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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DARAB Contempt Powers: Why Arrest Orders Must Come From Courts
The Supreme Court limits DARAB's contempt power—arrest orders for indirect contempt must come from the Regional Trial Court, not administrative bodies.
Breach of Trust Dismissal for Misuse of Public Funds by a Court Official
A disbarred lawyer's failed bid to overturn his final judgment leads to indirect contempt and a writ of execution for misused funds.
Contempt of Court for Disobeying a Final Judgment in a Disbarment Case
A disbarred lawyer's repeated refusal to return client funds leads to indirect contempt, fines, and a writ of execution.
Limits to Free Speech: Protecting Judicial Independence From Public Pressure
The Supreme Court held that statements pressuring justices to rule a certain way are not protected free speech but indirect contempt of court.
Finality of Judgments in Disbarment Cases: Lessons from Bihag v. Era
The Supreme Court enforces final judgments in disbarment cases, citing a lawyer for indirect contempt and disobedience for refusing to return client funds.
Respect in Court: The Limits of Zealous Advocacy and Attorney Contempt
A lawyer's zeal must yield to courtroom decorum. The Supreme Court affirms direct contempt for an attorney who challenged and insulted the judge.
Safeguarding Due Process: Understanding Indirect Contempt in Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court reminds the IBP that formal investigation is mandatory in lawyer discipline cases, ensuring due process before any penalty.
Understanding Indirect Contempt and Habeas Corpus: Lessons from Rodriguez v. Bonifacio
A judge's suspension for mishandling contempt and habeas corpus proceedings, and the procedural rules every litigant should know.
Contempt of Court: Balancing Judicial Authority and Individual Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on indirect contempt, fines versus indefinite incarceration, and the courts' coercive power to enforce orders.
Libel and Free Speech: The Limits of Defamation in Workplace Communications
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on direct contempt clarifies the boundary between free speech and defamatory conduct in workplace settings.
Direct Contempt of Court: Limits on Punishment and Judicial Authority in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies direct contempt penalties, judicial authority limits, and accountability in Veluz v. Babaran.
Indirect Contempt in the Philippines: Due Process and Enforcement of Court Orders
Explaining indirect contempt under Rule 71, due process requirements, and how courts enforce final orders through summary proceedings.
Contempt of Court: Navigating the Boundaries of Respect and Legal Advocacy in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a motion for judicial inhibition crosses the line into direct contempt, and what lawyers and litigants should avoid.