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.
Lawyer Ethics Matter: Why Misconduct Investigations Proceed Despite Complainant Withdrawal in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that lawyer disciplinary cases continue despite complainant withdrawal, and silence is not admission of guilt.
Judicial Ethics: Dismissal of Judge for Sexual Harassment and Conduct Unbecoming
Supreme Court dismisses judge for sexual harassment, harassment of employees, and improper dealings with a litigant before his sala.
Deadlines Matter: Upholding Judicial Efficiency and Timely Justice in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on judges' duty to decide cases within 90 days and file extension requests before deadlines. Learn the rules.
Breach of Trust: Understanding Lawyer Disbarment for Misappropriating Client Funds in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts discipline lawyers who misappropriate client funds, the ethical rules involved, and practical lessons for attorneys.
Truth and Honesty in Legal Practice: Why Misleading the Court Can Lead to Suspension
A lawyer's false statement in a motion for postponement led to a six-month suspension. Learn the ethical rules on candor.
Attorney Negligence in the Philippines: A Lawyer's Duty of Diligence and the Consequences of Abandoning a Clie
When can a lawyer abandon a client? The Supreme Court explains the duty of diligence and the penalty for neglect in Aromin v. Boncavil.
Premature Complaints Against Judges: Why Timing Is Crucial in Philippine Judicial Ethics
Explore how the Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Sesbreño clarifies why premature complaints against judges fail and timing matters in judicial ethics.
Judicial Accountability in the Philippines: When Can a Judge Be Sanctioned for Incompetence
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when judges face sanctions for incompetence versus mere judicial error, citing De Vera v. Judge Dames II.
Lawyer Reprimanded for Losing Client Trust: Fidelity Lessons from Curimatmat v. Gojar
A lawyer's duty of fidelity means keeping clients informed and appealing on time. The Supreme Court's reprimand in Curimatmat v. Gojar explains why.
Reasonable Attorneys Fees in the Philippines: Understanding Quantum Meruit
Learn how Philippine courts determine reasonable attorney's fees under quantum meruit, with key rules from Pimentel v. Court of Appeals.
Judicial Impartiality When Prior Involvement In A Case Disqualifies A Judge
A judge who previously served as prosecutor must inhibit from the case. Rule 137, Section 1 explained.
Speedy Justice Delayed: Understanding Summary Procedure in Philippine Courts
A judge's delay in acting on a summary procedure case leads to a severe reprimand, highlighting the importance of speedy justice.
When Private Immorality Leads to Public Disbarment: Understanding Lawyer Ethics in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling shows how a lawyer's private misconduct—abandoning his family—can lead to disbarment.
When Should a Judge Inhibit: Safeguarding Impartiality in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when judges must voluntarily inhibit to protect judicial impartiality, explained in plain language.
Judicial Delay and Falsification: When a Judge's Certificates of Service Become Grounds for Dismissal
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling shows how delayed case decisions and falsified certificates of service led to a judge's dismissal from the bench.
Lawyer's Disrespect Toward Court Personnel and IBP Noncompliance: A.C. No. 11508
Supreme Court fines disbarred lawyer for disrespecting court personnel and disobeying IBP directives, clarifying penalties under CPRA.
Attorney Withdrawal Upholding Client Rights AND Ethical Obligations IN THE Philippines
When can a lawyer withdraw from a case in the Philippines? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on attorney withdrawal and client protection.
Finality of Judgment in Disbarment Cases: Lessons from Bihag v. Era
The Supreme Court enforces final disbarment orders strictly, citing a lawyer in contempt for defying a restitution order.
Judicial Delay, Negligence, and Falsified Certificates: Lessons from a Philippine Judge's Administrative Case
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge fined for gross negligence and falsified certificates of service—key lessons for judicial accountability and integrity.
Gross Ignorance of the Law: When Judges Overstep Their Authority
A Supreme Court ruling on when a judge's sentencing errors become gross ignorance of the law warranting administrative sanctions.
When Notarizing a Deed of Quitclaim Becomes Grounds for Disbarment
The Supreme Court disbarred a notary public for certifying a Deed of Quitclaim signed by a person who had already died. Learn the rules.
When Is a Lawyer Liable for a Missed Appeal? Lessons from Sattar v. Lopez
The Supreme Court clarifies when a lawyer may be disciplined for a missed appeal, and when the client's own neglect is to blame.
When Court Errors Are Not Misconduct: The Tallado v. Racoma Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies when a judge's error is a judicial matter, not administrative misconduct, and warns against harassment suits.
Judicial Ethics: When a Judge's Actions Lead to Forfeiture of Retirement Benefits
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains when a judge's misconduct can result in losing all retirement benefits, even after retirement.