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.
When Can a Government Employee Be Dropped From the Rolls for Unsatisfactory Performance?
Philippine law on dropping government employees from the rolls for unsatisfactory performance, and the due process requirements that protect them.
When Does a Government Employee's Cash Shortage Become Grave Misconduct?
A Supreme Court ruling explains when cash shortages become grave misconduct and dishonesty in Philippine government service.
Preventive Suspension and Backwages of Local Government Employees Under Investigation
When can a suspended local government employee claim backwages? The Supreme Court clarifies the rule in Plaza v. Court of Appeals.
Philippine Government Employees and the Right to Protest: Understanding the Limits of Mass Actions
The Supreme Court clarifies the scope of civil servants' right to protest and the legal boundaries of mass actions in the Philippines.
Upholding Public Trust Accountability for Dishonored Debts in Government Service
Court interpreter reprimanded for willful failure to pay just debts. Learn the ethics rules for government employees and their personal obligations.
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.
Navigating Subpoenas: Government Employee Obligations in Ombudsman Investigations
Government employees must comply with Ombudsman subpoenas even if a superior orders otherwise. Learn the rules from this Supreme Court ruling.
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.
Government Incentives When Must Employees Repay Disallowed Benefits
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when government employees must refund disallowed incentive benefits, distinguishing good faith recipients from approving officers.
When Government Salaries Can Be Withheld: The Santiago COA Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies when COA may withhold a government employee's salary for an alleged cash shortage, and when it cannot apply the withheld amounts.
Election Bans and Government Employee Reassignments: What Davalos Teaches Us
A look at how the Supreme Court treats cash advances, liquidation duties, and accountability of public officers.
AWOL and Dismissal: Consequences of Unexcused Absences for Philippine Government Employees
Learn how Philippine civil service rules treat AWOL—30 days of unexcused absence can lead to separation or dropping from the rolls.
Habitual Tardiness of Government Employees: Lessons from a Supreme Court Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling on a clerk of court's habitual tardiness clarifies that health and traffic excuses do not justify repeated lateness.
When Can an Employee Be Dropped From the Rolls? Understanding AWOL and Due Process
The Supreme Court explains when government employees may be dropped from the rolls for AWOL without prior notice or hearing.
Breach of Trust: Government Employees, Habitual Absenteeism, and Misuse of Public Funds
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on habitual absenteeism and AWOL in government service, explaining penalties and the public trust doctrine.
Ombudsman's Authority Prevails: Challenging Jurisdiction After Participating in Proceedings
Supreme Court rules that participating in NLRC proceedings does not bar challenging jurisdiction when Civil Service Commission has exclusive authority over government employees.
Jurisdictional Boundaries: Summons, Transfers, and Government Employee Reassignments
When does a court lack jurisdiction over a government official? This case clarifies summons rules and employee transfer remedies.
Moral Turpitude and Public Service: How a Criminal Conviction Affects Government Employees
A Supreme Court ruling explains why a B.P. 22 conviction means dismissal for government employees, even with probation.
Rice Allowance and the Salary Standardization Law: The LWUA-COA Ruling Explained
The Supreme Court explains when government employees may keep allowances like rice subsidies under the Salary Standardization Law.
Intra-Union Disputes: Jurisdiction Lies With the Bureau of Labor Relations
The Supreme Court clarifies that the Bureau of Labor Relations has exclusive jurisdiction over intra-union disputes, including elections of officers in government employee organizations.
Good Faith Prevails When Government Entities Cant Recover Improperly Paid Benefits
Explore when good faith protects government employees from repaying benefits erroneously paid, based on Philippine Supreme Court rulings.
Productivity Incentives Government Employees VS Private Sector Benefits
SC rules on whether GOCC employees with original charters may receive productivity incentives under RA 6971.
Leave Credits Survive Dismissal: The Paredes v. Padua Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies that dismissed government employees keep earned leave credits, even when retirement benefits are forfeited.
Anonymous Complaints and Civil Service Discipline: Ensuring Fair Process in Government Oversight
When can anonymous complaints trigger civil service discipline? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on initiating administrative cases against government employees.