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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Perpetual Disqualification: The Price of Repeated SOCE Non-Compliance in Philippine Elections
Repeated failure to file SOCE triggers perpetual disqualification from public office under RA 7166, as affirmed by the Supreme Court.
Upholding Notarial Duties Negligence AND Misrepresentation IN Legal Practice
A lawyer's failure to secure notarial paraphernalia and unauthorized court appearances lead to suspension and notarial disqualification.
Fugitive From Justice Ruling: Intent to Evade Must Be Proven for Disqualification
Supreme Court explains what makes a candidate a "fugitive from justice" and why intent to evade prosecution must be proven.
Land Retention Rights Disqualification Due to Extensive Land Ownership Under Agrarian Reform Law
A landowner with 68 hectares of agricultural land cannot claim retention rights under agrarian reform law, explains the Supreme Court.
Attorney Disqualification: The Limits of Contingency Fees and Conflicts of Interest
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on lawyers acquiring client property during litigation, void contracts, and contingency fee limits.
Accountability in Public Service: Forfeiture of Benefits for Grave Misconduct
A sheriff's grave misconduct and dishonesty led to forfeiture of benefits and perpetual disqualification, underscoring accountability in public service.
Moral Turpitude and Electoral Disqualification: Defining the Boundaries of Public Office Eligibility
The Supreme Court rules that libel is a crime involving moral turpitude, disqualifying a convicted candidate from public office under the Omnibus Election Code.
Moral Turpitude and Electoral Disqualification: Defining the Limits of Eligibility
A libel conviction bars a candidate from office for five years. The Supreme Court explains why in Ty-Delgado v. HRET.
Mandamus and the House Speaker's Duty to Seat a Duly Proclaimed Representative
When can the Supreme Court compel the House Speaker to seat a representative? The Velasco ruling explains the ministerial duty after disqualification.
Dual Citizenship and Election Disqualification: Agustin v. COMELEC
Explaining when a dual citizen is disqualified from running for local office, and how using a foreign passport can undo a renunciation of citizenship.
Dual Allegiance Disqualification Renunciation Requirements FOR Elective Office
A naturalized Filipino who reacquired citizenship must strictly comply with renunciation requirements or face disqualification from elective office.
Judicial Ethics: Compulsory Disqualification and Gross Ignorance of the Law
A judge who hears a case involving a relative violates compulsory disqualification rules and may face administrative liability for gross ignorance of the law.
Notarizing Without Personal Appearance: The Cost of a Breach of Notarial Duty
A notary public who notarizes a deed without the parties appearing before him faces suspension and perpetual disqualification. Learn why.
Valid Substitution Despite Initial Candidates Disqualification Protecting Electoral Participation
A candidate who withdraws can still be validly substituted, even if initially disqualified. The Court protects electoral participation.
Notarizing Outside Commission Territory: A Lawyer's Administrative Liability
A notary public who notarizes outside his commissioned territory commits malpractice and falsehood, facing suspension and disqualification.
Notarial Misconduct: When Lawyers Fail Their Oath as Notaries Public
A lawyer-notary's careless notarization of unsigned documents leads to one-year suspension and perpetual disqualification from notarial commission.
Accountability for False Statements: Attorney Suspended for Misleading Forum Shopping Certifications
A lawyer's false certifications against forum shopping and notarial malpractice lead to one-year suspension and permanent disqualification from notarial commission.
Dishonesty in Public Service: Perpetual Disqualification Despite Prior Offense
SC rules court employee dismissed for impersonating a civil service examinee before joining the judiciary suffers perpetual disqualification.
Due Process and Party-List Disqualification: Senior Citizens Case
The Supreme Court ruled that COMELEC cannot cancel a party-list group's registration without due notice and hearing.
Citizenship and Residency Requirements for Public Office: Reyes v. COMELEC
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling in Reyes v. COMELEC on citizenship, residency, and disqualification of candidates for public office.
Party Autonomy vs Individual Rights in Party-List Internal Disputes
Supreme Court ruling on COMELEC’s authority to resolve internal party-list disputes and cancel registrations for nominee disqualification.
Unauthorized Notarization: When a Lawyer’s Integrity Is Put on the Line
A lawyer who notarizes documents without a commission faces suspension and disqualification, as the Supreme Court reminds the bar.
Affinity and Judicial Disqualification: What the Supreme Court Clarified
The Supreme Court explains when a judge's family relationship by affinity requires inhibition, and why a losing litigant's late complaint failed.
Affinity and Judicial Disqualification: What the Supreme Court Clarified
The Supreme Court clarifies when family relations by affinity disqualify a judge, and why mere allegations are not enough.