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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Employee Theft and Termination: Defining Analogous Misconduct at Work
Theft from a co-employee is analogous to serious misconduct and can justify dismissal, even without employer loss.
When an Employee's Unauthorized Acts Justify Dismissal: Meralco v. Dejan
The Supreme Court clarifies when an employee's unauthorized release of company property constitutes serious misconduct and loss of trust, justifying termination.
Breach of Trust: Employer May Dismiss for Misconduct Despite Acquittal
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that an employee's acquittal in a criminal case does not bar dismissal for loss of trust and confidence.
Habitual Tardiness and Misconduct: When Repeated Infractions Justify Dismissal
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when habitual tardiness, absenteeism, and insubordination justify dismissal, and the price of skipping due process.
Upholding Integrity: Consequences of Misconduct for Court Employees in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on grave misconduct by court employees, explaining penalties, ethical standards, and why resignation does not erase liability.
Ethical Boundaries for Court Employees: Simple Misconduct in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling on simple misconduct shows why court employees face exacting moral standards even in private life.
Sheriff Misconduct: When Moonlighting Becomes Malfeasance in Office — Abadiano v. Regalado
Learn how a sheriff's moonlighting for a party in a case he handled became misconduct, and the ethical rules for judicial employees.
When Company Rules Clash With Labor Rights Reinstatement Despite Misconduct
Philippine Supreme Court rules on reinstatement without backwages when both employer and workers are at fault in labor dispute.
Philippine Sheriff Accountability Upholding Timely Writ Execution AND Proper Fund Handling
Supreme Court rules on sheriff's grave misconduct for delayed writ return and mishandling of execution proceeds in Sorsogon case.
Confidentiality Rules for Court Personnel: Lessons from a Legal Researcher's Misconduct Case
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when court personnel breach confidentiality and why even "harmless" disclosures to litigants constitute misconduct.
Court Personnel Dismissed for Misconduct and Mishandling of Public Funds
Supreme Court dismisses clerk of court for P3.1M fund shortages, affirms strict accountability for judicial personnel handling public funds.
Grave Misconduct and Dismissal: When a Police Officer Serves as a Private Bodyguard
A police officer's unauthorized work as a private bodyguard is grave misconduct warranting dismissal, even with long service.
Sheriffs' Ministerial Duty: Implementing Court Orders Correctly to Avoid Misconduct Charges
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies sheriffs' ministerial duty in enforcing writs and how to properly address alleged irregularities in implementation.
Grave Misconduct vs Conduct Prejudicial: Understanding Employee Discipline in the Philippines
A look at how Philippine jurisprudence distinguishes grave misconduct from conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.
Sandiganbayan Justices' Collegiality Breach: Administrative Liability Explained
Supreme Court holds Sandiganbayan justices liable for simple misconduct and unbecoming conduct for breaching collegiality in provincial hearings.
Good Faith No Defense for Sheriff Who Collected Execution Fees Without Court Approval
Philippine Supreme Court holds sheriff liable for grave misconduct, dishonesty, and neglect of duty for collecting execution expenses without prior court approval.
Sheriff’s Duties, Integrity, and Procedure in Executing Writs of Execution
A sheriff’s duty to execute a writ is ministerial; demanding money without court approval is grave misconduct. Learn the rules.
Judicial Conduct: Proving Misconduct Claims Against Judges in the Philippines
A look at the evidentiary standard for administrative complaints against judges, explained through the case of Datoon v. Judge Kapili.
Upholding Integrity and Accountability in the Judiciary: Simple Misconduct Explained
A court employee who kept another's salary check was liable for simple misconduct. Compromise between parties does not end administrative cases.
When Is a Nurse's Negligence Serious Misconduct? The Medical Center Manila Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a nurse's lapse amounts to gross negligence justifying dismissal, and when suspension is the proper penalty.
School Not Liable for Visiting Catechist's Acts: Employer Test Explained
When a school sends a visiting catechist to teach, who answers for misconduct? The Supreme Court clarifies employer liability under Article 2180.
Sheriffs Liability Understanding Misconduct IN Implementing Court Writs IN The Philippines
When can a sheriff be held liable for implementing a writ? The Supreme Court clarifies the standard of care required of sheriffs in Tenorio v. Perlas.
Sheriff Misconduct: When Negligence Leads to Dismissal in the Philippines
A deputy sheriff's deliberate delay in serving a writ led to dismissal for gross misconduct. Key lessons for court personnel.
When Can a Judge Be Held Liable: Lessons from Rubin v. Judge Aguirre
The Supreme Court clarifies when judges face administrative liability, distinguishing mere errors from misconduct requiring bad faith or malice.