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.
Illegal Dismissal Back Wages: Balancing Employee Rights and Employer Discipline in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on back wages for illegally dismissed employees, balancing security of tenure with employer discipline.
Credibility of Child Witnesses in Rape Cases: People v. Calma
How Philippine courts weigh child testimony in rape cases, and what People v. Calma teaches about credibility, evidence, and justice for minors.
Regular vs Casual Employment in the Philippines: Employee Rights and Employer Obligations
Understand the difference between regular and casual employment in the Philippines, and learn how labor-only contracting affects employee rights and employer liability.
When Health Is Not an Excuse: Understanding Neglect of Duty for Public Servants in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that illness does not excuse neglect of duty for public servants, defining the distinction from negligence.
Home Lot Rights in Philippine Tenancy: Only the Tenant is Entitled
The Supreme Court clarifies that only the tenant, not family members, may claim a home lot under RA 1199, Section 22(3).
Converting Partial Disability to Total Disability: GSIS v. Balais Explained
When can partial disability benefits be converted to total? The Supreme Court's ruling in GSIS v. Balais provides clear guidance for Filipino workers.
Clerk of Court Misconduct: When Repentance Can Mitigate Dismissal
Supreme Court explains when sincere repentance, full restitution, and reformation can spare a clerk of court from dismissal.
Upholding Judicial Competence: The Cost of Ignoring Basic Procedural Rules
A judge's severe reprimand for gross ignorance of appeal rules underscores the high standard of competence expected of Philippine courts.
Judicial Delay, Negligence, and Falsified Certificates: Lessons from a Philippine Judge's Administrative Case
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge fined for gross negligence and falsified certificates of service—key lessons for judicial accountability and integrity.
Interpreting Retrenchment Programs Doubts Favor THE Worker
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how retrenchment program separation benefits should be interpreted in favor of workers.
Gross Ignorance of the Law: When Judges Overstep Their Authority
A Supreme Court ruling on when a judge's sentencing errors become gross ignorance of the law warranting administrative sanctions.
When Can an Employer Claim Loss of Confidence as Grounds for Dismissal in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when loss of confidence justifies dismissal and bars separation pay for trusted employees guilty of misconduct.
Sheriffs’ Duty to Promptly Execute Writs and Consequences of Delay
Philippine Supreme Court holds deputy sheriff liable for delay in executing writs and filing returns, imposing two-month suspension.
Falsification of Time Records: Penalties and Considerations for Government Employees in the Philippines
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling on falsified daily time records by a government employee, the penalties involved, and mitigating factors considered.