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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Mandamus and Retirement Benefits: How Government Employees Can Enforce Their Rights
Learn how mandamus can compel government agencies to release delayed retirement benefits, based on a recent Supreme Court ruling.
No COLA on Top of Standardized Pay for Government Employees Post-1989
Supreme Court confirms COLA and amelioration allowance are integrated into standardized salaries under RA 6758; no extra payment allowed.
Understanding Due Process in Government Audits: Lessons from a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Case
Learn how the Supreme Court's ruling on an administrative case clarifies due process, misconduct, and penalties for government employees.
Understanding the Limits of Medical Benefits for Government Employees in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when government-owned corporations may grant medical benefits to employees—and why presidential approval matters.
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 Grave Misconduct: The Impact of Drug Use on Public Employment in the Philippines
Explore how drug use constitutes grave misconduct in Philippine public service, its legal basis, and consequences for government employees.
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.
Understanding the Limits of Government Agency Compensation: The Lumauan vs COA Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when government employees must return disallowed allowances, explaining the rules on COLA integration and liability.
Understanding Dislocation Allowances Legal Insights AND Implications FOR Government Employees
The Supreme Court ruled on incentive allowances for government employees, clarifying limits under Philippine law on additional compensation.
Navigating Accountability in Government Procurement: Lessons from a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling on CNA incentives clarifies when government employees must refund disallowed funds and how special funds may be spent.
Reinstated Government Employees Crediting Prior Service Upon Refund OF Retirement Benefits
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled that separation pay due to redundancy remains tax-exempt even if computed under a retirement plan formula.
Presidential Authority vs COA Oversight: Healthcare Benefits for Government Employees
Supreme Court ruling on when the President's approval of employee healthcare benefits still yields to COA audit rules and regulations.
Unexcused Absence When Neglect of Duty Leads to Removal From Public Service
Continuous AWOL for 30 working days can lead to dropping from the rolls. Learn the rules and consequences for government employees.
Unexcused Absence When Neglecting Duty Leads to Removal From Public Service
Learn when Philippine courts drop government employees from the rolls for AWOL, and what rights remain after separation.
AWOL and Accountability: Dropping Employees from the Rolls for Unauthorized Absences
Learn when Philippine government employees can be dropped from the rolls for AWOL, the procedure involved, and what benefits remain.
Calendar Days vs. Working Days: How Suspensions Are Counted for Philippine Government Employees
The Supreme Court clarifies that suspensions for government employees are served in calendar days, including weekends and holidays, not working days.
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.
Mental Fitness in Public Service: When Illness, Not Misconduct, Ends Employment
Explaining when mentally unfit government employees may be dropped from the rolls, and why such separation is non-disciplinary.
AWOL in Government Service: Supreme Court Upholds Dropping Employee From Rolls
Learn when Philippine government employees may be dropped from the rolls for AWOL, based on a 2018 Supreme Court ruling.
Procedural Due Process in Administrative Cases: When a Show Cause Memorandum Suffices
The Supreme Court clarifies when a show cause memorandum satisfies procedural due process in administrative disciplinary proceedings against government employees.
Retirement Benefits Premium Contributions Determine Creditable Service For Government Employees
GSIS v. Pauig: only service periods with paid GSIS premiums count for retirement benefits; casual and temporary service may be excluded.
Government Employment and Separation Benefits: The TransCo Ruling on Contractual Employees
The Supreme Court clarifies when contractual government employees qualify for separation benefits and when good faith excuses refund of disallowed amounts.
Diminution of Benefits: Government Employees and Contractual Bonuses Clarified
Supreme Court clarifies when government employees may keep contractual bonuses like the 14th month pay, and the limits of non-diminution.
Upholding Ethical Standards: Dismissal for Dishonesty in Public Service
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on dismissal for dishonesty in public service, explaining ethical standards and consequences for government employees.