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.
Reassignment Without Consent: Security of Tenure for Philippine Civil Servants
When can a government employee be reassigned against their will? The Supreme Court's ruling in Cariño v. Daoas explains the limits of transfer powers.
Jurisdiction Over Civil Service Disputes: The CSC's Exclusive Role
Learn why the Civil Service Commission, not regular courts, has exclusive jurisdiction over personnel disputes involving government employees.
Back Wages and Security of Tenure: Reinstatement After Illegal Dismissal in the Philippine Civil Service
Learn when illegally dismissed government employees can claim back wages, based on a landmark Supreme Court ruling on security of tenure.
Security of Tenure Prevails: Illegal Demotion and Due Process in Philippine Ports Authority Case
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling that a government employee cannot be demoted without cause and due process, even amid reorganization.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Public Sector Strikes: Balancing Employee Rights and Government Service
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on public school teachers' mass actions, explaining why government employees cannot strike and the limits of constitutional rights.
Election Law Violation: Transferring Employees Without Comelec Approval
Supreme Court clarifies that transferring or reassigning government employees during election period without COMELEC approval violates election law.
Philippine Retirement Law: Understanding Discretionary Service Extensions for Government Employees
Learn how the Supreme Court clarifies discretionary service extensions for government employees and the legal limits of such authority.
Permanent Total Disability Claims: Protecting Retirees' Right to Full Compensation
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on permanent total disability benefits for retired government employees, explained in plain language.
Ensuring Fair Retirement Benefits for Government Employees with Work-Related Illnesses
Supreme Court ruling on permanent total disability benefits for government employees who retire early due to work-related illnesses.
Upholding Integrity: Why Government Employee Absenteeism and Dishonesty Lead to Dismissal in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how habitual absenteeism and dishonesty by a court employee warranted dismissal from service with forfeiture of benefits.
Security of Tenure in Government Service: When a Defective Appointment Prevents It
A government employee's security of tenure depends on a valid, completed appointment. Corpuz v. Court of Appeals explains the rule.
Government Employee Strikes: Balancing Rights and Public Service in the Philippines
Philippine law prohibits strikes by government employees, but peaceful assembly within legal bounds remains protected. The Supreme Court explains the limits.
Habitual Absenteeism of Government Employees: Penalties and Lessons from a Supreme Court Ruling
Habitual absenteeism is a grave offense for Philippine government employees. Learn the rules, penalties, and key lessons from a landmark Supreme Court case.
Right to Backwages When an Illegally Dismissed Employee Is Entitled
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when an illegally dismissed government employee is entitled to backwages and other benefits.
Workplace Misconduct and Ethical Standards for Government Employees in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the ethical standards and disciplinary rules for government employees involved in workplace misconduct and unauthorized business.
Habitual Tardiness and Absences: Consequences for Government Employees in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine civil service rules penalize habitual tardiness and unauthorized absences, and what the Supreme Court says about accountability.
The Anti-Alias Law: When Is Using Another Person’s Name a Crime?
The Supreme Court explains the limits of the Anti-Alias Law in a case where a government employee signed a visitor’s logbook with another person’s name.
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.