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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Due Process and Illegal Dismissal: Why Employers Bear the Burden of Proof in Termination Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies procedural rules on indispensable parties in illegal dismissal cases and the employer's burden of proof.
Breach of Public Trust Dismissal for Accepting Bribes in Exchange for Favorable Case Outcomes
A disbarred lawyer's failed bid to overturn his dismissal and the consequences of defying final court orders.
Upholding Integrity: Consequences of Dishonesty in Public Service
A sheriff's dismissal for grave misconduct and dishonesty, and a judge's liability for procedural lapses, explained.
Upholding Employee Rights Constructive Dismissal AND THE Duty TO Reinstate
Public Officials' Liability in Infrastructure Projects: The Brucal Case
Supreme Court clarifies when public engineers face dismissal for gross neglect in infrastructure projects, and when dishonesty charges fail.
Upholding Judicial Integrity: Dismissal of Charges Based on Insufficient Evidence of Collusion
Supreme Court denies surety's petition, ruling that procedural lapses and failure to timely challenge bail bond forfeitures bar relief.
Mutuality of Contracts: When One-Sided Termination Clauses in Employment Contracts Are Void
The Supreme Court explains when a termination clause that leaves dismissal to one party's sole judgment violates the mutuality principle under Article 1308 of the Civil Code.
Withdrawal of Information vs Dismissal: What the Supreme Court Said
The Supreme Court clarifies when a motion to withdraw information is final, and how prosecutors must weigh both sides in preliminary investigation.
Due Process in Employment Termination: Balancing Employer Authority and Employee Rights in Dismissal Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the two-notice rule and hearing requirement in dismissal cases, and the nominal damages for procedural lapses.
When Contracting Turns Into Employment: Defining the True Employer
Learn how Philippine courts determine the real employer in contracting arrangements and what this means for liability in illegal dismissal cases.
Moral Turpitude and Public Service: How a Criminal Conviction Affects Government Employees
A Supreme Court ruling explains why a B.P. 22 conviction means dismissal for government employees, even with probation.
Constructive Dismissal AN Employers Duty IN Reassignment AND DUE Process
When Loss of Trust Can Lead to Termination: Employee Rights Explained
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on constructive dismissal, loss of trust, and due process in employee termination cases.
Due Process in Labor Dismissals: The Two-Notice Rule and the Burden of Proving Just Cause
The Supreme Court reaffirms that dismissal without proper notice and hearing is illegal, and employers bear the burden of proving just cause.
Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies in PNP Administrative Cases: Mendoza v. NAPOLCOM
Supreme Court ruling on why PNP members must exhaust administrative remedies before going to court in dismissal cases.
Substantial Justice Prevails Dismissal Based ON Technicality Overturned IN Procedural Rules Dispute
The Supreme Court clarifies the rule on dismissals without due process, awarding nominal damages instead of reinstatement.
Reinstatement vs. Separation Pay: Upholding the Rights of Illegally Dismissed Employees
Illegal dismissal entitles workers to reinstatement and full back wages. Separation pay is only an alternative when strained relations are proven.
Due Process in Termination: Employer's Duty to Give Notice and Hearing
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that dismissal without notice and hearing, even with just cause, results in nominal damages.
Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies: Due Process in PNP Dismissal Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies that dismissed PNP officers must exhaust all administrative remedies, including appeals to the DILG Secretary and CSC, before seeking court intervention.
Upholding Finality When Failure to Prosecute Leads to Dismissal on the Merits
Learn how skipping an administrative appeal and a motion for reconsideration can prove fatal to a case, as shown in this Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
Demanding Money for Court Documents Constitutes Grave Misconduct and Bribery
Court personnel who demand money from litigants face dismissal, forfeiture of benefits, and disqualification from public office under the new CCACOP.
Mortgage Foreclosure and the Court's Ministerial Duty: Zarate v. Maybank
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on dismissal for failure to prosecute in a mortgage foreclosure redemption case.
Dismissal With Prejudice When Court Personnel Abuse Office for Personal Favors
Court clerk dismissed for issuing fake invitations under court letterhead to threaten citizens. Learn the rules on grave misconduct.
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.