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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Estate vs Trustee: Intestate Courts Cannot Decide Ownership Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that intestate courts lack jurisdiction to adjudicate ownership of properties claimed by third parties under adverse title.
Trust Receipts and Estafa: Why a Payment Agreement Does Not Erase Criminal Liability
The Supreme Court ruled that a new payment schedule cannot erase criminal liability for trust receipt violations, which are malum prohibitum.
Breach of Public Trust Accountability for Misuse of Government Funds
Supreme Court affirms dismissal of PCG official for serious dishonesty, grave misconduct, and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.
Simple Negligence vs Dishonesty: Upholding Public Trust in Government Service
A look at how the Supreme Court treats simple neglect of duty versus dishonesty, and why Ombudsman decisions in administrative cases must be executed promptly.
Safeguarding Public Trust: Court Personnel and the Duty to Manage Judicial Funds
A Supreme Court ruling holds a cash clerk liable for misappropriating court funds and reminds clerks of court of their supervisory duties.
Loss of Trust and Confidence: When Can an Employer Terminate a Managerial Employee in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains the rules on dismissing managerial employees for loss of trust and confidence, and when belated reporting justifies termination.
Grave Misconduct in Government Procurement: SC Reverses Acquittal of Bataan Officials
Supreme Court reinstates dismissal of Bataan officials for grave misconduct in anomalous patrol boat procurement, stressing public trust breach.
Public Office as Public Trust: Lessons from the Deputy Ombudsman Administrative Case
The Supreme Court's ruling against a former Deputy Ombudsman clarifies the administrative offenses of neglect, misconduct, and abuse of authority.
Reconveyance of Property Under Implied Trust and the 10-Year Prescription Period
The Supreme Court clarifies when the prescriptive period runs for reconveyance based on implied trust and the effect of default orders.
Falsifying Court Orders: When Court Personnel Betray the Public Trust
A court stenographer who faked an order and certificate of finality to extort money was dismissed. Learn the legal consequences.
When Can Employers Fire for Loss of Trust? Key Accounts Manager Case Explained
Supreme Court clarifies when loss of trust and confidence justifies dismissal of a Key Accounts Manager who falsified documents.
Understanding Estafa in Trust Receipt Transactions: Key Lessons from Barlin v. People
Learn how the Supreme Court applied estafa under Article 315(1)(b) to trust receipt violations, and what businesses should know.
Employee Dismissal and Loss of Trust: Balancing Discipline with Fairness in Philippine Labor Law
Explore when loss of trust justifies dismissal in Philippine labor law and why the Supreme Court ruled a 17-year employee's termination too harsh.
Employee Dismissal for Loss of Trust and Confidence: What Employers Must Prove
The Supreme Court clarifies when loss of trust and confidence is a valid ground for dismissing an employee, and why vague company rules cannot justify termination.
When Can an Employer Validly Dismiss for Loss of Trust and Confidence: The Yonzon Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when loss of trust and confidence is a valid ground for dismissal, and when vague company rules cannot justify termination.
Understanding Illegal Dismissal When Negligence Doesnt Justify Termination
The Supreme Court clarifies when simple negligence or carelessness cannot justify termination, explaining the standards for loss of trust, gross neglect, and abandonment.
Management Prerogative vs. Constructive Dismissal: Balancing Employer Rights and Employee Security
The Supreme Court clarifies when loss of trust, negligence, and abandonment justify dismissal, protecting employees from arbitrary termination.
Illegal Dismissal: When Loss of Trust and Confidence Fails as Just Cause
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when loss of trust, gross neglect, and abandonment are valid grounds for dismissing an employee.
Loss of Trust and Confidence as Just Cause for Dismissal: What Employers Must Prove
The Supreme Court clarifies when loss of trust, gross neglect, or abandonment can justify terminating an employee under Philippine labor law.
Understanding Fraudulent Property Transfers, Implied Trusts, and Good Faith Buyers in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when a fraudulent property transfer creates an implied trust and when buyers in good faith are protected under Philippine law.
Understanding Estafa When Trust AND Contracts Collide IN Business Transactions
When project employees become regular: what Toyo Seat v. Velasco means for fixed-term hiring in the Philippines.
Grave Misconduct in the Judiciary: What Court Personnel and the Public Should Know
A Supreme Court ruling on a court clerk's grave misconduct shows how public trust in the judiciary is protected.
Lawyer Client Trust: Fiduciary Duties and Misconduct in Property Transactions
When a lawyer fails to account for client funds in a property transfer, the Supreme Court explains the fiduciary duty and consequences.
Illegal Dismissal for Dishonesty in the Philippines: When Termination Is Not Justified
When can an employee be fired for dishonesty? The Supreme Court explains the limits of termination for loss of trust and confidence.