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.
Solidary Liability in Construction Contracts: When LWUA Shares Responsibility
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when LWUA can be held solidarily liable with water districts for construction contract obligations.
Attorney Misconduct: Handling Client Funds and Accountability in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine lawyers must account for client funds and return unused amounts, based on Supreme Court rulings on attorney discipline.
Illegal Recruitment in the Philippines: Know Your Rights and Legal Remedies
Understand illegal recruitment in the Philippines, its penalties, and how victims can seek justice, explained through a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Simple Misconduct in Philippine Courts: Consequences and Employee Benefits
A judge's office closure during work hours led to simple misconduct liability and clarified rules on benefits eligibility in the judiciary.
Navigating Employment Status: Contract of Service vs Regular Employment in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when workers in government-owned corporations are contract of service workers, not regular employees entitled to security of tenure.
Mayor's GSIS Remittance Liability: Intent Still Matters in Criminal Cases
Supreme Court acquits mayor of GSIS non-remittance, ruling that intent to perpetrate the prohibited act must still be proven even in malum prohibitum cases.
Navigating Government Procurement: Avoiding Liability in Disallowed Transactions
Learn how the Supreme Court held BAC members liable for flawed procurement, and how to avoid audit disallowances.
Forum Shopping in Disbarment Cases: Protecting Government Lawyers Under the CPRA
The Supreme Court dismisses a disbarment case against prosecutors, clarifying rules against "effective forum shopping" under the CPRA.
Gross Misconduct and Insubordination in Philippine Government Service: A Guide for Employees
Learn how the Supreme Court defines gross misconduct and insubordination in government service, and the penalties that follow.
Enforced Disappearance Safeguarding Rights Under THE Writ Of Amparo In The Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the scope and remedies under the writ of amparo, reinforcing protections against enforced disappearances.
Attorney Discipline: Negligence and Misconduct in Quasi-Judicial Roles
When do a government lawyer's official acts become grounds for discipline? The Court clarifies the standard in this 2024 ruling.
Speedy Disposition of Cases: When Delays Lead to Dismissal in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court protects the right to speedy disposition of cases, and when unreasonable delays can lead to dismissal of criminal charges.
When Government Transactions Can Be Disallowed: COA's Power Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies when COA may disallow government payments and when it oversteps its audit powers in this PhilHealth case.
Forcible Entry and Prior Physical Possession: Protecting Occupants Against Owners
Explore the Supreme Court's ruling in Magsi v. Heirs of Lopez, Jr. on forcible entry, prior physical possession, and ejectment law in the Philippines.
Navigating GOCC Compensation: Board Authority and Disallowed Benefits in the Philippines
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling on PNCC directors' gratuity benefits, GOCC status, and when disallowed compensation must be returned.
Navigating Anti-Graft Law Good Faith Defense in Government Procurement
Explore the good faith defense in anti-graft cases through a recent Supreme Court acquittal in a government procurement dispute.
Inverse Condemnation: When Must NGCP Be Impleaded as an Indispensable Party
The Supreme Court clarifies when NGCP must be impleaded in inverse condemnation cases involving transmission lines, and why procedural rules may be relaxed.
Court Employee’s Drug Conviction Leads to Fine, Forfeiture of Retirement Benefits
A Supreme Court ruling shows how a court utility worker’s drug conviction led to forfeited retirement benefits and permanent disqualification from public office.
Judges and Business Interests: Navigating Ethical Boundaries in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a judge's private business interest becomes an ethical violation, and what judges must do to stay compliant.
When Can the Comelec Disqualify Bidders? Electoral Integrity vs Procurement Law
The Supreme Court rules on the limits of Comelec's power to disqualify bidders under procurement law.
Functional Immunity for International Organizations in the Philippines: The Westfall v. Locsin Guide
Learn how the Supreme Court's Westfall v. Locsin ruling defines functional immunity for international organization personnel in the Philippines.
Navigating Government Procurement: Avoiding Misconduct and Neglect of Duty
A look at how the Supreme Court distinguished simple misconduct from gross neglect of duty in a flawed government procurement case.
When Personal Misconduct Impacts Public Trust Philippine Supreme Court Ruling ON Employee Behavior
The Supreme Court clarifies liability rules when government officials receive disallowed benefits, distinguishing approving officers from mere recipients.
COA Disallowances When ARE Government Officials Personally Liable TO Refund
Supreme Court clarifies when government officials must refund disallowed benefits, distinguishing approving officers from mere recipients.