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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Upholding Judicial Dignity: Balancing Free Speech and Respect for Courts in Legal Commentary
How the Supreme Court disciplined UP Law professors for intemperate statements, balancing lawyers' free speech with their duty to uphold judicial dignity.
Judicial Ethics: Why Judges Must Avoid Even the Appearance of Impropriety
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge soliciting donations from lawyers and prosecutors, and the duty to avoid impropriety.
Attorney Suspended for Deceitful Land Sale: Ethical Standards in Philippine Law Practice
Discover how a lawyer's deceptive land sale led to suspension, and learn key ethical rules for Philippine attorneys.
Attorney Ethics: When Filing Pleadings for Deceased Clients Is Not Dishonesty
The Supreme Court clarifies when a lawyer's act of filing pleadings for deceased clients amounts to dishonesty, and when it does not.
Service of Judgment to Deceased Lawyer: Ejectment and Annulment in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court rules on validity of judgment service to deceased counsel, finality of ejectment decisions, and limits of preliminary injunction.
Lawyer Disbarred for Filing Frivolous Cases Against Former Client in Revenge
Supreme Court disbars lawyer who filed 12 cases against former client and family to exact revenge for suspension. Learn the ethical rules.
Attorney Disbarment for Non-Payment of Debts: Ethical Standards in the Philippine Legal Profession
Philippine Supreme Court affirms gross misconduct finding against lawyer for unpaid debts, clarifying limits on double disbarment.
Disbarment for Abuse of Legal Processes: Protecting Clients and the Justice System
A lawyer's failure to pay just debts is gross misconduct. The Supreme Court affirms disbarment for habitual non-payment and deceit.
Substitution of Counsel and Your Right to Appeal: A Philippine Guide
Learn how the Supreme Court handles appeals filed by lawyers who failed to properly substitute the counsel on record.
Attorney's Disregard for Court Orders Results in Disbarment and Denied Reinstatement
A lawyer's evasion of court processes and nine-year delay in complying with a restitution order led to disbarment and denial of reinstatement.
Counsel's Negligence and Missed Appeal Deadlines: When Excuses Fail in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a lawyer's negligence excuses a missed appeal deadline, and when clients remain bound by counsel's mistakes.
Reinstatement to the Bar: Proving Rehabilitation and Compliance with Disciplinary Orders
The Supreme Court grants a lawyer's petition for reinstatement after serving successive suspensions, showing the path back to practice.
Attorney Negligence and Extrinsic Fraud: The Limits of Legal Recourse in Philippine Law
When a lawyer's negligence costs a client the case, can the judgment be annulled? The Supreme Court clarifies the rule on extrinsic fraud.
Extrinsic Fraud and Attorney Negligence: Due Process in Philippine Courts
When does a lawyer's negligence amount to extrinsic fraud? The Supreme Court clarifies the rule in Amihan Bus Lines v. Romars.
When a Lawyer's Negligence Does Not Amount to Extrinsic Fraud: Amihan Bus Lines v. Romars
The Supreme Court clarifies when a lawyer's mistakes can justify annulment of judgment, and when clients must bear the consequences.
Authority to Represent: The Limits of Legal Representation for Government-Owned Corporations
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when lawyers may appear for GOCCs, requiring OGCC and COA approval before private counsel can act.
Attorney Suspended Two Years for Dishonored Check and Disregard of Court Processes
A.C. No. 8390: Lawyer suspended two years for issuing a bouncing check and repeatedly ignoring court and IBP orders.
Client’s Right to Terminate Counsel and Withdraw Appeal: Bautista v. Seraph Management
Supreme Court affirms a client’s absolute right to fire counsel and withdraw an appeal, even if the lawyer doubts the client’s decision.
Finality of Judgment Bars Post-Disbarment Motions: Supreme Court Enforces Restitution Order
Supreme Court enforces disbarred lawyer's restitution order, citing finality of judgment and citing him for indirect contempt.
Lawyer's Courtroom Conduct: When Advocacy Crosses Into Gross Misconduct
Supreme Court fines disbarred lawyer P155,000 for disrespecting court personnel and disobeying IBP orders, clarifying ethical limits of advocacy.
Lawyer Disbarred for Neglecting Client and Misappropriating Funds Faces Contempt
Supreme Court denies lawyer's bid to reverse disbarment, cites him for contempt, and orders execution to return misappropriated client funds.
Finality of Judgment in Disbarment Cases: Lessons from Bihag v. Era
The Supreme Court denies a disbarred lawyer's attempt to reopen a final judgment, citing the doctrine of immutability of judgment and citing him for indirect contempt.
Lawyer Negligence and the Duty of Diligence and Communication in Philippine Legal Practice
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies lawyers' duties of diligence and communication, examining a case where attorney negligence led to disciplinary action.
Reinstatement After Suspension: The Process for Lawyers to Resume Practice in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the procedure for lifting a lawyer's suspension, requiring a sworn statement of compliance before resuming practice.