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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Breach of Trust: Dismissal for Dishonesty in Handling Court Funds
A Supreme Court ruling shows why court clerks who misappropriate judiciary funds face dismissal, even with restitution and mitigating circumstances.
Sexual Harassment by a Lawyer: When Misconduct Erodes Client Trust
A lawyer who sexually harasses a client faces suspension. The Supreme Court explains why such conduct betrays the profession's core values.
Breach of Trust Justifying Dismissal for Supervisors in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when supervisors may be validly dismissed for loss of trust and confidence, applying the totality of infractions rule.
Simulated Contracts Ownership Rights and Intent in Property Sales
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on simulated property sales, trust agreements, and ownership rights when intent is to circumvent banking laws.
Breach of Trust When Good Faith Fails in Public Office
A governor's conviction for violating RA 3019 shows that reliance on officials' assurances does not excuse sidestepping procurement rules.
When a Trust Receipt Is Really a Loan: Acquittal in Estafa Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a corporate officer of estafa under the Trust Receipts Law, ruling that transactions the bank knew were not for resale are simple loans, not trust receipts.
Trust Receipts vs Loans: When Intent Defines the Contract
Supreme Court clarifies when a trust receipt is really a loan, acquitting a corporate officer of estafa under PD 115.
Ghost Purchases and Public Trust: When Oversight Reliance Fails in Graft Cases
The Supreme Court affirms graft convictions for ghost purchases, clarifying when public officers cannot rely on subordinates' work to escape liability.
Breach of Public Trust: Dual Roles, OIC Appointments, and Ethical Violations in UP Diliman
A look at the Supreme Court ruling on graft and ethical violations by UP officials who appointed a Chancellor to dual paid positions.
Breach of Trust vs Due Process: When Dismissed Employees Get Separation Pay in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when validly dismissed employees may receive separation pay, distinguishing just causes under Article 282 of the Labor Code.
No Separation Pay for Employees Dismissed for Cause: Key Labor Ruling
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that employees validly dismissed for just causes like breach of trust are not entitled to separation pay.
Breach of Trust Convicting a Father for the Qualified Rape of His Daughter
The Supreme Court affirms a father's conviction for eight counts of qualified rape, explaining how moral ascendancy replaces force in incestuous rape.
Betrayal of Trust: Convicting a Father for the Rape of His Daughter in the Philippines
The Supreme Court affirms a father's conviction for eight counts of qualified rape of his minor daughter, explaining the rules on credibility, force, and penalties.
Gross Negligence in Cash Advances Is Breach of Public Trust: Bacasmas v. Sandiganbayan
Public officials who approve irregular cash advances face graft liability. The Supreme Court explains gross negligence, bad faith, and conspiracy in Bacasmas v. Sandiganbayan.
Sheriffs' Misconduct Over Levied Vehicle: Grave Abuse of Public Trust
When sheriffs used a levied vehicle for personal errands and lost it, the Supreme Court imposed the ultimate administrative penalty.
Beneficial Ownership When Trust Relationships in Corporate Benefits Prevail
When a company buys a club share in an employee's name, who truly owns it? The Supreme Court explains trust relationships and beneficial ownership.
When Company Benefits AND Legal Title Collide Establishing Ownership Through Resulting Trusts
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that paying for an asset registered in another's name creates a resulting trust, even in employee benefits.
Upholding Dismissal for Dishonesty When Casino Employees Betray Public Trust
Supreme Court reinstates dismissal of PAGCOR dealers who declared void craps throws as good dice, defrauding the house.
Erosion of Public Trust: Dismissal for Graft and Corruption in the Judiciary
A process server's dismissal for soliciting money from litigants underscores the strict accountability of court personnel in the Philippines.
Breach of Public Trust: When Dismissal in Government Service Fails Due Process
A Supreme Court ruling on why a government employee's dismissal for insubordination was void for violating due process requirements.
Breach of Trust Defining Qualified Theft in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies the elements of qualified theft, emphasizing grave abuse of confidence as the distinguishing factor in criminal cases.
Loss of Confidence in Dismissal Cases: Employers Must Substantiate the Breach of Trust
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that loss of trust and confidence requires clear, convincing proof, not mere allegations.
Upholding Client Trust: Attorney's Neglect and Misrepresentation Lead to Suspension
A lawyer who misleads clients about case status violates the Code of Professional Responsibility and faces suspension, as shown in this Supreme Court ruling.