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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Workplace Misconduct: Defining the Boundaries of Just Cause for Dismissal in the Philippines
When does a fistfight outside work justify dismissal? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of just cause under Philippine labor law.
Upholding Court Integrity: Dismissal for Grave Misconduct in Record Tampering
A clerk of court who overcharged filing fees and issued fake receipts faces dismissal, forfeiture of benefits, and criminal prosecution.
Exhausting Administrative Remedies in Police Misconduct Cases: Lessons from Acuzar v. Jorolan
Police officers facing administrative charges must exhaust administrative remedies before courts. Learn from SPO1 Acuzar's case.
Grave Misconduct Dismissal for Tampering With Court Records
Clerk of court dismissed for grave misconduct after altered exhibits and a missing transcript compromised the integrity of court records.
When a Holiday Should Stop a Judge From Dismissing a Case: Senarlo v. Paderanga
A judge who dismissed a case for non-appearance on a declared holiday was found liable for simple misconduct. Learn the rules on mediation, pre-trial, and dismissals.
When a Judge's Oversight Becomes Judicial Misconduct: The Ty-De Zuzuarregui Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when a judge's procedural lapse amounts to grave abuse of discretion, and the rules on prejudicial questions.
Grave Misconduct in the Workplace: Defining the Boundaries of Acceptable Behavior
The Supreme Court clarifies when sexual harassment in the workplace constitutes grave misconduct warranting dismissal from government service.
When Safekeeping Turns Into Gross Misconduct: A Judge's Duty of Propriety
A Philippine judge kept a litigant's antique pieces for four years. The Supreme Court called it gross misconduct, not mere impropriety, and suspended him.
Attorney Suspended Two Years for Misconduct and Disrespect to the Court
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for two years for violating the Lawyer's Oath, the Code of Professional Responsibility, and for disrespecting court processes.
When Court Personnel Face Misconduct: The Bengson Case on Private Dealings
Court employees must uphold integrity even in private deals. The Bengson case shows when misconduct applies.
Court Personnel Misconduct: When Private Dealings Taint the Judiciary
A legal researcher's private transaction led to administrative liability. The Supreme Court explains why court employees must be beyond reproach in personal dealings.
Illegal Dismissal and Serious Misconduct as Just Cause for Termination
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains when misconduct justifies dismissal, why the penalty must fit the offense, and how employers must prove a valid termination.
Disbarment for Attorney Misconduct: Court Personnel Extortion and Abuse of Authority
Court personnel extorting litigants face severe penalties. Learn from a Supreme Court ruling on gross misconduct, bribery, and abuse of authority.
Dismissal Based ON Misconduct AND Loss OF Confidence AN Employers Right TO Terminate
Judicial Misconduct: The High Cost of Incorrigible Ignorance in the Philippine Judiciary
A judge's fourth gross ignorance conviction leads to dismissal. Learn the rules judges must follow and why persistence in error is fatal.
Disbarment for Misconduct: Upholding Candor and Justice in Legal Practice
A lawyer's disbarment for abuse of court processes, forum shopping, and falsehoods—a reminder that zeal must yield to truth and justice.
Misconduct vs Termination: Balancing Employee Rights and Employer Prerogatives
A seafarer's dismissal for a positive drug test is upheld, but the Court awards nominal damages for lack of due process.
Bribery and Grave Misconduct: Upholding Integrity in Public Service
A BIR examiner's conviction for grave misconduct in a bribery entrapment underscores the high standard of integrity required of public servants.
Clerk of Court's Notarial Authority and Decorum: Lessons from Solas
Court personnel must know the limits of notarial authority and maintain decorum. A clerk of court's misconduct case explained.
Upholding Judicial Authority: Dismissal for Sheriff's Misconduct and Disobedience
A sheriff who levied on property not owned by the judgment debtor and defied court orders was dismissed from service for grave misconduct and insubordination.
Upholding Ethical Standards: Dismissal for Lascivious Acts and Workplace Misconduct
Court employee dismissed for kissing a co-worker and reporting drunk. The Supreme Court affirms strict ethical standards for judiciary personnel.
Sleeping on the Job: When Serious Misconduct Justifies Termination in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when sleeping during work hours constitutes serious misconduct justifying termination under the Labor Code.
Breach of Public Trust: Dishonesty and Gross Negligence Leading to Dismissal
When a municipal treasurer's repeated financial irregularities amount to grave misconduct, dismissal from service is the warranted penalty.
Judicial Accountability: Fines for Gross Ignorance of Law and Misconduct in Contempt Proceedings
The Supreme Court fined a retired judge P80,000 for gross ignorance of the law and gross misconduct in contempt proceedings against Land Bank officials.