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 115 of 15 articles for oca circular

When Judges Delay: Supreme Court Fines Judge for Gross Neglect of Duty

A Philippine judge was fined PHP 185,003 for delaying decisions and violating rules on video conferencing hearings. Here's what this means for judicial accountability.

Inverse Condemnation: When Must NGCP Be Impleaded as an Indispensable Party

The Supreme Court clarifies when NGCP must be impleaded in inverse condemnation cases involving transmission lines, and why procedural rules may be relaxed.

Dishonesty and Neglect of Duty: Consequences for Court Personnel in the Philippines

A Supreme Court ruling on a clerk of court's cash shortages clarifies the penalties for dishonesty and gross neglect of duty.

When Can a Writ of Possession Be Challenged? Supreme Court Clarifies

The Supreme Court nullified a writ of possession in an NGCP expropriation case, ruling that trial courts must first determine the expropriator's authority before issuing the writ.

Breach of Public Trust: Accountability for Mismanagement of Court Funds in the Philippines

A Supreme Court ruling on a clerk of court's liability for fund mismanagement, tampered receipts, and delayed deposits.

Social Media Ethics for Judges: Lessons from the Atillo Case

A Supreme Court ruling on a judge's Facebook photos clarifies the ethical boundaries judges face when using social media in the Philippines.

Counterclaims in Libel Cases: Compulsory vs Permissive Claims Under Philippine Law

The Supreme Court clarifies when counterclaims in libel suits are compulsory or permissive, and the procedural requirements that follow.

Dismissal of Clerk of Court for Gross Neglect, Grave Misconduct, and Serious Dishonesty in Handling Judiciary

Supreme Court dismisses a clerk of court who failed to remit judiciary collections and submit financial reports, ruling that restitution does not erase administrative liability.

Breach of Duty and Dishonesty: Dismissal of a Court Clerk for Misappropriating Judiciary Funds

The Supreme Court dismissed a Clerk of Court for gross neglect of duty, grave misconduct, and serious dishonesty over unremitted judiciary funds.

Dishonesty in Public Service: Falsifying Time Records and the Limits of Leniency

Court personnel who falsify time records commit dishonesty, a grave offense. The Supreme Court explains when leniency may apply.

Breach of Trust: Dismissal for Dishonesty and Grave Misconduct in Philippine Courts

A clerk of court's falsified receipts and unreported collections led to dismissal for dishonesty and grave misconduct in this Philippine Supreme Court ruling.

Clerk of Court Dismissed for Mishandling Court Funds: A Lesson in Accountability

The Supreme Court ruled on the severe consequences for clerks of court who mishandle judiciary funds, emphasizing their duty as custodians of public money.

Indigency Status Corporations Cannot Claim FEE Exemption Despite Aiding THE Poor

Philippine Supreme Court rules corporations cannot claim indigent litigant fee exemptions, even when serving the poor. Learn the legal basis.

Habitual Tardiness in Public Service: Defining Limits and Upholding Accountability

The Supreme Court clarifies what constitutes habitual tardiness in government service and why traffic is not a valid excuse.

Judge Dismissed for Misappropriation of Court Funds and Gross Misconduct

Supreme Court dismisses judge for in-chambers meetings with litigants, misappropriating support funds, and defying Court orders.