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.
Breach of Public Trust: Accountability for Misuse of Government Funds
Supreme Court ruling on administrative liability of public officers who sign checks for illegal disbursement of government funds.
Dropped From the Rolls: AWOL Court Employee and Public Service Integrity
The Supreme Court dropped an AWOL court utility worker from the rolls, reaffirming that absenteeism betrays public trust in the judiciary.
Estafa by Misappropriation of Goods Held in Trust: The Ceniza-Manantan Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling explains when failing to return jewelry or goods received on commission becomes estafa, and why a lawyer's mistakes rarely win a new trial.
Upholding Labor Rights: The Limits of Loss of Trust in Employee Dismissal
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that loss of trust and confidence cannot justify employee dismissal without clear, proven basis.
Disbarment for Government Lawyers: Ethical Standards and Public Trust
A PAO lawyer's disbarment for accepting private cases and fees while in government service, and for deceiving a client.
Breach of Trust vs Security of Tenure: When Is Dismissal Too Harsh?
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains why loss of trust and confidence does not give employers unlimited power to dismiss, even managerial employees.
Upholding Public Trust Accountability for Dishonored Debts in Government Service
Court interpreter reprimanded for willful failure to pay just debts. Learn the ethics rules for government employees and their personal obligations.
Petty Thievery and Breach of Trust: Accountability for Court Personnel
Explore the Supreme Court's firm stance on court personnel accountability, emphasizing integrity and the severe consequences of misconduct.
Prescription AND Implied Trusts When Possession AND Time Determine Land Ownership
Willful Failure to Pay Just Debt: Court Employee Discipline and Public Trust
A Supreme Court ruling explains why court employees face administrative liability for unpaid debts, even after full settlement.
Express Trusts in Property Disputes: When Co-Ownership Prevails Over Title
Learn how express trusts can override technical title in Philippine property disputes, and what co-owners must prove.
Rape AND Moral Ascendancy When Trust Becomes Betrayal
Court employees who misuse judiciary funds face dismissal for dishonesty and grave misconduct, even after restitution or retirement.
Breach of Trust Proving Theft Through Circumstantial Evidence in Philippine Law
How Philippine courts convict for theft using circumstantial evidence when an internal auditor pockets company funds.
Court Personnel Dismissed for Extorting Money From Litigant: A Lesson in Judicial Integrity
Process server dismissed for grave misconduct after demanding money to "fix" a case. The Supreme Court reaffirms that public office is a public trust.
Breach of Confidence When Employee Loyalty Fades Termination MAY BE Justified
When can an employer validly dismiss a confidential employee for breach of trust? The Supreme Court explains the rules in Divine Word College v. Aurelio.
Employee Dishonesty and Breach of Trust: When Is Dismissal Justified
Explore when Philippine courts uphold dismissal for employee dishonesty and breach of trust, and the due process requirements employers must satisfy.
Disbarment in the Philippines: When Lawyers Betray Public Trust and Client Funds
The Supreme Court reaffirms that lawyers who disrespect courts and disobey orders face severe sanctions, even after disbarment.
Breach of Trust When Employee Misconduct Justifies Termination in the Philippines
When does employee misconduct justify termination? The Supreme Court explains breach of trust, fraud, and due process in Panuncillo v. CAP Philippines.
Moonlighting and Misconduct: When a Second Job Leads to Legal Trouble in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on loss of trust and confidence as just cause for dismissing managerial employees who engage in misconduct.
Loss of Trust and Confidence: When an Employer's Dismissal Is Justified
The Supreme Court clarifies the legal standard for dismissing managerial employees based on loss of trust and confidence in Norsk Hydro v. Rosales.
Loss of Trust and Confidence: When Philippine Employers Can Validly Dismiss Employees
In Norsk Hydro v. Rosales, the Supreme Court upheld dismissal for loss of trust and confidence — but only with substantial proof and proper notice and hearing.
Estafa by Misappropriation: When Failing to Remit Entrusted Money Becomes a Crime
The Supreme Court explains when failure to remit money received for a specific purpose constitutes estafa under Philippine law.
Estafa by Misappropriation: When Failing to Return Entrusted Money Is a Crime
Understand when failing to return money received for a specific purpose becomes estafa under Philippine law, based on a Supreme Court ruling.
Substantial Evidence Needed for Loss of Trust and Confidence Dismissals in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that loss of trust and confidence requires substantial evidence, not mere suspicion, to justify employee dismissal.