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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Substantial Evidence and Due Process Protecting Government Employees From Unjust Dismissal
The Supreme Court reinstated a BID investigator dismissed by the Ombudsman, ruling that administrative charges require substantial evidence and procedural due process.
Presidential Authority vs Legislative Power in Reorganizing Government Agencies
Supreme Court clarifies the President's power to reorganize executive agencies and transfer functions, distinguishing it from legislative authority.
Restitution Does Not Erase Administrative Liability for Dishonesty in Public Service
Supreme Court ruling: a government employee who returns missing funds can still be dismissed for dishonesty. Learn the rule and its practical impact.
When Can the President Reorganize Government Agencies? The Mabalot Case on LTFRB and DOTC Powers
Supreme Court ruling on the President's power to reorganize executive agencies and transfer functions, explained for non-lawyers.
Government Employees Strict Adherence TO Budgetary Laws Required FOR Salary Increases
Supreme Court rules government agencies must follow prescribed schedules for salary increases, affirming COA disallowances for premature payments.
Public vs Private Sector: Defining Government Control in Anti-Graft Cases
When is a government employee a public officer? The Macalino case clarifies jurisdiction in anti-graft prosecutions.
Security of Tenure Prevails: No Leave Filing Needed When Suspended Pending Criminal Case
A government employee suspended pending a criminal case cannot be dropped from the rolls for not filing leave; security of tenure and due process protect her reinstatement.
Sequestration and Due Process: Prima Facie Basis for Government Action
The Supreme Court upholds Sandiganbayan's lifting of sequestration over HMHMI for lack of prima facie factual basis, reinforcing due process.
Dereliction of Duty and Dismissal Integrity in Public Service: Lessons from DBP v. Nequinto
The Supreme Court dismissed a sheriff for grave misconduct after he abused his authority in enforcing a writ of execution against a government bank.
When Can the DBM Intervene in Local Salary Disputes? The Boncodin Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when the DBM may intervene in local government salary cases—and why timing matters.
COA Oversight and Private Auditors in Government Banks: The DBP Case
Supreme Court rules COA audit power over government banks is not exclusive; private external auditors may conduct concurrent audits.
Funding Education Balancing Local Control AND National Mandates IN Special Education Fund Usage
Supreme Court clarifies which teacher salaries and scholarship grants may be charged to a local government's Special Education Fund.
Navigating Force Majeure When Strikes Excuse Contractual Delays in Philippine Law
When do strikes excuse delayed delivery? The Supreme Court explains force majeure, good faith, and damages in government bidding.
Terminal Leave Pay: Highest Salary Rule for Retiring Government Officials
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on computing terminal leave pay using highest monthly salary, including acting capacity designations.
Acting Secretary's One-Day Salary Counts for Terminal Leave Pay
Supreme Court rules that a government official's terminal leave pay must be computed using the highest salary received, including pay from an acting appointment.
Drunkenness on Duty: Upholding Ethical Standards for Government Employees in the Philippines
The Supreme Court suspends a court employee for six months for drinking on duty, reaffirming that public office is a public trust.
Pcggs Sequestration Powers Balancing Government Authority AND Constitutional Rights IN Corporate Takeovers
Estate Tax Deficiency Assessments: Balancing Government Revenue and Taxpayer Rights
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies when estate tax surcharges and interest apply, and how taxpayers can contest deficiency assessments.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When Foreclosure by Government Banks Is Not Fraud
The Supreme Court explains when foreclosure by government banks does not justify piercing the corporate veil, and why creditors cannot claim preferences outside liquidation.
Enforceability of Consultancy Agreements: Influence Peddling and Public Policy
When a consultancy agreement rests on influence peddling with government officials, Philippine courts will not enforce it as against public policy.
Unlawful Search and Seizure: Protecting Individual Rights Against Government Intrusion
The Supreme Court acquits a barangay captain of drug charges after police conducted a warrantless search of his home, reaffirming constitutional protections.
Public Officials and Due Diligence in Government Land Transactions
A Supreme Court ruling shows why possession of public land does not equal ownership, and why only the State can sue to recover public land wrongly titled.
Eminent Domain vs Urban Development: Balancing Public Need and Property Rights in Manila
The Supreme Court clarifies when local governments may expropriate private land for socialized housing under R.A. 7279.
Co-Terminous Employment and Security of Tenure in Government Contractual Positions
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling that co-terminous government employees serve at the pleasure of the appointing authority and may be terminated before project completion.