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.
When Self-Defense Fails: Justifying Force in Lawful Duty Requires Reasonable Response
The Supreme Court clarifies when self-defense and performance of official duty justify killing, and why both failed for PNR security officers.
Dismissal of Administrative Complaint Against Court Interpreter: Burden of Proof in Administrative Cases
Administrative complaints require substantial evidence; mere allegations and assumptions are insufficient to hold court personnel liable for misconduct.
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.
Navigating DOLE Inspections: Employer Rights and Compliance in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies employer rights and obligations during DOLE labor inspections, emphasizing compliance, due process, and the Regional Director's jurisdiction.
Neglect of Duty and Insubordination in the Judiciary: A Lesson from a Process Server's Suspension
When a court process server repeatedly fails to serve summonses and disobeys orders, the Supreme Court steps in to uphold accountability.
Dishonesty in Public Service: Falsifying Time Records and the Limits of Jurisdiction
Court clarifies that dropping an employee from the rolls does not divest it of jurisdiction over pending administrative cases for dishonesty.
Habitual Tardiness and Falsified Time Records: A Lesson in Public Accountability
Court employee suspended one year for habitual tardiness and falsifying time records. A reminder that public office is a public trust.
Court Stenographer Dismissed for Falsifying DTRs and Pocketing Colleague's Salary
Supreme Court dismisses court stenographer for forging DTRs and special powers of attorney to steal a colleague's salary for nearly two years.
Good Faith and Falsification: When Honest Belief Defeats Criminal Intent in Public Documents
The Supreme Court in Layug v. Sandiganbayan ruled that good faith and absence of damage can defeat a falsification charge.
Workplace Sexual Harassment in the Philippines: Substantial Evidence and Employee Rights
Understand how the Supreme Court protects employees in sexual harassment cases, applying substantial evidence in administrative proceedings.
Proving Overtime in Philippine Labor Cases: Why Daily Time Records Matter and When They Don't
Daily time records aren't always conclusive in overtime claims. Learn when Philippine courts disregard them and how the doubt rule favors employees.
Labor-Only Contracting vs. Legitimate Job Contracting: Supreme Court Clarifies Employer Liability
The Supreme Court explains the difference between labor-only contracting and legitimate job contracting, and who bears liability for workers' claims.
Judicial Accountability in the Philippines: Ensuring Timely Justice and Efficient Court Management
A Supreme Court ruling on a deputy sheriff's neglect of duty underscores the exacting standards of judicial accountability in the Philippines.