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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
Credit Card Liability: Gross Negligence and Moral Damages in the Philippines
When can a credit card issuer be liable for moral damages? The Supreme Court explains gross negligence in Bankard v. Feliciano.
Judge Dismissed for Gross Immorality: Extramarital Affair and Child Warrant Removal from the Bench
The Supreme Court dismissed a judge for gross immorality after he had an extramarital affair and fathered a child, and suspended him from law practice for three years.
Morality vs Misconduct: Defining the Boundaries of Public Service Decorum
The Supreme Court clarifies when private immorality becomes administrative misconduct, and why certiorari cannot replace a lost appeal.
When Certiorari Cannot Replace a Lost Appeal: Villanueva v. Quisumbing
Supreme Court clarifies that certiorari cannot substitute for a lost appeal, and distinguishes grave misconduct from disgraceful and immoral conduct.
Dismissal for Dishonesty, Habitual Absences and Immoral Conduct in Public Service
A Supreme Court ruling reminds public servants that dishonesty, habitual absenteeism and immoral conduct are separate grounds for dismissal from government service.
Upholding Integrity: Dishonest Declarations Lead to Dismissal in Public Office
The Supreme Court dismissed a judge for gross immorality after an extramarital affair, showing that private misconduct has public consequences.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails: Acquittal in Homicide Case on Circumstantial Evidence and Witness Credibility
Supreme Court acquits homicide accused where prosecution evidence fails the test of moral certainty, citing witness coaching and non-flight.
Judge Dismissed for Gross Immorality: Extramarital Affair and Child Bar Judicial Office
Supreme Court dismisses a judge for gross immorality over an extramarital affair and child, and suspends him from law practice for three years.
Attorney Negligence in the Philippines: Upholding Client Trust and Diligence
A lawyer's failure to file a memorandum and return a client's money order leads to reprimand, reaffirming duties of diligence and fidelity.
Lawyer Reprimanded for Neglect: Pontevedra and a Client's Money Order
The Supreme Court reprimanded a lawyer who failed to file a required memorandum and kept a client's money order, underscoring a lawyer's duty of diligence and trust.
Judge Dismissed and Suspended from Law Practice for Gross Immorality in Extramarital Affair
Supreme Court dismisses a judge for gross immorality over an extramarital affair and child, while suspending him from law practice for three years.
Telegram Delay Philippine Supreme Court Clarifies Liability FOR Communication Service Failures
Philippine Supreme Court rules on telecom liability for delayed telegram delivery, clarifying breach of contract, quasi-delict, and moral damages.
Moral Turpitude and Lawyer Disbarment: The Case of Frustrated Homicide in the Philippines
When does a frustrated homicide conviction lead to disbarment? The Supreme Court explains moral turpitude and a lawyer's duty of good character.
Judge Dismissed and Suspended From Law Practice for Gross Immorality in Extramarital Affair
Supreme Court dismisses a judge and suspends him from law practice for gross immorality arising from an extramarital affair and child born outside marriage.
Moral Conduct Standards FOR Court Employees Maintaining Judicial Integrity
Moral Damages Count in Determining Court Jurisdiction in Quasi-Delict Cases
The Supreme Court rules that moral damages claims are part of the jurisdictional amount in quasi-delict cases for physical injuries.
Banks' Duty of Care: Liability for Unauthorized Withdrawals and Moral Damages
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on bank liability for unauthorized withdrawals, gross negligence, and awards of moral and exemplary damages.
When Banks Breach Fiduciary Duty: Liability for Unauthorized Withdrawals
Supreme Court ruling on bank liability for unauthorized withdrawals by employees, moral damages, and the fiduciary duty of banks to depositors.
Upholding Marital Fidelity Disbarment FOR Lawyers Engaging IN Immoral Conduct
Moral Turpitude and Public Service: How a Criminal Conviction Affects Government Employees
A Supreme Court ruling explains why a B.P. 22 conviction means dismissal for government employees, even with probation.
Road Repair Responsibility When Negligence Leads to Liability
When road diggings lack warning devices, local governments may be liable for damages. The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on negligence, moral damages, and gross negligence.
Upholding Moral Standards Disbarment FOR Issuing Worthless Checks AND Subsequent Conviction OF Estafa
Foreclosure AND Moral Damages Upholding Banks Right TO Possession BUT Requiring Fair Dealing
Sandiganbayan Jurisdiction Over Sequestered Assets: The Del Moral Ruling
Explaining when the Sandiganbayan can annul an RTC ruling affecting sequestered corporations, and what this means for PCGG cases.