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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Right to Present Evidence Ensures Fair Trial Despite Counsel's Absence
Supreme Court rules that a client's right to present evidence cannot be sacrificed due to counsel's absence, ensuring fair trial.
When Counsel's Error Binds the Client: Lessons from Tan v. Court of Appeals
A client is bound by counsel's mistakes, including missed appeal deadlines. Philippine Supreme Court ruling on finality of judgments.
Interest on Maritime Liens in the Philippines: When Does the Clock Start Ticking?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when legal interest on a maritime lien begins to accrue—from extrajudicial demand, not from foreclosure sale.
Missed Deadlines, Lost Liberty: When Lawyer Negligence Costs Clients Their Freedom
A lawyer's missed 15-day deadline cost clients their liberty. The Supreme Court suspends Atty. Akut for six months for negligence.
When a Lawyer's Negligence Leads to Suspension: The Adecer v. Akut Case
A lawyer who misses the deadline for filing a client's petition for probation faces administrative liability, even if the client was also negligent.
Lawyer Reprimanded for Neglect: Pontevedra and a Client's Money Order
The Supreme Court reprimanded a lawyer who failed to file a required memorandum and kept a client's money order, underscoring a lawyer's duty of diligence and trust.
Attorney Negligence in the Philippines: Upholding Client Trust and Diligence
A lawyer's failure to file a memorandum and return a client's money order leads to reprimand, reaffirming duties of diligence and fidelity.
Breach of Trust Attorney Disbarred for Exploiting Clients Vulnerability and Acquiring Property
Learn how a Philippine attorney's breach of trust and exploitation of a client's vulnerability led to disbarment and property acquisition penalties.
Docket Fees and Court Jurisdiction: The Sun Insurance Doctrine Explained
Learn how the Sun Insurance doctrine clarifies when deficient docket fees affect court jurisdiction, and when they merely create a lien on the judgment.
Protecting Client Confidences: Attorney-Client Privilege and Conflicts of Interest in the Philippines
A lawyer cannot represent opposing parties without full disclosure and written consent. This case explains the rule and its penalties.
Missed Deadline Understanding Counsel OF Record IN Philippine Courts AND Valid Service OF Court Decisions
When does a lawyer's receipt of a court decision bind the client? The Supreme Court clarifies the rule on counsel of record and appeal deadlines.
Attorney Accountability Understanding Lawyer Negligence AND Upholding Client Trust IN THE Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court suspends lawyer for gross negligence, explaining counsel's duties of fidelity, diligence, and proper withdrawal under the Code of Professional Responsibility.
When a Lawyer Files a Recycled Case: Forum Shopping and the Duty of Candor
A lawyer's suspension for filing a case barred by res judicata shows that zeal for clients cannot override duties to the court.
Bound by Your Lawyer's Mistakes: Client Responsibility in Philippine Courts
A Supreme Court ruling on reconveyance, implied trusts, and why clients are bound by their counsel's procedural lapses.
Client Bound by Lawyer's Negligence: Finality of Judgments in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how clients are bound by their counsel's actions, finality of judgments, and limits of certiorari.
Contractor’s Liens and Privity of Contract: Lessons from Jan-Dec Construction v. FTI
A contractor’s lien under Article 2242 has limits—privity of contract and the right remedy matter. Learn from Jan-Dec Construction v. FTI.
Just Compensation in Expropriation: Prior Payment and Lienholders' Rights Under RA 8974
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on prior payment of just compensation in expropriation and the rights of lienholders like contractors and suppliers.
Unconscionable Attorneys Fees When Philippine Courts Intervene
Philippine courts may reduce contingent attorney's fees that are excessive or unconscionable, even if clients freely signed the fee agreement.
Land Title Registration: Why Government Declassification Is Essential in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains why land must be declassified as alienable before it can be privately owned and registered.
Conflict of Interest in Philippine Law: Client Loyalty and the Cabucana Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies when a lawyer's representation of opposing parties violates Rule 15.03 of the Code of Professional Responsibility.
Attorney Accountability in the Philippines: Upholding Client Trust and the Duty to Deliver Legal Services
A lawyer who accepts a client's money must render competent legal service or return the fees—the Supreme Court explains why.
Office Misconduct and Civil Service Suspension: Understanding Employee Accountability in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court disciplines lawyers for misconduct, negligence, and client abandonment, and what this means for workplace accountability.
Upholding Ethical Boundaries: Attorney-Client Privilege and Conflict of Interest in Disbarment Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when lawyers may be disciplined for representing conflicting interests, even across different cases and clients.
Upholding Client Loyalty: Employee Dismissed for Conflict of Interest in Unauthorized Work
Supreme Court affirms dismissal of Maynilad employee who did unauthorized paid repair work for a customer, ruling it was serious misconduct and conflict of interest.