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.
Upholding Decorum: Court Employee Dismissed for Gross Misconduct and Insubordination
The Supreme Court dismissed a court stenographer for repeated gross misconduct and insubordination, underscoring strict decorum standards for judiciary personnel.
Understanding Administrative Liability in Law Enforcement Raids: Lessons From a Landmark Case
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when judges face administrative liability for delayed decisions, offering lessons on accountability in the justice system.
Court Interpreter Suspended for Incompetent Translations in RTC Malaybalay
SC suspends court interpreter for inaccurate Visayan-to-English translations, stressing the heavy responsibility of judicial employees.
Dismissal for Neglect: Court Stenographers Must Submit Transcripts on Time
A stenographer who repeatedly fails to submit transcripts on time may be dismissed for gross neglect of duty, the Supreme Court ruled.
Substantial Evidence Standard in Disbarment Cases: Buntag v. Atty. Toledo
The Supreme Court clarifies the substantial evidence standard in disbarment cases and reminds lawyers to put fee agreements in writing.
When Court Employees Overstep: The Caoili Case on Judicial Misconduct
A clerk of court dismissed for grave misconduct after leaking an unsigned order, procuring lawyers, and receiving monthly payments from a litigant.
Eyewitness Testimony and Treachery: Conviction for Murder Upheld by Supreme Court
A look at how positive eyewitness identification and treachery established guilt beyond reasonable doubt in a murder case.
Justice Delayed: Holding Judges Accountable for Delayed Case Resolutions in the Philippines
The Supreme Court fined a Cebu judge P75,000 for gross inefficiency after failing to decide 99 cases and resolve 91 incidents within the mandatory 90-day period.
When a Court Employee's Side Business Crosses the Line: Moonlighting Rules Explained
Court stenographer's side business processing land titles led to administrative liability for moonlighting. Learn the rules and limits.
Dismissal for Dishonesty and Grave Misconduct: Court Personnel Held to Highest Standard
Court interpreter dismissed for grave misconduct and illegal exaction; stenographer suspended for simple dishonesty in administrative case.
Chain of Custody Safeguarding Drug Evidence and Ensuring Fair Trials
The Supreme Court clarifies that minor lapses in drug evidence handling do not automatically invalidate a conviction if the chain of custody remains intact.
Timely Transcript Submission: Court Stenographer Suspended for Delayed TSNs
Supreme Court suspends court stenographer for chronic TSN delays, underscoring that efficiency and compliance with Administrative Circular No. 24-90 are mandatory in the judiciary.
Clerk of Court Suspended for Unauthorized Fee Collection: Breach of Duty
A branch clerk of court was suspended for collecting commissioner's and stenographer's fees without authority. Learn the rules on court fee collection.
Speedy Trial Rights When Agreement Nullifies Delay In Securities Act Cases
Supreme Court ruling on when an accused's agreement to defer trial negates claims of speedy trial violation in securities cases.
Custodian Negligence Court Personnel Held Liable for Missing Case Records
Court personnel who negligently handle case records face administrative liability. Learn the rules on custodianship of court exhibits.
Judicial Due Process When Haste Makes Waste in Nullity Cases
Two judges fined for gross ignorance of procedure after rushing a marriage nullity case, depriving the husband of due process.
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.
Treachery and Witness Credibility in Philippine Murder Convictions
How credible eyewitness testimony and treachery shape murder convictions in the Philippines, with lessons from People v. Dulanas.
Docket Fees and Dismissal: Balancing Procedural Rules With Substantial Justice
The Supreme Court affirms that appellate courts may relax procedural rules on briefs to serve substantial justice, not strict technicality.
The Price of Delay: Judicial Accountability for Delayed Case Resolutions
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge fined for delayed decisions underscores the 90-day rule and judicial accountability in the Philippines.
Judicial Accountability: The Duty to Timely Transmit Preliminary Investigation Records
Why a judge's failure to transmit preliminary investigation records within 10 days is a punishable offense under Philippine law.
Balancing Speed and Justice: The Constitutional Right to a Speedy Disposition of Cases
Understand the right to speedy disposition of cases, the balancing test for delay, and what Bernat v. Sandiganbayan means for litigants.
Right to Speedy Disposition of Cases: A Cornerstone of Fair Trial in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains the right to speedy disposition of cases and why delays alone do not violate the Constitution.
Buy-Bust Operations Validity and the Principle of Entrapment in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court explains when buy-bust operations are valid and how entrapment differs from instigation in drug cases.