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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
Accountability in the Judiciary: Understanding Neglect of Duty for Court Personnel in the Philippines
A look at how the Supreme Court defines and penalizes simple neglect of duty by court personnel, using a 2006 case as an example.
Accountability Confirmed: Public Officials Liable for Missing Funds Despite Internal Audits
Supreme Court affirms conviction of municipal treasurer for malversation despite internal audit showing no shortage, clarifying COA's exclusive audit authority.
Judicial Accountability Dismissal OF Charges Absent Malice OR BAD Faith IN Erroneous Orders
Judicial Accountability: Consequences of Negligence and Delay in Court Proceedings
Supreme Court penalizes a judge and court personnel for case delays, lost records, and false certificates of service, underscoring judicial accountability.
Accountability in Public Office: Canvassers' Duty of Care in Elections
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on election canvassers' liability for certifying padded votes, and the ethical duties of lawyers in public service.
Accountability in Public Works: Good Faith and Falsification of Documents by Public Officials
Supreme Court acquits three DPWH officials charged with falsifying road project completion reports, stressing good faith and lack of personal participation.
Judicial Accountability: Good Faith Exception for Erroneous Judgments
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that judges cannot be disciplined for erroneous rulings made in good faith, absent fraud or malice.
When Judges Must Dismiss Cases: The 90-Day Rule and Judicial Accountability in the Philippines
Philippine judges have a constitutional 90-day period to decide cases. This article explains the rule, its exceptions, and what happens when judges delay.
Judicial Accountability: The 90-Day Rule and Why Judges Cannot Blame Court Staff
A Supreme Court ruling reminds judges that the 90-day decision period is mandatory, and blaming staff will not excuse delay.
Public Officer Accountability for Confiscated Property: Malversation by Negligence
When a barangay captain accepts custody of confiscated lumber, he becomes an accountable officer. The Supreme Court explains why.
Delayed Remittance of Judiciary Funds: A Clerk of Court's Duty to Public Trust
A Supreme Court ruling on a clerk of court's delayed remittance of judiciary funds, explaining accountability rules and penalties.
Breach of Public Trust: The High Cost of Dishonesty for Court Officers in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court affirms direct bribery convictions of immigration officers and a lawyer, emphasizing public trust and accountability.
Workplace Misconduct and Fund Accountability: Lessons from a Clerk of Court Case
A clerk of court's failure to timely remit judiciary funds constitutes gross misconduct, even after full restitution.
Dismissal for AWOL: Upholding Public Trust and Accountability in the Judiciary
The Supreme Court drops a court employee for prolonged AWOL, reaffirming that public office is a public trust and absenteeism erodes judicial integrity.
Upholding Judicial Ethics: Lessons from Administrative Cases Against Baguio City Judges
The Supreme Court's consolidated ruling on administrative cases against Baguio City RTC judges clarifies standards of judicial conduct, propriety, and accountability.
Election Bans and Government Employee Reassignments: What Davalos Teaches Us
A look at how the Supreme Court treats cash advances, liquidation duties, and accountability of public officers.
Preventing Spurious Bail Bonds: Court Employee Accountability in the Philippines
The Supreme Court holds court personnel accountable for negligence that allowed spurious bail bonds and release orders to free detained prisoners.
Attorney Accountability Understanding Lawyer Negligence AND Upholding Client Trust IN THE Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court suspends lawyer for gross negligence, explaining counsel's duties of fidelity, diligence, and proper withdrawal under the Code of Professional Responsibility.
Accountability IN THE Judiciary Upholding Timely Justice IN Philippine Courts
Immediate Deposit Rule for Court Clerks: Accountability Despite Full Restitution
Court clerks must deposit judiciary funds immediately. Restitution does not erase administrative liability, as this Philippine Supreme Court ruling shows.
Understanding Judicial Delay and Accountability Through a Landmark Philippine Rape Conviction
A father's rape conviction highlights Philippine rules on judicial delay, information amendment, and accountability in criminal procedure.
Sheriff Accountability: Why Mishandling Court Funds Can Lead to Disciplinary Action
Learn how sheriffs mishandling court funds face administrative liability, and what the Supreme Court's ruling means for public accountability.
Private Misconduct Public Accountability Upholding Ethical Standards FOR Philippine Judicial Employees
Judicial Efficiency and Accountability: Understanding the Consequences of Undue Delay in Case Resolution
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a judge's delay in resolving a case amounts to a violation of judicial conduct rules.