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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Negligence in Notarial Duties: Attorney Liability and Public Trust
A lawyer-notary who fails to record notarized documents in the notarial register faces suspension and revocation of commission.
Upholding Judicial Accountability: A Judge's Disregard for Court Directives Leads to Suspension
The Supreme Court suspended a judge for six months for repeatedly ignoring directives to furnish a copy of her comment, ruling that defiance of Court orders constitutes gross misconduct.
SALN Good Faith vs Intent to Deceive: Lessons from Atty. Cruz Case
A lawyer's suspension for dishonesty in the SALN context, and the difference between good faith and intent to deceive.
Safeguarding Due Process Understanding Formal Investigation in Philippine Attorney Disciplinary Cases
Learn how the Supreme Court upholds due process in administrative cases against court personnel, using a sheriff's suspension as a key example.
Sheriffs Duty Balancing Efficiency AND DUE Process IN Writ Execution
A sheriff's flawed execution of an ejectment writ led to suspension. Learn the administrative rules on due process and efficiency.
Lawyer Suspended for Misappropriating Client Funds and Deceiving Client About Judge
A lawyer's two-year suspension for misappropriating client funds and falsely claiming payments to a judge, explained in plain language.
When a Lawyer's Criticism of a Judge Leads to Suspension: A Philippine Case Study
A senior state prosecutor's media attacks on a judge led to a one-year suspension. Learn the limits of lawyer speech.
Sheriffs Must Follow Auction Sale and Redemption Rules Strictly
A sheriff's failure to follow Rule 39 procedures on auction sales and property redemption constitutes simple neglect of duty, warranting suspension.
Compassionate Justice: When Mitigating Circumstances Reduce Penalties in Attorney Discipline Cases
Explaining how the Supreme Court reduced a lawyer's suspension to a fine by considering mitigating circumstances in disciplinary proceedings.
Supreme Court Dismisses Judge for Gross Immorality, Suspends Him From Law Practice
A judge's extramarital affair leads to dismissal from service and three-year suspension from law practice, reaffirming strict ethical standards.
Notarial Misconduct Lawyers Must Adhere to Geographic Limits of Notarial Commissions
A lawyer who notarizes documents outside his commissioned territory commits malpractice and faces suspension and permanent disqualification from notarial practice.
Judicial Overreach When Haste in Execution Leads to Administrative Liability
A judge's one-year suspension for gross ignorance of the law after prematurely declaring a decision final and executing it without proper motion.
Willful Failure to Pay Just Debts: A Court Employee's Suspension and the Standard for Judicial Personnel
A Supreme Court employee's suspension for failing to pay a just debt shows how private conduct can affect public office and judicial integrity.
Continuing SEC Jurisdiction Resolving Corporate Liquidation Disputes
Supreme Court clarifies SEC retains jurisdiction over pending corporate suspension and liquidation cases filed before June 30, 2000.
Rehabilitation Proceedings Suspension of Claims Against Corporations
Philippine Airlines v. PALEA clarifies how corporate rehabilitation automatically suspends all claims, including labor disputes, under PD 902-A.
Sheriff's Duty to Execute Writs: Lessons from Malsi v. Malana
A sheriff's failure to promptly execute a writ and file periodic returns constitutes simple neglect of duty, warranting suspension.
Lawyer Suspended for Contracting Second Marriage While First Was Subsisting
A lawyer's second marriage while his first remained valid led to a one-year suspension, underscoring lawyers' duty to know the law.
Moral Turpitude AND Attorney Discipline Infidelity AS Grounds FOR Suspension
Upholding Ethical Standards: One-Year Suspension for Lawyer's Bigamous Marriage
A municipal legal officer's second marriage while his first subsists violates lawyer ethics. The Supreme Court explains why.
When a Lawyer's Second Marriage Becomes a Professional Misconduct Case
A municipal legal officer faces suspension for contracting a second marriage while his first remained valid, highlighting lawyers' duty to know the law.
Prejudicial Question Doctrine Suspension VS Withdrawal OF Criminal Action
Ombudsman's Power to Preventively Suspend: Due Process in Administrative Cases
The Supreme Court upheld the Ombudsman's authority to preventively suspend public officials, clarifying that such suspension is not a penalty and does not violate due process.
Prolonged Suspension Equals Constructive Dismissal: Security Guard Rights Under Philippine Labor Law
When a security guard's preventive suspension lasts beyond 30 days without pay, it becomes constructive dismissal entitling the worker to reinstatement and backwages.
When a Lawyer Takes Fees but Does Nothing: Disbarment Lessons from Small v. Banares
A lawyer who takes a client's money but files no case and ignores demands faces suspension. Learn the rules on attorney accountability.