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.
Custodia Legis and Garnishment: The BSP v. Judge Lanzanas Ruling
Funds in custodia legis cannot be garnished without court approval. The Supreme Court's ruling in BSP v. Judge Lanzanas explains why.
Immorality in the Workplace: When Personal Conduct Leads to Professional Consequences
A Supreme Court ruling shows how a government employee's extramarital affair constituted disgraceful and immoral conduct, even after resignation.
Sangguniang Bayan Concurrence in Municipal Appointments: A Mandatory Requirement
The Supreme Court ruled that municipal appointments require Sangguniang Bayan concurrence; without it, the appointment is invalid regardless of tenure.
PCG Disciplinary Authority: Supreme Court Upholds Coast Guard’s Separate Administrative System
Supreme Court affirms the PCG Efficiency and Separation Board’s power to discipline uniformed personnel, distinct from civil service rules.
Official Duty vs. Discourtesy: When Public Officials Cross the Line
The Supreme Court clarifies that public officials cannot hide behind official duty to justify discourtesy, reaffirming public office as a public trust.
Presumption of Regularity of Public Documents: The High Bar for Proving Falsification
Public documents enjoy a presumption of regularity. Learn the high evidentiary standard needed to overcome it in administrative cases.
DTR Rules and Office Hours for Government Employees: Key Lessons from a Supreme Court Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling on falsified DTRs clarifies strict office hours, the 40-hour work week, and flexi-time limits for government employees.
Willful Failure to Pay Just Debts: Disciplinary Risks for Philippine Government Employees
Philippine public servants can face administrative discipline for willful failure to pay just debts, even after settlement. Learn the rules and risks.
Ombudsman Jurisdiction Over GOCCs: The Original Charter Requirement
The Supreme Court limits Ombudsman jurisdiction over GOCCs to those with original charters, not corporations merely acquired by government.
Conflict of Interest and Private Practice: Lessons from Lim-Santiago v. Sagucio
A disbarment case clarifies when a lawyer's past ties create a conflict and why government prosecutors cannot practice privately.
Clerks of Court as Notaries: Limits on Ex Officio Notarial Powers
Clerks of court are ex officio notaries, but their notarial powers extend only to official duties—not private documents.
DARAB Contempt Powers: Why Arrest Orders Must Come From Courts
The Supreme Court limits DARAB's contempt power—arrest orders for indirect contempt must come from the Regional Trial Court, not administrative bodies.
Sheriff’s Neglect of Duty: When Failure to Implement a Writ Means Dismissal
The Supreme Court held a sheriff liable for grave misconduct and gross dishonesty for failing to implement a writ of preliminary attachment and mishandling funds.
Baseless Administrative Complaints Against Judges: Lessons from Manahon v. Judge Tan
The Supreme Court dismissed a baseless administrative complaint against a judge, reinforcing that substantial evidence is required and frivolous charges will be reprimanded.
Fixed Terms for Constitutional Commissioners: The Gaminde Case on Staggered Terms
The Supreme Court clarifies that a constitutional commissioner's term follows the staggered system, not the appointment paper's date, as shown in Gaminde.
Defective Verification and Forum Shopping Certification: Why Cases Get Dismissed in Philippine Courts
Learn how defective verification or certification against forum shopping can get a case dismissed in Philippine courts, based on Loquias v. Ombudsman.
Can Philippine Universities Revoke Degrees? Academic Integrity and Due Process
The Supreme Court affirms a university's power to revoke degrees obtained through fraud, provided due process is observed.
Barangay Appointments: Why Sangguniang Barangay Approval Is Required
The Supreme Court ruled that a Punong Barangay cannot appoint or replace barangay officials without Sangguniang Barangay approval.
The 90-Day Rule for Judges: What It Means for Speedy Justice in the Philippines
The 90-day rule requires Philippine judges to decide cases promptly. Learn how it works, what happens on delay, and the lessons from a landmark Supreme Court ruling.
Withdrawal of an Administrative Complaint: Does It Auto-Dismiss Cases Against Court Personnel?
Withdrawing an administrative complaint against court personnel does not automatically end the case. The Supreme Court explains when dismissal is proper.
Sheriff’s Fees in the Philippines: Rules, Limits, and the Abellera Case
Learn the legal limits on sheriff’s fees in the Philippines, the Abellera ruling on excessive charges, and practical safeguards for litigants.