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.
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.
Government Procurement and Audit Disallowances: Lessons from a Landmark COA Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when government officials and contractors may be held liable for audit disallowances in public procurement projects.
Security of Tenure vs. Appointment: The Dator Case on Local Government Officials
The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on appointing municipal administrators, the condonation doctrine, and the limits of injunctive relief in Ombudsman cases.
Due Process and Administrative Investigations: The Limits of Certiorari
When can a government official question a show cause order through certiorari? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of this remedy.
Due Process in Administrative Cases: The Melendres Doctrine on Formal Hearings
When is a formal hearing required in administrative cases? The Supreme Court clarifies due process rules for government officials facing charges.
Local Government Officials and Legal Representation: Defining Government Instrumentalities
Supreme Court clarifies that government-owned or controlled corporations like NPC are "instrumentalities" under the Local Government Code, disqualifying sanggunian members from appearing as counsel ag
Suing the Government: Understanding State Immunity in the Philippines
A pharmaceutical company's bid dispute clarifies when government officials can be sued despite state immunity.
When Can a Government Official Be Held Liable for Omission? The Buenaobra Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when a public officer may be held administratively liable for inaction, and the due process rights of non-career service officials.
Contempt of Court and Administrative Dismissals: Balancing Executive Action and Judicial Process
When can a government official be cited for contempt for implementing an administrative dismissal pending appeal? The Supreme Court explains the limits.
Acting Secretary's One-Day Salary Counts for Terminal Leave Pay
Supreme Court rules that a government official's terminal leave pay must be computed using the highest salary received, including pay from an acting appointment.
Terminal Leave Pay: Highest Salary Rule for Retiring Government Officials
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on computing terminal leave pay using highest monthly salary, including acting capacity designations.
Attorney Discipline When Misconduct As A Government Official Leads To Disbarment IN THE Philippines
When can a lawyer be disciplined for misconduct committed as a government official? The Supreme Court explains in Dinsay v. Cioco.
Consequences of Neglecting Fiduciary Duties: A Guide for Philippine Government Officials
Learn how a judge's four-year delay in remitting court funds led to a P20,000 fine for gross neglect of duty.