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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Recomputation of Retirement Benefits: Step Increments and Special Allowances for Retired Justices
The Supreme Court clarifies that step increments and special allowances form part of the basic monthly salary base for computing judicial retirement benefits.
Adjusting Damages When Courts Correct Injustices Despite Procedural Lapses
Funding Source for Judicial Retirement Benefits: General Fund vs Special Allowance Fund
The Supreme Court clarifies that retirement benefits of justices and judges, including amounts based on special allowances, must be sourced from the General Fund.
Judicial Immunity: When Judges Cannot Be Sued for Official Acts
The Supreme Court dismissed an administrative complaint against three Sandiganbayan justices, reaffirming that judges are shielded from suits over official acts done in good faith.
Limits to Free Speech: Protecting Judicial Independence From Public Pressure
The Supreme Court held that statements pressuring justices to rule a certain way are not protected free speech but indirect contempt of court.
When SC Justices Split Evenly: Tie Votes and Case vs Matter Resolutions Explained
Learn how Philippine Supreme Court divisions resolve tie votes, why case vs matter resolutions differ, and what happens when justices split evenly.