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.
Disbarment for Lawyer Misconduct: Conflict of Interest and Deceit in Philippine Legal Practice
The Supreme Court disbarred a lawyer who deceived his client and profited from a compromise agreement, clarifying disciplinary proceedings are independent of civil cases.
Understanding Default Judgments When Courts Must Allow Late Answers
When can courts allow late answers? This article explains default judgment rules and when courts must permit a defendant to file a late answer.
Robbery with Rape: When Accomplices Are Liable for a Co-Accused’s Rape
The Supreme Court clarifies when a robber is liable for a co-accused’s rape, requiring proof of awareness and opportunity to prevent it.
Other Deceits Under Article 318: Lessons from Magalona v. People
Learn how the Supreme Court applied Other Deceits under Article 318 of the Revised Penal Code in Magalona v. People, and what it means for property transactions.
Robbery with Homicide vs Simple Robbery: When a Co-Robber Dies in a Police Shootout
The Supreme Court clarifies when a death during a robbery is "on the occasion" of the crime, and when it is not.
Robbery with Homicide: When a Deadly Robbery Is Only Simple Robbery
The Supreme Court explains when a death during a robbery still results in simple robbery, not robbery with homicide.
Notarial Responsibilities and Lawyer Ethics: Lessons from Rivera v. Dalangin
A lawyer's duty to refuse notarizing unlawful documents and uphold honesty, explained through a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Understanding Qualified Trafficking in Persons: Consent and Vulnerability in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains how consent does not negate trafficking when victims are vulnerable minors recruited for sexual exploitation.
Lawyer Misconduct: Disbarment for Dishonesty and Misappropriation of Client Funds
When lawyers deceive clients and misuse entrusted funds, the Supreme Court can impose the ultimate penalty: disbarment. Learn from a recent case.
Attorney-Client Trust: Lessons from a Philippine Supreme Court Ruling on Lawyer Misconduct
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling on lawyer misconduct clarifies candor duties, attorney's fees, and the penalties for unethical conduct.
Client’s Death and Counsel’s Duty: The 30-Day Notification Rule Under Section 16, Rule 3
A lawyer must notify the court within 30 days of a client’s death and name the legal representatives—or face disciplinary action.
Lawyer Misconduct: The Duty to Return Client Funds in the Philippines
When a lawyer fails to render service and keeps client money, the Supreme Court imposes suspension and restitution. Learn the rules.
Understanding Lawyer Misconduct and Ethical Duties in Property Transactions
A Supreme Court ruling on a clerk of court's misconduct highlights the ethical boundaries court personnel must observe in property disputes.
How Lawyers' Dilatory Tactics Can Delay Justice: Lessons from a Landmark Supreme Court Ruling
Six lawyers were disciplined for filing frivolous motions to delay execution of a final judgment. Learn the rules they violated.
Rape vs. Lascivious Conduct: Key Lessons from a Landmark Philippine Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when sexual acts against minors are rape or lascivious conduct under RA 7610.
Understanding Kidnapping for Ransom: Legal Insights From a Landmark Philippine Case
A 2020 Supreme Court ruling clarifies the elements of kidnapping for ransom under Philippine law and why alibis rarely prevail against positive identification.
Understanding Conspiracy and Principal by Inducement in Philippine Parricide Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies conspiracy and principal by inducement in parricide, ruling that a wife's words of command made her equally liable with the killer.
Navigating Civil Service Misconduct: Penalties and Mitigating Factors in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling on fake civil service eligibility explains when mitigating circumstances can reduce dismissal to suspension.
Bad Faith Dismissals: PBAC Members Liable for Irregular Government Procurement
A provincial legal officer's dismissal for grave misconduct shows how PBAC members face liability for bad faith in government procurement.
Attempted vs. Frustrated Homicide: The Gemenez Ruling on Proving Fatal Injuries
The Supreme Court clarifies when a shooting is attempted, not frustrated, homicide—key lessons on proving fatal injuries.
Judicial Decorum in Philippine Courts: Lessons from Judge Dajao's Vulgar Conduct Case
The Supreme Court fined a judge for vulgar language and self-promotion, reaffirming strict standards of judicial decorum under Philippine law.
Lawyer Misconduct: The Consequences of Filing Baseless Lawsuits in the Philippines
The Supreme Court suspends a lawyer for two years for filing baseless suits to harass an opposing party—a lesson on the limits of a lawyer's zeal.
Understanding Lawyer Disbarment: Deceit and Disrespect to Legal Processes in the Philippines
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains how issuing worthless checks and evading legal proceedings can lead to a three-year suspension from law practice.
Administrative Liability and the Limits of Official Duties in Public Service
A Supreme Court ruling on dishonesty shows how receiving benefits during suspension violates public trust and administrative rules.