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.
When Can Philippine Employers Dismiss Striking Workers? Illegal Strikes Explained
Philippine law allows employers to dismiss workers who join illegal strikes or commit illegal acts during strikes. Learn the rules.
Presumption of Regularity Protecting Judges From Baseless Charges and Harassment
Learn how the presumption of regularity shields judges from baseless administrative charges and protects judicial independence.
Filing Administrative Cases Against Judges: When Is a Judge Liable for an Unjust Judgment
Philippine Supreme Court explains when judges face administrative liability for erroneous rulings and the duty to answer complaints.
Illegal Preventive Suspension in the Philippines: The Gatbonton Case and Employee Rights
When is preventive suspension illegal in the Philippines? The Gatbonton v. Mapua ruling explains due process, publication of rules, and back wages.
Venue vs Jurisdiction in Libel Cases: Protecting Press Freedom
Explaining the difference between venue and jurisdiction in Philippine libel cases and how the rules protect freedom of the press.
Administrative Complaints Against Judges: When Errors Are Not Enough for Sanctions
The Supreme Court explains when a judge's errors warrant administrative sanctions, and when they do not.
Breach of Public Trust: Court Clerk Dismissed for Extortion and Dishonesty
A court clerk's dismissal for issuing fake subpoenas to extort money shows why public office is a public trust.
Court Dismisses Clerk of Court for Misusing Judicial Office to Harass Private Individuals
Supreme Court dismisses court clerk who used court letterhead to summon persons with no pending cases, ruling the acts constitute gross misconduct.
Res Judicata: The Bar Against Relitigating Claims in Philippine Courts
Understand the doctrine of res judicata in Philippine courts, its requirements, and practical implications for litigants and lawyers.
Breach of Duty Accountability for Negligence in Bank Appraisal
Court personnel must avoid any act that diminishes public faith in the judiciary; misuse of office warrants dismissal.
When Is a Judge Liable for Ignorance of the Law? Lessons from Barredo-Fuentes v. Albarracin
The Supreme Court clarifies that judges are not liable for mere legal errors absent bad faith, and warns against harassment suits.
Deputy Ombudsman Impeachment Limits Clarified by Supreme Court
The Supreme Court clarifies that Deputy Ombudsmen are not impeachable officers, settling a long-standing constitutional question.
Dishonesty in Public Service: Falsifying Time Records and the Limits of Jurisdiction
Court clarifies that dropping an employee from the rolls does not divest it of jurisdiction over pending administrative cases for dishonesty.
Preliminary Injunctions Preserve Status Quo, Not Final Judgments — Key Rules
Philippine Supreme Court explains why preliminary injunction orders are interlocutory, unappealable, and need not state full facts and law.
Filing Suits Is a Right, Not Harassment: Gatmaytan v. Ilao
When does filing a lawsuit cross the line into harassment under the Code of Professional Responsibility? The Supreme Court clarifies the boundary.
MTRCB Review Power Over TV Programs: The Inside Story Ruling on Freedom of Expression
Supreme Court affirms MTRCB authority to review all television programs, including public affairs shows, citing the Iglesia ni Cristo doctrine.
When Judges Face Administrative Complaints: The Limits of Judicial Audits and Harassment Suits
The Supreme Court clarifies when errors by judges are judicial matters, not administrative offenses, and warns against harassment suits.
When the Ombudsman Dismisses a Graft Complaint: The Limits of Judicial Review
Explore Samson v. Ombudsman, where the Court upheld the Ombudsman's dismissal of a graft complaint for lack of probable cause, clarifying the limits of certiorari and mandamus.
Judicial Immunity Shielding Judges From Baseless Administrative Complaints
When can judges be disciplined for erroneous rulings? The Supreme Court clarifies judicial immunity and the limits of administrative complaints.
Transfer of Employees Is a Valid Managerial Prerogative Unless Done in Bad Faith
The Supreme Court explains when an employee transfer amounts to constructive dismissal and when it is a valid exercise of management prerogative.
When a Judge Oversteps the Limits of Authority After Inhibition or Demise
A judge's contempt power must be exercised judiciously. Learn from a case where a judge abused it and was dismissed.
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.
Judicial Independence: Why Unfounded Administrative Complaints Against Judges Fail
The Supreme Court shields judges from baseless administrative suits, clarifying that judicial errors are corrected by appeal, not discipline.
Safeguarding Impeachment Limits THE Supreme Court Upholds Constitutional Integrity Against Legislative Overrea
The Supreme Court rules on the one-year bar on impeachment, affirming judicial review over constitutional limits.