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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Breach of Trust Dismissal for Falsifying Court Documents in the Philippines
Supreme Court disbars lawyer who misappropriated client funds and engaged in double-dealing, violating the Code of Professional Responsibility.
Breach of Legal Ethics When Attorneys Neglect Client Matters and Misappropriate Funds
A lawyer who fails to file a client's case and refuses to return legal fees faces suspension for violating the Code of Professional Responsibility.
Patent Revival and Due Diligence: The Consequences of Negligence in Intellectual Property Rights
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that negligence by a patent applicant's counsel binds the client, and revival of abandoned applications may be barred by third-party rights and public interest.
Upholding Attorney Accountability: Neglect of Duty and the Attorney-Client Relationship
A lawyer who takes a client's fees but fails to file the case, deceives the client, and misappropriates funds faces the ultimate sanction: disbarment.
Upholding Client Confidentiality: A Lawyer's Duty in Conflicting Interests
When a lawyer takes on a case against a former client over a deal he oversaw, the Supreme Court says it is a conflict of interest.
Lawyer Disbarred for Misusing Client Funds and Soliciting Bribe
Supreme Court disciplines lawyer for absconding with client money and offering to bribe a judge, reaffirming ethical duties.
Upholding Legal Ethics: Attorney's Duty to Client and the Integrity of the Profession
A lawyer who misappropriates client funds and solicits money to bribe a judge faces suspension, reaffirming core ethical duties.
Attorney Negligence and Misconduct: Upholding Ethical Standards in Legal Practice
A lawyer who absconds with client funds and solicits money to bribe a judge faces suspension, reaffirming strict ethical standards for the Philippine bar.
Lawyer Suspended for Taking Client Funds Without Securing US Visas
A Supreme Court ruling on lawyer discipline shows why attorneys must account for client funds and charge only reasonable fees.
Breach OF Trust Attorneys Duty TO Account FOR Client Funds AND Ethical Conduct
When Lawyers Fail Clients: Suspension for Misappropriating Visa Fees
A lawyer who took P345,000 for US visa services but did nothing was suspended for one year and ordered to return the money.
Recognizing Foreign Divorce in the Philippines: Proving the Alien Spouse’s National Law
Philippine courts require proof of both the foreign divorce decree and the alien spouse's national law. Learn the rules from a recent Supreme Court case.
Attorney Suspended Five Years for Deceitful Conduct and Breach of Professional Responsibility
Lawyer suspended five years for deceiving clients into paying P350,000 for a property redemption she never processed, violating the Lawyer's Oath and Rule 1.01.
Attorney Suspended Three Years for Misappropriating Client Funds
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for three years for failing to file a case and refusing to return client's P65,000, reinforcing trust obligations.
Lawyer Suspended for Breach of Trust: Neglecting Client's Case and Withholding Funds
Philippine Supreme Court suspends lawyer for three years for failing to file a client's case and refusing to return P65,000 in entrusted funds.
Upholding Client Trust: Attorney Suspended for Misappropriating Funds and Neglecting Legal Duty
Philippine Supreme Court suspends lawyer for three years for failing to file a client's case and refusing to return P65,000 in entrusted funds.
Counsel's Negligence in Appeals: When a Client Is Bound by a Lawyer's Lapses
A missed deadline for an appellant's brief can end an appeal. Philippine Supreme Court explains when clients are bound by counsel's negligence.
When Counsel's Negligence Binds the Client: Appeals to the Commission on Audit
The Supreme Court clarifies that a client is bound by counsel's negligence in COA appeals, absent diligent follow-up.
Proving Land Ownership: Open Possession Since June 12, 1945
Free patents require open, continuous possession since June 12, 1945, but only over alienable land. Timberland cannot be privately owned.
Supreme Court Cancels Free Patent Over Timberland, Orders Reversion to State
SC rules DENR's presumption of regularity prevails; titles over inalienable timberland are void and must revert to the State.
Upholding Client Loyalty THE Prohibition Against Representing Conflicting Interests IN Legal Practice
Lawyer Suspended for Conflict of Interest: When a Former Client Becomes an Adversary
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer for six months for representing siblings against a former client, violating Rule 15.03 of the Code of Professional Responsibility.
When Court Notices Must Reach the Lawyer: Cervantes v. City Service Corporation
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that procedural deadlines run from counsel's receipt of notice, not the client's, in NLRC cases.