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.

Showing 121 of 21 articles for decs

Tuition Fee Increases and Employee Benefits: The Supreme Court's Ruling on Allocation of Incremental Proceeds

The Supreme Court clarifies that retirement plan contributions may be charged against the 70% tuition fee incremental proceeds under RA 6728.

Unproven Claims When Government Contracts Lack Evidence Of Delivery

Supreme Court affirms COA denial of P63M textbook claim for lack of proof of delivery and appropriation.

Security of Tenure vs Academic Standards: The St. Mary's Academy Case

Philippine Supreme Court ruling on premature dismissal of teachers who failed the LET, balancing security of tenure with professional regulation.

Probationary Employment for Teachers: Rights, Limits, and the Manalo Ruling

Learn the rules on probationary employment for private school teachers, including tenure rights, dismissal standards, and the landmark Manalo case.

Academic Freedom vs Student Rights: Balancing Discipline and Due Process in Higher Education

The Supreme Court balances academic freedom and student rights in De La Salle University v. CA, clarifying due process and CHED jurisdiction.

When Jurisdiction Attaches: The Ombudsman vs. DECS in Public School Teacher Cases

The Supreme Court clarifies which agency has jurisdiction over administrative cases against public school teachers, explaining the limits of the Ombudsman's disciplinary authority.

Work-Related Hypertension Compensability and the Teacher’s Plight Under Philippine Law

The Supreme Court affirms that a public school teacher’s hypertension and stroke are compensable under PD 626, applying a liberal standard of proof.

Conditional Donations in the Philippines: When Can a Donor Revoke a Gift?

Philippine law treats onerous donations as contracts. Learn when a donor can revoke a gift if conditions are unmet, and the prescriptive period that applies.

Reliance on Subordinates Limits Liability for Falsification in Public Office

When can public officials rely on subordinates? Nava v. NBI clarifies limits of liability for falsification through reckless imprudence.

Accountability in Public Office: Good Faith Is Not a Free Pass in Malversation Cases

A look at Melchor v. Gironella on administrative liability, good faith, and the burden of proof in public office.

Double Jeopardy and Falsification: Understanding Distinct Offenses in Philippine Law

The Supreme Court explains when the same act can produce separate crimes without violating double jeopardy, using a falsification case.

Upholding University Authority When an Investigation Committee Can Be Challenged

Supreme Court ruling on when university investigation committees can be challenged, exhaustion of administrative remedies, and due process.

Executive Power vs Legislative Domain: Defining Reorganization Authority in Philippine Sports Governance

A 2003 Supreme Court ruling on EO 81 clarifies the President's power to reorganize the Executive Branch and transfer agency functions.

Preventive Suspension Limits and Employee Rights in Philippine Administrative Law

When can a 90-day preventive suspension be extended? The Supreme Court clarifies employee rights and the limits of disciplinary authority.

Appointment vs Reassignment: Clarifying the Role of Local School Boards in Superintendent Designations

The Supreme Court clarifies when local school board consultation is required for schools division superintendent designations, distinguishing appointment from reassignment.

Funding Education Balancing Local Control AND National Mandates IN Special Education Fund Usage

Supreme Court clarifies which teacher salaries and scholarship grants may be charged to a local government's Special Education Fund.

Res Judicata Bars Repeated Challenges to Education Law Reforms

Supreme Court explains res judicata in Manalo v. Court of Appeals, barring repeated suits over the same education law issue.

Campus Press Freedom vs School Authority: Balancing Student Rights and Institutional Discipline in Philippine

How the Supreme Court balanced campus press freedom under RA 7079 with a school's disciplinary authority in Miriam College v. Court of Appeals.

Good Faith and Falsification: When Honest Belief Defeats Criminal Intent in Public Documents

The Supreme Court in Layug v. Sandiganbayan ruled that good faith and absence of damage can defeat a falsification charge.

Limits of Protest Striking Teachers and the Public Interest in the Philippines

Philippine Supreme Court ruling on teacher strikes, free assembly limits, and public interest in education.

Tuition Fee Hikes and Wage Increases: Employee Rights in Philippine Schools

Explaining the Supreme Court ruling on how tuition fee increases relate to mandatory wage hikes for school employees under Philippine law.