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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Disbarment Case Dismissed: Lawyers' Official Acts Not Deceit Without Malice
When do lawyers in government face disbarment for official acts? The Court clarifies the need for clear evidence of malice.
Premature Attachment of Public Funds and Provisional Remedies in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling on when garnishment of government funds is premature, and why administrative complaints cannot replace lost judicial remedies.
Behest Loans and Due Diligence: Protecting Public Funds From Graft
Supreme Court ruling on when government loans become graft, and why due diligence and business judgment protect public officials.
Mental Fitness in Public Service: When Illness, Not Misconduct, Ends Employment
Explaining when mentally unfit government employees may be dropped from the rolls, and why such separation is non-disciplinary.
Habitual Absenteeism in the Judiciary: Dismissal for Court Employee Who Abandoned Post
Supreme Court dismisses court interpreter for habitual absenteeism, forfeiting benefits and barring re-employment in government service.
Fair Bidding: Government's Right to Reject Bids Has Limits Under RA 9184
The Supreme Court clarifies that government agencies cannot arbitrarily cancel public biddings, requiring justifiable grounds under RA 9184.
Breach of Public Trust: Defining Misconduct and Dishonesty in Government Service
The Supreme Court affirms penalties against a former PCGG chairman for grave misconduct, serious dishonesty, and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.
Grave Misconduct in Government Service: When Dismissal Is the Only Penalty
Supreme Court reinstates dismissal of immigration officer for extortion and grave misconduct, ruling first offense cannot mitigate penalty.
Unexcused Absence: Supreme Court Upholds Dismissal for Employees Absent Without Leave
The Supreme Court drops a court employee from the rolls for AWOL, explaining the rules on absences without approved leave in government service.
AWOL in Government Service: Supreme Court Upholds Dropping Employee From Rolls
Learn when Philippine government employees may be dropped from the rolls for AWOL, based on a 2018 Supreme Court ruling.
Just Compensation When Government Takes Property Without Formal Expropriation
When the government takes private land without expropriation proceedings, owners can still claim just compensation. The Supreme Court explains how.
The State's Obligation to Pay Interest on Delayed Just Compensation in Agrarian Reform
When the government delays paying just compensation for agrarian reform lands, landowners are entitled to legal interest as damages.
When Dismissal for AWOL Violates Due Process: Saunar v. Ermita
The Supreme Court explains when an AWOL dismissal violates due process and what remedies an illegally dismissed government employee may claim.
Accountability in Government Procurement: Upholding Transparency in Limited Source Bidding and Negotiated Proc
Supreme Court affirms dismissal of NPO-BAC chair for grave misconduct over flawed limited source bidding and negotiated procurement under RA 9184.
MWSS Benefits Disallowance: Retroactive Effect of Judicial Rulings on Government Compensation
Supreme Court rules judicial interpretations of law apply retroactively, not prospectively, in government benefits disallowance cases.
Just Compensation for Easement of Right of Way: Key Lessons from NPC v. Marasigan
When the government takes an easement over private land, what must it pay? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on just compensation, valuation date, and consequential damages.
Reliance on Subordinates: When Public Officials Avoid Liability for Disallowed Funds
The Supreme Court clarifies when a public official can invoke the Arias doctrine to avoid personal liability for disallowed government funds.
State's Right to Recover Public Funds: Prescription Does Not Run Against the Government
Supreme Court rules the government's right to recover illegally disbursed public funds does not prescribe, but limits COA's power over tax collection.
Property Rights vs Public Use: Resolving Road Access Disputes
When can a government hospital close a road on its titled property? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of preliminary injunctions in access disputes.
Supreme Court Ruling on Government Procurement and Public Officer Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies when a public officer's procurement violations constitute gross neglect of duty rather than grave misconduct.
Good Faith vs Gross Negligence: Due Process in Government Benefit Disallowances
The Supreme Court nullified a COA decision holding BSP officers liable for cash shortage, ruling that due process was violated when the Commission treated a request for opinion as a complaint.
Optional Positions and Local Government Authority: Budgetary Allocation Required for Municipal Appointments
The Supreme Court clarifies that appointments to optional LGU positions like the MENRO require both sanggunian concurrence and a valid appropriation ordinance.
Mutual Termination of a Construction Contract Does Not Erase Unpaid Obligations
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that mutually terminating a government construction contract does not waive the contractor's right to collect payment for work already completed.
Protecting Contractors: Quantum Meruit and COA Disallowances in Government Projects
Supreme Court clarifies when contractors may recover from void government contracts under quantum meruit, and the limits of COA's audit powers.