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.
Breach of Trust: Defining Qualified Theft in Philippine Employment Relationships
The Supreme Court clarifies when an employee's misappropriation is qualified theft, not estafa, and explains the penalty rules.
Due Process and Administrative Investigations: The Limits of Certiorari
When can a government official question a show cause order through certiorari? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of this remedy.
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.
Upholding Employers Right TO Discipline Dishonesty AS Just Cause FOR Termination
Supreme Court rules that a nurse’s theft of hospital supplies is just cause for dismissal, reaffirming management prerogative to discipline dishonest employees.
Upholding Employee Rights Minor Infractions Dont Justify Dismissal
Philippine Supreme Court rules minor infractions like eating on duty or occasional tardiness do not justify employee dismissal.
When Sexual Harassment Claims Against Judges Fail: The Substantial Evidence Standard
The Supreme Court exonerated a judge accused of sexual harassment, clarifying the substantial evidence standard in administrative cases against members of the judiciary.
Theft vs. Estafa: When Employee Misappropriation Is Not Estafa (Benabaye Doctrine)
The Supreme Court in Benabaye v. People clarifies when an employee's misappropriation of funds is theft, not estafa, based on possession.
Limits on Notarial Powers: Balancing Public Service and Official Duty
The Supreme Court clarifies when clerks of court may act as ex officio notaries and when they overstep their authority.
Retirement Benefits for Seasonal Workers: Entitlement and Computation Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies how seasonal workers' retirement pay is computed under Article 287 and RA 7641, including the six-month rule.
Enforceability of Incentive Bonuses When Promises Become Obligations
When do employer promises become enforceable obligations? The Supreme Court clarifies jurisdiction over training reimbursement claims and unpaid salary disputes.
Public Use Prevails: Water System Properties Cannot Be Seized for Private Debts
Supreme Court rules water works systems devoted to public use are property of public dominion, exempt from levy and auction sale.
Civil Service Exam Fraud: Forged Signatures and Dishonesty in Public Service
Supreme Court ruling on Civil Service exam fraud, forged signatures, and the consequences of dishonesty in public service employment.
Regular vs. Fixed-Term Employment: Security of Tenure Under Philippine Labor Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when fixed-term employment is valid and when it violates a worker's security of tenure under Philippine labor law.
Finality of Settlements: How Quitclaims Impact Employment Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when quitclaims are valid and binding in labor disputes, protecting employees from waivers made under duress.
Breach of Trust When Court Employees Fail to Safeguard Public Funds
Court personnel who mishandle public funds face administrative liability, including dismissal, for breach of trust and conduct prejudicial to service.
Attorneys Fees THE Right TO Claim After Final Judgment
A lawyer can claim attorney's fees even after final judgment. The Supreme Court explains when and how.
Employer Liability for Vehicular Accidents: Proving Due Diligence in Hiring Drivers
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies employer liability for driver negligence, emphasizing documentary proof of due diligence in hiring and supervision.
Qualified Theft and Circumstantial Evidence: When Conviction Stands Without Direct Proof
The Supreme Court explains when circumstantial evidence suffices to convict for qualified theft, and how courts fix the value of stolen goods.
Security of Tenure: Regular Employment and Illegal Dismissal in Fixed-Term Contracts
When does a fixed-term employee become regular? The Supreme Court clarifies security of tenure, illegal dismissal, and employer burden of proof.
Sheriffs' Duty to Enforce Writs Promptly: A Lesson in Administrative Liability
When a sheriff repeatedly fails to implement a writ of execution, the Court steps in. Learn the rules on sheriffs' duties and penalties for neglect.
Retaliatory Dismissal: Protecting Employees Who Assert Their Rights
The Supreme Court affirms that firing workers for filing labor complaints violates security of tenure and constitutes illegal dismissal.
Cashier's Liability in Estafa: Reassessing Juridical Possession in Misappropriation Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when a corporate officer's possession of entrusted funds constitutes juridical possession for estafa liability.
Upholding the Sanctity of the Home: Violation of Domicile in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the crime of violation of domicile under the Revised Penal Code, emphasizing the protection of the home against unlawful intrusion.
Recomputing Monetary Awards in Illegal Dismissal Cases: Full Compensation Amidst Legal Recourse
Learn how the Supreme Court handles monetary awards in illegal dismissal cases, ensuring full compensation for employees while respecting legal remedies.