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.
Understanding Misconduct and the Condonation Doctrine in Philippine Local Government
A Supreme Court case study on administrative misconduct and the condonation doctrine in Philippine local government.
When Military and Civilian Tribunals Collide: Jurisdiction in AFP Misconduct Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies how concurrent jurisdiction works between the Ombudsman and military courts in administrative cases against AFP personnel.
Administrative Due Process and Bank Secrecy: The Sibayan v. Alda Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies how administrative due process and bank secrecy limits discovery in BSP proceedings, as shown in Sibayan v. Alda.
Dismissal for Immoral Conduct: Upholding Decency in the Judiciary
The Supreme Court dismisses a process server for exposing himself to a janitress, ruling it disgraceful and immoral conduct—a second offense warranting the severest penalty.
Workplace Boundaries: When Misconduct Crosses Into Sexual Harassment
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a supervisor's unwanted kiss is grave misconduct, not simple misconduct, in Philippine administrative law.
Safeguarding Independence: Presidential Disciplinary Power Over Deputy Ombudsman Declared Unconstitutional
The Supreme Court strikes down Section 8(2) of RA 6770, affirming the Ombudsman's constitutionally guaranteed independence from presidential disciplinary control.
Upholding Dismissal for Dishonesty When Casino Employees Betray Public Trust
Supreme Court reinstates dismissal of PAGCOR dealers who declared void craps throws as good dice, defrauding the house.
Breach of Public Trust: When Dismissal in Government Service Fails Due Process
A Supreme Court ruling on why a government employee's dismissal for insubordination was void for violating due process requirements.
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.
Protecting Press Freedom Understanding Libel and Fair Reporting in Philippine Media Law
Explore the boundaries of libel and fair reporting in Philippine media law through the Supreme Court's ruling in Angeles v. Gaite.
Judicial Accountability When Archiving Cases Constitutes Gross Ignorance of the Law
A judge who archived criminal cases instead of forwarding them to the prosecutor was fined P30,000 for gross ignorance of the law.
Evidence Rules in Philippine Administrative Cases: The Atienza Case Explained
Administrative bodies in the Philippines follow relaxed evidence rules. Learn what Atienza v. Board of Medicine means for professionals facing administrative scrutiny.
Immorality in the Workplace: When Personal Conduct Leads to Professional Consequences
A Supreme Court ruling shows how a government employee's extramarital affair constituted disgraceful and immoral conduct, even after resignation.
Certiorari as a Substitute for Appeal: Navigating Procedural Missteps in Philippine Courts
Learn when certiorari can replace an appeal in Philippine procedure, and how the Supreme Court treats loss of trust and confidence in dismissals.
Party Expulsions and Due Process: When Can a Political Party Remove Members
The Supreme Court clarifies that political party expulsions are internal matters, not subject to constitutional due process requirements.
Forfeiture of Retirement Benefits for Serious Misconduct: Due Process in Termination Cases
Supreme Court ruling on when employers may forfeit retirement benefits for serious misconduct and what due process requires in termination.
Sangguniang Bayan Concurrence in Municipal Appointments: A Mandatory Requirement
The Supreme Court ruled that municipal appointments require Sangguniang Bayan concurrence; without it, the appointment is invalid regardless of tenure.
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.
Official Duty vs. Discourtesy: When Public Officials Cross the Line
The Supreme Court clarifies that public officials cannot hide behind official duty to justify discourtesy, reaffirming public office as a public trust.
Judicial Accountability: Good Faith Exception for Erroneous Judgments
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that judges cannot be disciplined for erroneous rulings made in good faith, absent fraud or malice.
SEC Cease and Desist Orders: When Regulatory Action Violates Due Process
The Supreme Court ruled the SEC acted with grave abuse of discretion by issuing a cease and desist order without proper investigation.
Upholding Integrity: Public Officials Held Accountable for Dishonesty and Misconduct
The Supreme Court reinstates the Ombudsman's ruling against a school principal for dishonesty, grave misconduct, and prohibited private practice under R.A. 6713.
Administrative Accountability: When Can You File a Complaint Against a Philippine Court Employee
Learn when a complaint against court personnel prospers or fails, based on the Supreme Court ruling in Mikrostar Industrial Corporation v. Mabalot.