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.
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.
Exceeding Authority or Political Vendetta: Ombudsman Dismissal of Local Officials in the Philippines
When can the Ombudsman's dismissal of a local official be overturned? The Supreme Court explains in Constantino v. Desierto.
When AWOL Is Not Grounds for Dismissal: Philippine Labor Law Explained
Philippine Supreme Court explains when absence without leave (AWOL) is not valid grounds for dismissal, and what employers must prove.
Judicial Delay: When Inaction Becomes Neglect of Duty
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a judge's prolonged inaction on pending motions constitutes neglect of duty, even after case transfer.
Judicial Delay and Falsification: When a Judge's Certificates of Service Become Grounds for Dismissal
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling shows how delayed case decisions and falsified certificates of service led to a judge's dismissal from the bench.
Employee Dismissal in the Philippines: Serious Misconduct and Loss of Trust Explained
Learn when Philippine employers can validly dismiss employees for serious misconduct and loss of trust, based on the Cosmos Bottling case.
Probationary Employment in Philippine Schools: Contract Terms and Termination Rights
Understand probationary employment rules in Philippine schools, including contract terms, termination rights, and recent Supreme Court guidance.
Due Process in Employee Dismissal: What Employers Need to Know in the Philippines
Learn the essentials of procedural and substantive due process in Philippine labor law, including key rules and practical compliance tips for employers.
Illegal Dismissal of Ship Captain: When Refusing an Unsafe Order Is Not Incompetence
The Supreme Court ruled that a ship captain's refusal to tow a barge with worn-out ropes was not incompetence but sound professional judgment, making his dismissal illegal.
Clerk of Court Accountability: Ensuring Document Integrity in Philippine Courts
When a clerk of court certifies a tampered copy, public trust in the judiciary suffers. This case explains the duty.
When Can a Seaman Be Dismissed: Understanding Seafarer Rights and Obligations
Learn the legal grounds for dismissing a seaman in the Philippines, plus the rights and obligations of seafarers under Philippine maritime law.
Sexual Harassment in the Workplace: Employee Rights and Employer Responsibilities in the Philippines
Learn the legal rules on workplace sexual harassment in the Philippines, including employer duties, due process, and employee remedies.
Airline Liability for Stranded Passengers: Understanding Passenger Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Airlines v. Court of Appeals clarifies airline liability for stranded passengers, discrimination, and damages under Philippine law.
Consequences of Neglecting Duty: A Philippine Court Clerks Case
A clerk's neglect of duty can lead to administrative liability. This article explains the legal standards and consequences for court personnel in the Philippines.
Understanding Timeliness in Filing a Petition for Certiorari in the Philippines
Learn the reasonable period rule for filing certiorari petitions under Rule 65, as explained in Philgreen Trading v. Court of Appeals.
When Is a Lawyer Liable for a Missed Appeal? Lessons from Sattar v. Lopez
The Supreme Court clarifies when a lawyer may be disciplined for a missed appeal, and when the client's own neglect is to blame.
Service of Court Decisions in the Philippines: The Laza Case and Due Process
Learn how Philippine courts rule on valid service of decisions, the "sufficient discretion" standard, and the Laza v. Court of Appeals case.
Laches and Prescription in Property Disputes: What the Supreme Court Said
A 1997 Supreme Court ruling clarifies when laches and prescription can dismiss a property case, and why these defenses need full trial.
Psychological Incapacity as Ground for Marriage Annulment in the Philippines: Guidelines and Implications
The Supreme Court's Molina ruling sets strict guidelines for proving psychological incapacity under Article 36 of the Family Code.
Marriage Annulment and Bigamy in the Philippines: Lessons from a Landmark Case
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a void marriage still requires judicial declaration before remarriage, and its impact on bigamy charges.
When Can the Ombudsman Investigate Judges? The Dolalas Rule on Judicial Independence
The Supreme Court clarifies the boundary between Ombudsman authority and judicial independence in investigating judges for delay.
Judicial Misconduct: Neglect of Duty and Insubordination in Philippine Courts
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge's failure to follow procedural rules and obey a superior's directive, resulting in a fine.
Sheriffs Authority: Understanding the Limits of Property Attachment in the Philippines
Learn the limits of a sheriff's authority in property attachment in the Philippines, based on a landmark Supreme Court administrative case.
The Clerk's Duty and Timely Record Submission in Philippine Courts
A 1996 Supreme Court ruling clarifies the distinct duties of clerks of court and stenographers in transmitting case records on appeal.