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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When a Teacher’s Grade Changes Become Illegal Dismissal: Academic Integrity vs. Discretion
A teacher who altered failing grades was dismissed, but the Supreme Court ruled the dismissal illegal—simple misconduct, not serious misconduct.
Mayor's Personal Deposit of Municipal Checks: Official Misconduct and Probable Cause
Supreme Court ruling on when a mayor's deposit of municipal checks into a personal account constitutes probable cause for graft under RA 3019.
Notarial Misconduct and the Duty of Candor: Lessons from Mondejar v. Rubia
A lawyer-notary's false notarization and lack of candor lead to suspension, underscoring the sacred duties of the notarial office.
Upholding Ethical Standards: Notarial Misconduct and Falsification of Documents
A lawyer-notary's antedated document and false acknowledgment lead to suspension, underscoring the sacred duty of notaries public.
When Certiorari Cannot Replace a Lost Appeal: Villanueva v. Quisumbing
Supreme Court clarifies that certiorari cannot substitute for a lost appeal, and distinguishes grave misconduct from disgraceful and immoral conduct.
Morality vs Misconduct: Defining the Boundaries of Public Service Decorum
The Supreme Court clarifies when private immorality becomes administrative misconduct, and why certiorari cannot replace a lost appeal.
Second Chances in Law: Lifting Suspension and Releasing Leave Credits After Misconduct
The Supreme Court lifts a dismissed lawyer's suspension and orders release of leave credits, but keeps the ban on government re-employment.
Upholding Integrity: Dishonest Declarations Lead to Dismissal in Public Office
The Supreme Court dismissed a judge for gross immorality after an extramarital affair, showing that private misconduct has public consequences.
Judicial Efficiency vs. Justice: The Price of Delayed Resolutions
A Supreme Court ruling shows why court clerks must deposit judiciary funds on time, and how delay can amount to gross misconduct and dishonesty.
Workplace Misconduct and Fund Accountability: Lessons from a Clerk of Court Case
A clerk of court's failure to timely remit judiciary funds constitutes gross misconduct, even after full restitution.
Upholding Integrity: Disciplining Court Employees for Misconduct Outside Official Duties
The Supreme Court suspended a court stenographer for one year for moonlighting, showing judiciary staff may be disciplined for acts outside their official duties.
Employer Liability When an Employee's Crime Becomes the Company's Debt
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on employer subsidiary liability for crimes committed by employees, and when companies must answer for employee misconduct.
Maintaining Judicial Integrity: Understanding Misconduct of Court Personnel in the Philippines
A judge's P20,000 fine for issuing a search warrant without written searching questions shows why judicial competence matters.
Court Employee Misconduct Upholding Integrity IN THE Philippine Judiciary
Dismissal for Dishonesty, Grave Misconduct, and Breach of Public Trust in the Judiciary
The Supreme Court affirms the dismissal of a court employee for dishonesty, grave misconduct, and breach of public trust, underscoring the strict standards of conduct required of judiciary personnel.
When Can a Lawyer Be Disciplined? No Prescription for Attorney Misconduct
The Supreme Court strikes down the IBP's two-year prescription rule, affirming that lawyer misconduct can be disciplined anytime.
When a Court Employee's Misconduct Outside the Courtroom Leads to Dismissal
The Supreme Court dismissed a court cashier for tampering with official receipts and misappropriating judiciary funds, reaffirming that integrity is required of all court personnel.
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.
Judicial Delay and Misconduct: When Can You File an Administrative Case Against a Judge in the Philippines
Learn when you can file an administrative case against a Philippine judge for misconduct or delay, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in OCA v. Floro.
Judicial Conduct and Mental Fitness: When Can a Philippine Judge Be Removed From Office
The Supreme Court clarifies the line between judicial misconduct and mental incapacity in removing a judge from office.
Breach of Trust: Understanding Lawyer Misconduct and Disciplinary Actions in the Philippines
When do a lawyer's personal dealings become grounds for disbarment? The Supreme Court clarifies the high bar for professional misconduct cases.
Sheriff Misconduct: When Overzealous Court Service Becomes a Liability
Philippine Supreme Court rules on sheriff misconduct when overzealous implementation of court orders and service of pleadings exceeds authority.
Sheriff's Duty in Writ of Execution: Diligence Must Not Overstep Authority
A sheriff's premature implementation of a court order and service of a party's motion led to suspension for simple misconduct.
Lawyer's Inaction Causing Case Dismissal Is Professional Misconduct: Agustin v. Empleo
Philippine Supreme Court reprimands a lawyer for four years of inaction on a court order, resulting in case dismissal. Know the duty.