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.
Resignation and Administrative Cases in the Philippines: What Andutan Teaches Us
Can a resigned public official still face administrative cases? The Supreme Court's Andutan ruling clarifies the limits of Ombudsman jurisdiction.
Administrative Jurisdiction in the Philippines: Ombudsman, PAGC, and the CSC Appeal Route
A 2011 Supreme Court ruling clarifies concurrent jurisdiction among anti-graft bodies and why appeals must go to the CSC first.
Voluntary Arbitration vs. Labor Arbiter: Philippine Labor Dispute Jurisdiction
When does voluntary arbitration prevail over Labor Arbiter jurisdiction? The Supreme Court clarifies in University of the Immaculate Conception v. NLRC.
Probationary Employment Security of Tenure and Due Process Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies that probationary employees in the civil service enjoy security of tenure and due process rights, and cannot be dismissed at will.
Due Process Rights of Public Officials When Administrative Charges Fail
A public official cannot be held liable for a vague charge never pleaded, nor for a document whose authenticity remains unresolved.
PCG Disciplinary Authority: Supreme Court Upholds Coast Guard’s Separate Administrative System
Supreme Court affirms the PCG Efficiency and Separation Board’s power to discipline uniformed personnel, distinct from civil service rules.
Can Public Officials Evade Administrative Charges by Resigning? SC Says No
The Supreme Court rules that resignation or separation from service does not shield public officials from administrative liability for acts committed while in office.
Barangay Official Removal: Due Process and Immediate Execution Under the Local Government Code
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified that decisions removing barangay officials are immediately executory, despite the right to appeal.
When Jurisdiction Attaches: The Ombudsman vs. DECS in Public School Teacher Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies which agency has jurisdiction over administrative cases against public school teachers, explaining the limits of the Ombudsman's disciplinary authority.
Corporate Asset Purchases and Prior Presidential Approval: DBP v. COA
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling in DBP v. COA on prior presidential approval for government corporate vehicle purchases and disallowance.
Unfair Labor Practice Dismissals: Employee Rights to Moral and Exemplary Damages
Supreme Court ruling on unfair labor practice dismissals, moral damages, and the rule against splitting causes of action in the Philippines.
Presumption of Regularity Protecting Judges From Baseless Charges and Harassment
Learn how the presumption of regularity shields judges from baseless administrative charges and protects judicial independence.
Integrity in Public Service: Consequences of Dishonest Civil Service Eligibility in the Philippines
Explore the Supreme Court ruling on dismissing a court employee for fraudulently obtaining civil service eligibility, and its implications for public servants.
Attorney Accountability Understanding Lawyer Neglect of Duty in the Philippines
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling on lawyer neglect of duty, abandonment of clients, and the ethical obligations of attorneys.
When Is a Judge Liable for Ignorance of the Law? Lessons from Barredo-Fuentes v. Albarracin
The Supreme Court clarifies that judges are not liable for mere legal errors absent bad faith, and warns against harassment suits.
Good Faith Prevails: Exoneration From Dishonesty Charges in Veteran Preference Claims
Philippine Supreme Court rules good faith and truthfulness defeat dishonesty charges in veteran preference claims, allowing reinstatement with back salaries.
Judicial Misconduct and Disbarment: Upholding Integrity in the Philippine Legal System
A retired judge's antedated decision led to his disbarment, reaffirming that lawyers must uphold integrity and the rule of law at all times.
Voluntary Submission Cures Procedural Defects in Administrative Cases
Learn how voluntary participation in administrative proceedings can cure procedural defects, as ruled in NAPOLCOM v. Bernabe.
Judicial Corruption Upholding Integrity IN THE Philippine Judiciary
The Supreme Court reprimands a judge for impropriety, misdemeanor, and gross ignorance of law in Tapiru v. Biden.
Lawyer Ethics Matter: Why Misconduct Investigations Proceed Despite Complainant Withdrawal in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that lawyer disciplinary cases continue despite complainant withdrawal, and silence is not admission of guilt.
When Court Errors Are Judicial, Not Administrative: A Guide for Litigants
The Supreme Court clarifies when a judge's error is a judicial matter for appeal, not an administrative case for discipline.
Due Process in Administrative Cases: Formal Hearings Are Mandatory for Elected Officials
The Supreme Court rules that administrative cases against elected officials require formal hearings, not just position papers, to satisfy due process.