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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Finality of Judgments: COA Cannot Reverse Absolved Parties' Liability
The Supreme Court rules that the COA cannot reverse a final decision absolving employee-recipients from refunding disallowed benefits, reinforcing finality principles.
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.
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.
Understanding Refund Obligations for Illegally Disbursed Government Benefits in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when government employees must refund disallowed benefits, applying the Madera rules on return.
Understanding Liability for Unauthorized Corporate Expenditures: Lessons from a Landmark Philippine Supreme Co
The Supreme Court clarifies when government officials and employees must return disallowed benefits like the NFA's Food and Grocery Incentive.
Navigating Liability in Government Housing Loan Disbursements: Insights from a Landmark COA Ruling
Learn how the Supreme Court rules on COA disallowances, good faith defenses, and liability for government employees who received disallowed benefits.
Presidential Approval and Legal Compliance in Corporate Incentives: PSALM v. COA
Learn from PSALM v. COA why presidential approval is mandatory for GOCC incentives and how bad faith affects liability for disallowed benefits.
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.
Good Faith Prevails Reassessing Liability in Disallowed Government Benefits
A lawyer's good faith in claiming disallowed benefits shields him from liability, but procedural lapses still draw sanctions.
Good Faith in Government Procurement: Protecting Public Officials From Personal Liability
Learn when good faith shields public officials from refunding disallowed benefits, and when it does not, under Philippine law.
Fiscal Autonomy vs COA Oversight: PhilHealth CARAGA Benefits Case
Supreme Court clarifies that GOCC fiscal autonomy does not override COA audit power over disallowed benefits.
Good Faith Exception When Government Employees CAN Keep Disallowed Benefits
PhilHealth v. COA clarifies when government employees may keep disallowed benefits despite an audit disallowance.
Disallowed Government Benefits and Good Faith Refund Rules: Zamboanga City Water District v. COA
When do government employees and officers have to refund disallowed benefits? The Supreme Court clarifies the good faith rule in this case.
Government Incentives When Must Employees Repay Disallowed Benefits
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when government employees must refund disallowed incentive benefits, distinguishing good faith recipients from approving officers.