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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Finality of Judgment in Disbarment Cases: Lessons from Bihag v. Era
The Supreme Court enforces final judgments in disbarment cases, citing a lawyer for indirect contempt and disobedience for defying orders.
Finality of Judgments in Disbarment Cases: Enforcement and Contempt for Non-Compliance
Supreme Court enforces disbarment ruling, cites lawyer for contempt and disobedience for defying final judgment and return order.
Lawyer's Disrespect for Court and Staff Draws PHP 155,000 Fine Despite Prior Disbarment
Supreme Court fines disbarred lawyer for disrespecting a court employee and defying IBP orders, showing lawyers' ethical duties persist.
Fair Hearing in Disbarment Cases: When Evidence Must Carry the Charge
The Supreme Court clarifies the burden of proof in disbarment cases, penalizing a lawyer for dishonesty and defiance of IBP orders.
Firearms Possession When Does a Gun Ban Trump Illegal Possession Charges
The Supreme Court explains when Republic Act No. 8294 bars a separate conviction for illegal possession of firearms if another crime was committed.
Agrarian Reform Succession and Prescription: De Tumol v. Esguerra
The Supreme Court ruled that a daughter's claim to succeed her father's farmholding was barred by prescription and laches, upholding the DAR order favoring her brother.
Agrarian Law Livestock Farms Exempt From CARP Coverage If Primarily Devoted To Livestock Raising Before 1988
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when livestock farms are exempt from agrarian reform coverage under CARP and RA 6657.
Upholding Marital Fidelity Disbarment FOR Lawyers Engaging IN Immoral Conduct
Upholding Moral Standards Disbarment FOR Issuing Worthless Checks AND Subsequent Conviction OF Estafa
Expired Firearm License Extension Leads to Acquittal in Illegal Possession Case
Supreme Court acquits gun owner whose expired license fell under PNP's 2014 extension, applying mandatory judicial notice.
Notarizing a Deed After the Signer's Death: Disbarment for a Notary Public
A notary public was disbarred for notarizing a Special Power of Attorney after the supposed signer had died. Learn the ethical rule.
Notarizing a Dead Man's Signature: Disbarment for Lawyer's Misrepresentation
A lawyer who notarized a Special Power of Attorney after the signer had died was disbarred for gross misconduct. Here's why.
Disbarment for Notarizing Documents After Signatory’s Death: A Lesson in Notarial Integrity
A lawyer who notarized an SPA after the signatory had died was disbarred. The Court explains why notarization demands utmost fidelity.
Land Disputes: Homestead Rights vs. Agrarian Reform in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when homestead lands fall under agrarian reform, and why courts cannot simply eject tenant-farmers.
Upholding Agrarian Reform Land Classification and Beneficiary Rights Under CARP
Supreme Court affirms CARP coverage of agricultural land in Canlubang Estate, protecting farmer-beneficiaries' rights to land distribution.
Disbarment for Grave Misconduct: Ethical Standards Apply to Lawyers in Public Office
A lawyer's grave misconduct as a government official can warrant disbarment. The Supreme Court explains why public office does not excuse ethical lapses.
When a Lawyer's Inaction Harms a Client's Case: Lessons from Rollon v. Naraval
A lawyer who accepts a case but does nothing—and keeps the client's money—faces suspension. The Supreme Court explains why.
Upholding Ethical Conduct: An Attorney's Duty to Fulfill Financial Obligations and Maintain Honesty
A lawyer who acquires client property entrusted to him commits gross misconduct warranting disbarment under the Code of Professional Responsibility.
Tenant's Right of Redemption: Protecting Farmers When Land Is Sold Without Notice
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on agricultural lessees' right to redeem land sold without notice under RA 3844.
Upholding Regional Autonomy National Laws Must Respect Powers of Muslim Mindanao
The Supreme Court affirms that national laws cannot override ARMM autonomy, striking down a law that encroached on devolved powers.
Moral Turpitude and Lawyer Disbarment: Issuing a Bouncing Check
A lawyer's conviction for issuing a bouncing check under BP 22 involves moral turpitude and warrants disbarment, the Supreme Court ruled.
Upholding Ethical Standards: Adultery as Grounds for Attorney Disbarment in the Philippines
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer for cohabiting with a woman not his wife, reaffirming that good moral character is a continuing requirement for membership in the Philippine Bar.
Accidental Harm vs Self-Defense: When Can You Claim Innocence in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when accident or self-defense excuses criminal liability, and why switching defenses on appeal fails.
Disbarment for Infidelity: Moral Standards in the Legal Profession
The Supreme Court disbarred a lawyer for marital infidelity, reaffirming that good moral character is a continuing requirement for all members of the bar.