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.
Probating a Foreign Will in the Philippines: Lessons from a Landmark Case
Learn the formalities for probating foreign wills in the Philippines, from a landmark Supreme Court case on foreign law proof.
Gross Negligence of Counsel Can Restore the Right to Appeal in Criminal Cases
When a lawyer's gross negligence and misrepresentations cause a client to lose the right to appeal, the Supreme Court may recall the entry of judgment and reinstate the appeal.
Disbarment for Misconduct: Lawyer Who Solicited Bribes for CA Justices Removed from Bar
Lawyer disbarred for soliciting P160,000 to bribe Court of Appeals justices, violating the Code of Professional Responsibility.
Bank Negligence in the Philippines: The BDO v. Seastres Case on Extraordinary Diligence
When banks fail to exercise extraordinary diligence, they can be held fully liable for unauthorized withdrawals, as the Supreme Court ruled in BDO v. Seastres.
Citizen Suits and Native Title: What the Maliones Case Means for Philippine Environmental Law
The Supreme Court clarifies that citizen suits protect the environment but cannot resolve native title claims, which belong to the NCIP.
Lawyer Misconduct When Dishonesty Leads To Disbarment IN THE Philippines
A lawyer who issues worthless checks and reneges on obligations may face disbarment, especially if a repeat offender.
Breach of Trust When Court Personnel Exploit Position FOR Personal Gain
When a lawyer misappropriates client funds and neglects a case, the Supreme Court may impose the ultimate penalty of disbarment.
Land Registration in the Philippines: Understanding Alienable and Disposable Land
Learn how RA 11573 changed proof requirements for registering alienable and disposable land in the Philippines, explained through a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Lawyer Suspended for Neglecting Client’s Case and Failing to Inform Her of Adverse Decision
The Supreme Court suspends a lawyer for six months for neglecting a client’s labor case and failing to inform her of the adverse decision, which barred her appeal.
Homestead Patent vs Implied Trust: When Land Ownership Claims Collide
A Supreme Court ruling shows why a homestead patent can defeat claims of implied trust over registered land in the Philippines.
Homestead Patent vs. Implied Trust: Key Supreme Court Ruling on Land Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when an implied trust can override a homestead patent under the Public Land Act, and why the case was remanded.
Oral Partition of Inheritance: Proving Verbal Agreements in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when an oral partition of inherited property can override a written extrajudicial settlement, and what evidence is needed.
Money Laundering Prosecution Can Proceed Independently of Unlawful Activity Requires Proof Beyond Reasonable D
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that money laundering cases may proceed independently of predicate crimes, but the unlawful activity's elements must still be proven.
Bank Negligence and Fiduciary Duty: PNBS Responsibility to Depositors
When banks fail depositors, liability follows. This case clarifies the fiduciary duty and negligence standards for Philippine banks.
Derivative Works and Copyright Ownership in the Philippines: The Tupaz Case
The Tupaz case clarifies Philippine law on derivative works, copyright ownership, and the idea/expression dichotomy in collaborative designs.
Upholding Honesty in Court: Attorney Suspended for Misleading Statements
A lawyer's false denial of a compromise agreement led to a one-month suspension, reaffirming that candor to courts is non-negotiable.
Can Religious Corporations Own Land in the Philippines? The RVM Case Explained
Learn how the Supreme Court's RVM ruling clarifies constitutional limits on religious corporations acquiring public land in the Philippines.
Lawyer Disbarred for Misappropriating Client Funds and Forging Receipts
Supreme Court disbars lawyer for misappropriating client's payment, forging receipts, and deceiving the court in violation of the CPR.
When Zealous Advocacy Turns Abusive: Disciplining Lawyers for Offensive Language
The Supreme Court clarifies the line between vigorous advocacy and offensive language in pleadings, disciplining a lawyer for intemperate remarks.
Foreign Adoption Recognition in the Philippines: What the Yuta Hayashi Case Means
Philippine courts can recognize foreign adoption decrees involving Filipino citizens if proven as fact and not contrary to public policy.
Balancing Justice and Procedure When Counsel's Negligence Impacts an Appeal
The Supreme Court rules that a counsel's failure to file a brief on time should not cost an accused his appeal, especially when liberty is at stake.
Judicial Clemency and Reinstatement of Disqualified Public Officials in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains when dismissed judges may be reinstated through judicial clemency, requiring proof of remorse, reformation, and public apology.
Notarial Duties Are Personal: Attorney's Lapses in Recording SPA Lead to Suspension
A lawyer cannot delegate notarial record-keeping to staff. Learn the rules and consequences from a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Counsel Negligence and Strict Procedural Rules: PNB v. Spouses Victor
Supreme Court affirms strict 60-day period for petitions for relief, holding clients bound by counsel's negligence absent clear abandonment.