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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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.
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.
Moral Turpitude AND Attorney Discipline Infidelity AS Grounds FOR 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.
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.
Attorney Accountability: When a Lawyer Fails to Deliver Legal Services
A lawyer who takes a client's money but fails to file cases faces suspension and must return the full amount with interest.
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.
Suspension of Claims Against Corporations Under Rehabilitation: Philippine Law Explained
Learn how corporate rehabilitation suspends all claims, including labor cases, under Philippine law, based on the PAL v. Zamora ruling.
SEC Suspension Orders and Labor Disputes: What the Rubberworld Case Means
The Supreme Court clarifies that SEC suspension orders in rehabilitation cases automatically stay labor claims, making any labor ruling void.
Notary Publics’ Ethical Duties: Lessons from a Philippine Disbarment Case
A notary public who notarizes a document knowing it contains false statements faces administrative sanctions, including suspension and revocation of commission.
Neglect of Duty in Public Service: Failing to Serve Subpoenas and Its Consequences
A process server's failure to serve subpoenas caused court delays and led to a three-month suspension for simple neglect of duty.
Lawyer Misconduct Outside Professional Duties: When Private Acts Lead to Suspension
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a lawyer's private misconduct, like road rage and firing a gun, warrants suspension from the practice of law.
Upholding Public Trust: Disciplinary Actions for Habitual Tardiness Among Supreme Court Employees
The Supreme Court clarifies that habitual tardiness violates the public trust, imposing suspensions and reprimands on erring employees.
Bigamy and Expired Notarial Commission: When a Lawyer’s Private Life Triggers Discipline
A lawyer’s bigamous second marriage and notarizing without a commission led to a four-year suspension. Here’s what the Court ruled.
Upholding Decorum: Judicial Employees' Duty to Maintain Respect and Civility in the Workplace
Court employees must maintain civility and respect at all times. Gross discourtesy warrants suspension under Civil Service rules.
Sheriff's Suspension for Unauthorized Receipt of Funds from Litigant
Court suspends sheriff for receiving P2,500 from a litigant without authority, ruling the act constitutes simple misconduct.
Sheriff's Misappropriation of Funds and Delay in Execution Leads to Suspension
A sheriff's failure to execute writs promptly and his questionable use of litigation funds resulted in a six-month suspension for conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.
IBP Governance and Lawyer Discipline: Suspension for Misuse of Client Funds
Supreme Court suspends IBP president for misusing client funds, clarifies res judicata in disbarment cases, and affirms IBP removal powers.
Notarial Misconduct and the Duty of Candor: Lessons from Mondejar v. Rubia
A lawyer-notary's false notarization and lack of candor lead to suspension, underscoring the sacred duties of the notarial office.
Upholding Ethical Standards: Notarial Misconduct and Falsification of Documents
A lawyer-notary's antedated document and false acknowledgment lead to suspension, underscoring the sacred duty of notaries public.
Preventive Suspension of Public Officials: When Does It Apply
The Supreme Court explains when courts must order preventive suspension of public officials under the Anti-Graft law, and its limits.