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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Understanding the COA's Role in Government Contracts: Insights from a Landmark Dairy Farm Case
A look at how the Supreme Court defined the Commission on Audit's power to disallow irregular government contracts and the liability of public officers.
Judicial Misconduct and the Consequences of Soliciting Bribes: A Landmark Ruling on Integrity in the Philippin
The Supreme Court's ruling in OCA v. Amor clarifies that resignation does not erase administrative liability for judicial misconduct like bribery.
Administrative Liability in Philippine Public Service: Duty, Misconduct, and the Safekeeping of Court Evidence
The Supreme Court clarifies the line between simple and gross neglect of duty, and grave misconduct, in the dismissal of two court employees over missing drug evidence.
Administrative and Criminal Liability: Prescription and Speedy Disposition Lessons from Perez v. Sandiganbayan
The Supreme Court clarifies prescription and speedy disposition rules in graft cases, balancing public accountability with the accused's rights.
Protecting the Vulnerable: Upholding Convictions in Statutory Rape Cases
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling on statutory rape convictions and the effect of an accused's death pending appeal on criminal and civil liability.
Understanding the Extinguishment of Criminal Liability Upon Death: Insights From a Landmark Supreme Court Ruli
When an accused dies pending appeal, criminal liability is extinguished. Learn the rules from a landmark Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
Understanding Misconduct and Neglect in Court Administration: A Guide for Clerks and Judicial Staff
Learn how a clerk of court's discourtesy to the Chief Justice led to administrative liability, and what court personnel should avoid.
Garnishment and Legal Compensation in Banking: The BPI v. Central Bank Case
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on bank liability, garnishment, and clearing house operations in BPI v. Central Bank.
When Following Orders Is Not Gross Neglect: A Lawyer’s Guide to Administrative Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies when a lawyer following superior directives in implementing Ombudsman orders is not guilty of gross neglect of duty.
When Bank Fraud Is Not the Bank's Fault: BPI v. Central Bank and the Limits of Employer Liability
The Supreme Court explains when a government bank is liable for employee fraud, and the limits of employer liability under Article 2180.
Understanding Liability for Disallowed Government Incentives: Insights from a Philippine Supreme Court Case
A Philippine Supreme Court case clarifies when government officials may be held liable for disallowed incentives, and the limits of good faith as a defense.
Navigating Employee Benefits and Disallowance: Understanding the Scope and Limits of Government Health Program
The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of government health benefits for GOCC employees, explaining when disallowances apply and who bears liability.
Procedural Pitfalls in Labor Disputes: Lessons from Mariano v. G.V. Florida Transport
A Supreme Court ruling on valid dismissal for serious misconduct but liability for procedural due process lapses, unpaid wages, and 13th month pay.
Regulatory Discretion vs. Criminal Liability: Insights from a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of R.A. 11212's expropriation provisions, clarifying the fine line between regulatory discretion and criminal liability.
Limits of University Board Powers: Disallowed Benefits and Good Faith
Supreme Court clarifies when university boards exceed their powers in granting benefits, and when good faith excuses refund liability.
Understanding Conspiracy and Treachery in Philippine Murder Cases: A Landmark Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies how conspiracy and treachery are proven in murder cases, and explains the liability of co-conspirators.
Simple Neglect of Duty by Court Personnel: A Lesson from A.M. No. P-20-4075
When court staff fail to serve an order of release, the consequences can be grave. This ruling clarifies their duty and liability.
Apparent Authority and Employer Liability: When Companies Are Bound by Employees' Acts
When are companies liable for unauthorized employee acts? The Supreme Court explains apparent authority, estoppel, and employer responsibility in Eternal Gardens v. Perlas.
Apparent Authority: When Employers Are Liable for Employees' Acts
The Supreme Court explains when a company cannot deny liability for its employees' unauthorized acts under the doctrine of apparent authority.
Understanding Grave Misconduct: Legal Standards for Public Officials and Lawyers in the Philippines
A look at the Supreme Court's ruling on administrative liability, the burden of proof, and the presumption of regularity in notarized documents.
Good Faith and Misinterpretation in Public Office: A Guide to the Anti-Graft Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when a public officer's mistaken interpretation of rules negates criminal liability under the Anti-Graft Law.
Undue Delay in Rendering Decisions: When a Judge's Delay Draws Administrative Liability
The Supreme Court fined a judge for undue delay in rendering a decision, clarifying when judicial delay becomes administratively actionable.
Maritime Liability in Vessel Collisions: Fault, Insurance Claims, and the Code of Commerce
When vessels collide, determining liability depends on the cause of action—contract or tort. The Supreme Court clarifies the governing rules.
Public Procurement and the Anti-Graft Law: Lessons from Coloma v. People
A police official's conviction for violating Section 3(e) of R.A. 3019 shows how flawed procurement and bad faith lead to graft liability.