resignation VS Illegal Dismissal Employee Rights AND Separation PAY
When Immediate Court Action Is Allowed: Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies Explained
The Supreme Court explains when the exhaustion of administrative remedies rule may be set aside, using a teacher's dismissal case as an example.
Medical Certification and Due Process in Employee Dismissal: Protecting Workers from Arbitrary Termination
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on Cathay Pacific v. NLRC clarifies rules on medical certification and due process in employee dismissal for disease.
Burden of Proof in Illegal Dismissal: Unsigned Records Cannot Justify Termination
Unsigned records and self-serving documents cannot justify employee dismissal. The Supreme Court clarifies the employer's burden of proof in illegal termination cases.
Mootness in Administrative Cases When Dismissal Renders Judicial Review Unnecessary
When the Ombudsman dismisses administrative charges, a pending petition questioning a preventive suspension order becomes moot. The Supreme Court explains.
Dismissal Dilemmas Proving Just Cause AND Ensuring DUE Process IN Labor Disputes
Upholding Judicial Integrity: Dismissal for Immoral Conduct and Breach of Ethical Standards
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling shows why judges can be dismissed for immoral conduct and how a family's withdrawal of a complaint does not stop disciplinary action.
Sheriff’s Neglect of Duty: When Failure to Implement a Writ Means Dismissal
The Supreme Court held a sheriff liable for grave misconduct and gross dishonesty for failing to implement a writ of preliminary attachment and mishandling funds.