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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Dismissal of Appeal, Untenable Excuses, and the Boundaries of Judicial Discretion
When a lawyer's mistake costs a client the case, the Supreme Court explains the limits of relief from judgment and counsel's negligence.
Attorney Negligence and the Limits of Relief from Judgment in Philippine Courts
When a lawyer's mistake costs a client the case, relief from judgment is not always available. This decision explains the limits.
Lawyer Suspended for Misappropriating Client Funds and Issuing Bouncing Check
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for one year for failing to return client's P100,000 and issuing a bouncing check.
Disbarment in the Philippines: When Lawyers Betray Public Trust and Client Funds
The Supreme Court reaffirms that lawyers who disrespect courts and disobey orders face severe sanctions, even after disbarment.
Land Title Registration in the Philippines: Overcoming the Presumption of Public Land
A Supreme Court ruling on land registration in the Philippines explains why proving alienable public land requires more than a surveyor's notation.
When Can Land Awards Be Cancelled? The Buenaventura Case on Prescription
The Supreme Court clarifies when possession of alienable public land ripens into private ownership through prescription, even without proof of possession since 1945.
Attorney Negligence in the Philippines: A Lawyer's Duty and Client Protection
When a lawyer fails to file a case on time, the consequences can be severe. Learn what the Supreme Court says about attorney negligence and your rights as a client.
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.
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.
Breach of Trust: A Lawyer's Duty to Client Property in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court suspends lawyers who took a client's car as payment, explaining the fiduciary duty over client property.
Employer Liability for Security Guard Actions: Philippine Law Explained
When can a client be liable for a security guard's wrongful acts? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on employer liability in the Philippines.
Proving Alienable and Disposable Land: Key Lessons from Tri-Plus on Land Registration
The Supreme Court clarifies what evidence is needed to prove land is alienable and disposable in Philippine land registration cases.
Public Land vs Private Claim: Military Reservations and the Limits of Land Acquisition in the Philippines
The Supreme Court voids a title over land inside Fort Bonifacio, ruling military reservations are inalienable public land.
Upholding Client Trust Attorney Suspended FOR Misappropriating Funds AND Neglecting Legal Duty
Breach of Marital Vows: Attorney's Immoral Conduct and the Legal Profession
Supreme Court rules on lawyer-client affair, immorality as professional misconduct, and penalties for breaching marital vows.
Breach OF Professional Conduct Upholding Client Interests AND Ethical Duties IN Legal Practice
Situs of Service Determines Income Tax Liability for Nonresident Aliens in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court rules that for nonresident aliens, income tax depends on where services are actually rendered, not where the payor resides.
Alien Land Ownership Prohibition: Constitutional Limits and Equity Claims
Philippine constitutional law bars aliens from owning land, even through trust or reimbursement claims. Learn from Muller v. Muller.
Aliens Cannot Recover Funds for Land Bought in a Filipino's Name
Supreme Court rules an alien who bought Philippine land in a Filipino spouse's name cannot claim reimbursement, upholding the constitutional ban on foreign land ownership.
Attorney-Client Privilege vs Disclosure Mandates in Marcos-Era Asset Recovery
Supreme Court clarifies when attorney-client privilege yields to disclosure mandates in recovering Marcos-era ill-gotten wealth.
Attorney Suspended for Failing to Account for Client Funds Withdrawn from Court
Lawyer suspended two years for withdrawing P255,000 in client rentals without accounting, violating the Code of Professional Responsibility.
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.
Condominium Assessments: Lien Enforcement and Priority in the Philippines
Learn how condominium assessment liens work in the Philippines, including registration requirements, priority rules, and enforcement limits under the Condominium Act.
Bound by Your Lawyer’s Mistakes? Client Responsibility Under Philippine Law
Philippine courts generally hold clients responsible for their lawyers' negligence. Only gross negligence that deprives a client of due process warrants relief.