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 When Public Office Becomes A Vehicle For Deception
When can an employer validly dismiss a managerial employee for loss of trust and confidence? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on breach of trust in Wah Yuen Restaurant v. Jayona.
Estafa Liability and the Need for Pre-Existing Fraudulent Intent in Business Dealings
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that estafa requires false pretenses made before or simultaneously with the fraud, not mere subsequent breach.
Sheriff’s Duties and the Boundaries of Conduct in Foreclosure Sales
A sheriff’s fee demand before an auction can breach decorum. The Court fines a sheriff for conduct that put the judiciary in a compromising light.
When Supervisors Abuse Authority: Labor Code Grounds for Valid Dismissal
A supervisor who made subordinates work at his house and lent money at high interest was validly dismissed for breach of trust under Article 282 of the Labor Code.
Breach of Trust and Loss of Confidence as Grounds for Employee Dismissal in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains when loss of trust and confidence justifies dismissing a supervisor or managerial employee under the Labor Code.
Breach of Trust by Public Officials: Falsification and Malversation of Funds
A disbursing officer's conviction for malversation through falsification of public documents, and what it means for accountable public officers.
Bank Employees, Breach of Trust, and Dismissal for Just Cause in the Philippines
The Supreme Court ruled that bank employees who divert depositor funds may be dismissed for loss of trust and confidence, even if the bank suffered no proven loss.
Breach of Trust in Banking: Upholding Employee Dismissal for Fraudulent Acts
Supreme Court affirms dismissal of bank employees for fraud, ruling that bank laxity does not excuse employee misconduct and breach of trust.
Breach of Trust Accountability for Mismanaged Court Funds in the Philippine Judiciary
When a clerk of court mishandles fiduciary funds, the Supreme Court imposes strict accountability, even after retirement.
Breach of Trust: Government Employees, Habitual Absenteeism, and Misuse of Public Funds
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on habitual absenteeism and AWOL in government service, explaining penalties and the public trust doctrine.
When Banks Breach Fiduciary Duty: Liability for Unauthorized Withdrawals
Supreme Court ruling on bank liability for unauthorized withdrawals by employees, moral damages, and the fiduciary duty of banks to depositors.
Breach of Overseas Employment Contract: Full Reimbursement and Salaries Due
Philippine Supreme Court affirms that illegally dismissed overseas workers are entitled to full placement fee refund and salaries under RA 8042.
When Does the Clock Start? Prescription Periods for Hidden Contract Breaches in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies when the prescriptive period begins for hidden breaches of contract, protecting buyers who rely on seller representations.
Breach of Construction Contract: Liability for Additional Works Beyond Original Scope
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on contractor liability for additional works ordered beyond original construction contract scope.
Upholding Attorney Accountability Negligence AND Breach OF Professional Duty 2
A lawyer who files an erroneous appeal and abandons a client's case violates Canon 18 of the Code of Professional Responsibility, risking suspension.
Breach of Contract: When Failure to Deliver Justifies Rescission and Damages
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a party's substantial breach of a reciprocal contract entitles the injured party to rescind and claim damages.
When a Civil Case Can Resolve Inheritance and Property Disputes in the Philippines
Learn when Philippine regular courts, not labor arbiters, have jurisdiction over breach of contract and property disputes.
Breach of Contract vs Employer-Employee Dispute: Defining Jurisdiction in Post-Employment Obligations
Supreme Court clarifies when breach of non-compete clauses falls under regular courts, not labor arbiters.
Breach of Trust Justifies Dismissal: Equitable PCIBank vs. Caguioa
The Supreme Court upheld the dismissal of a bank manager found to have secretly profited from unauthorized check discounting, citing breach of trust under the Labor Code.
Protecting Subdivision Lot Buyers: The Developer's Duty to Develop Under PD 957
Learn how the Supreme Court protects subdivision lot buyers, requiring developers to provide facilities and pay fair market value for breach.
Breach of Public Trust Dismissal for Accepting Bribes in Exchange for Favorable Case Outcomes
A disbarred lawyer's failed bid to overturn his dismissal and the consequences of defying final court orders.
Lessor's Breach and Lessee's Rights: Rental Credits and Possession in Philippine Lease Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies lessee rights when lessor breaches lease: rental suspension, stipulation pour autrui, and possession after unlawful dispossession.
Breach of Trust in Employment: Substantiation Required for Valid Termination
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that employers must prove breach of trust with substantial evidence before terminating employees for loss of confidence.
Breach of Duty Accountability for Negligence in Bank Appraisal
Court personnel must avoid any act that diminishes public faith in the judiciary; misuse of office warrants dismissal.