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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
Lawyer Disbarred for Misconduct in Property Transactions: Lessons from BASECO Case
Supreme Court disbars lawyer for failing to account for client funds and neglecting property titling work, highlighting ethical duties in Philippine property law practice.
Negligence of Counsel: Litigants Must Still Monitor Their Cases
Supreme Court rules that a litigant cannot blame counsel's negligence for missing appeal deadlines; clients must monitor their cases.
Navigating Property Title Disputes Lessons From A Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Case
A disbarment case reveals key lessons on property titling, attorney's fees, and client-lawyer duties under Philippine law.
Disbarment for Deceitful Conduct and Disobedience to Court Orders: A Lawyer’s Duty to Uphold Integrity
A lawyer who deceives clients and defies court orders faces disbarment. The Supreme Court imposes a P100,000 fine in lieu of double disbarment.
Lawyer Suspended for Borrowing from Client: Anacay v. Alberto Explained
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer for two years for borrowing money from a client without protecting the client's interests, reaffirming strict fiduciary duties.
Understanding the Consequences of Misappropriating Judicial Funds in the Philippines
A Philippine lawyer disbarred for misappropriating client funds in California faces the same fate here. Learn how reciprocal discipline works.
Obstruction of Justice and the Lawyer's Duty: De Leon v. Luis
A lawyer's failure to report a client with a standing warrant is not obstruction of justice absent clear intent to harbor or conceal.
When Lawyer Silence Becomes Negligence: The Duty to Communicate with Clients
The Supreme Court clarifies that a lawyer-client relationship can exist without a written contract, and silence can amount to professional negligence.
When Lawyers Cross the Line: The Limits of Advocacy in Corporate Disputes
A lawyer's duty to the court limits zeal for clients. The Supreme Court suspends counsel for evading a TRO in a corporate control fight.
Proving Land Is Alienable and Disposable: Key to Philippine Land Registration
Learn the strict proof required to register land in the Philippines, from the Supreme Court's ruling in Republic v. PNP.
Unlocking Land Registration: Proving Alienable and Disposable Land in the Philippines
Learn how to prove land is alienable and disposable for Philippine land registration, based on a 2021 Supreme Court ruling.
Understanding Lawyer Negligence: Protecting Your Legal Rights and Interests
When a lawyer fails a client, the consequences can be severe. Learn what constitutes lawyer negligence and how the Supreme Court protects clients' rights.
Client Money and Bouncing Checks: A Lawyer’s Fiduciary Duty After Bernasconi v. Demaisip
A Supreme Court ruling on lawyer suspension clarifies the strict fiduciary duty to account for client funds and the consequences of issuing bouncing checks.
Lawyer Client Trust: Fiduciary Duties and Misconduct in Property Transactions
When a lawyer fails to account for client funds in a property transfer, the Supreme Court explains the fiduciary duty and consequences.
The Fiduciary Duty of Banks in Loan Accounting: A Guide to Metrobank v. Cruz
The Supreme Court affirms that banks owe clients a fiduciary duty to keep accurate loan records and render full accounting, beyond any internal retention policy.
When a Lawyer's Negligence Leaves a Client in the Dark: Lessons from Quitazol v. Capela
The Supreme Court reminds lawyers that neglecting a client's case is inexcusable negligence, even if the client later withdraws the complaint.
Understanding Lawyer Negligence and Its Consequences: Insights From a Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a lawyer's failure to attend hearings amounts to negligence, and why clients cannot simply withdraw disciplinary cases.
Lawyer Disbarred for Borrowing From Client and Using Fake Title
A Supreme Court ruling shows how a lawyer's loan from a client, fake title, and bounced check led to disbarment.
Lawyer Disbarred for Borrowing from Client and Using Fake Title as Collateral
Supreme Court disbars lawyer for gross misconduct: borrowing from client, presenting forged title, and issuing worthless checks.
When Lawyers Borrow From Clients: Disbarment for Gross Misconduct in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling explains why a lawyer who borrows money from a client and uses a forged title as collateral faces disbarment for gross misconduct.
Lawyer Disbarred for Borrowing Money From Client: Ethical Lessons
The Supreme Court disbarred a lawyer who borrowed money from a client using a forged title. Learn the ethical rules.
Probate of an Alien's Will in the Philippines: Nationality Principle Explained
Philippine courts can probate a foreigner's will executed in the Philippines. The nationality principle does not strip local courts of jurisdiction.
Understanding Forum Shopping: Protecting Legal Integrity and Client Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies forum shopping rules, penalizing a lawyer with two-year suspension for refiling a dismissed labor case.
Lawyer Encroachment and Ethical Boundaries: Lessons from Sevandal v. Adame
A Supreme Court ruling on lawyer encroachment clarifies ethical boundaries when two attorneys claim the same client, with suspension as penalty.