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.

Showing 4972 of 355 articles for investigation

Due Process in Administrative Cases: No Liability Without Formal Charges

Supreme Court rules a government employee cannot be held administratively liable without a formal charge, reaffirming due process in civil service cases.

Philippine Airlines v. Yañez: When Workplace Conduct Warrants Disciplinary Action

The Supreme Court clarifies when employers may discipline employees for creating a hostile work environment, even absent explicit sexual demands.

Accountability Prevails Public Officials Held Civilly Liable Despite Acquittal In Illegal Funds Transfer Case

Acquittal in a criminal case does not erase civil liability. The Supreme Court explains why public officials must still answer for negligent handling of public funds.

Tax Amnesty Scope: When Revenue Regulations Exceed Statutory Authority

Supreme Court ruling on tax amnesty, pending cases, and limits of implementing rules under RA 9480.

Constructive Dismissal vs. Just Cause Termination: Key Supreme Court Ruling

The Supreme Court clarifies that constructive dismissal and just cause termination are incompatible, reinforcing due process and security of tenure.

Understanding Preventive Suspension in Philippine Administrative Law: Rights and Remedies

Learn the rules on preventive suspension in Philippine administrative law, including grounds, duration, and the rights of public officers facing investigation.

Public Office as Public Trust: Lessons from the Deputy Ombudsman Administrative Case

The Supreme Court's ruling against a former Deputy Ombudsman clarifies the administrative offenses of neglect, misconduct, and abuse of authority.

Employee Dismissal in the Philippines: Due Process and Substantial Evidence Requirements

Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that employers must prove just cause with substantial evidence and follow procedural due process when dismissing employees.

Malversation and Falsification: What the Cabarios Acquittal Means for Public Officials

The Supreme Court's Cabarios ruling clarifies the proof needed to convict public officials of malversation and falsification of public documents.

Illegal Dismissal and Substantial Evidence: The Padsing v. Lepanto Case

The Supreme Court’s ruling in Padsing v. Lepanto underscores that employers must prove just cause for dismissal with substantial evidence.

When Can Employers Fire for Loss of Trust? Key Accounts Manager Case Explained

Supreme Court clarifies when loss of trust and confidence justifies dismissal of a Key Accounts Manager who falsified documents.

Inordinate Delay and the Right to Speedy Disposition of Cases in the Philippines

Learn how the Supreme Court protects your right to speedy disposition of cases, explained through the landmark Campa, Jr. v. Paras ruling.

Protecting Privacy and Security: Understanding the Writ of Amparo in Philippine Law

The Supreme Court affirms that the writ of amparo protects families of suspected rebels from surveillance, upholding privacy and spousal privileges.

What Happens to an Administrative Case When the Respondent Dies? (Philippines)

Philippine Supreme Court rules on whether death of a respondent ends a pending administrative case, citing due process and heirs' protection.

Double Jeopardy and Demurrer to Evidence: What People v. Baja Means for Philippine Criminal Cases

A granted demurrer to evidence is an acquittal. The Supreme Court explains why further prosecution is barred by double jeopardy.

Gross Neglect of Duty and Mitigating Circumstances in Philippine Civil Service

When can mitigating circumstances lessen the penalty for gross neglect of duty? The Supreme Court clarifies in Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas v. Bool.

Unfair Competition as a Continuing Offense: What the Petron v. Yao Ruling Means

The Supreme Court clarifies when selling counterfeit goods is a continuing offense, affecting jurisdiction and prosecution strategy.

Substantial Evidence in Administrative Cases: The Mahinay Case Explained

Learn how the Supreme Court's ruling in the Mahinay case clarifies the substantial evidence standard in administrative cases against public servants.

Arson with Homicide: How Circumstantial Evidence Secured a Conviction

The Supreme Court affirmed an arson-with-homicide conviction based solely on circumstantial evidence. Learn the legal standard and key lessons.

LIVE'S vs LEVI'S: Supreme Court Rules on Trademark Confusion and Cancellation

The Supreme Court cancelled the LIVE'S trademark registration, ruling it confusingly similar to LEVI'S under the Dominancy Test.

Employee Termination for Unauthorized Absences: Lessons from a Landmark Philippine Case

Learn how Philippine courts handle employee termination for unauthorized absences and what employers must prove to avoid illegal dismissal claims.

SALN Violations and Perjury: Prescriptive Periods Explained

Learn the prescriptive periods for SALN violations and perjury in the Philippines, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in the Germar case.

Navigating the Fine Line: Gross Inexcusable Negligence in Public Office

The Supreme Court clarifies when a public officer's acts amount to gross inexcusable negligence under the Anti-Graft Law, using a sequestered corporation case.

Teacher Misconduct and Child Abuse: When Dismissal Is Justified in the Philippines

When does teacher misconduct justify dismissal? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of compassionate justice in child abuse cases.