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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When a Motion to Inhibit Is Not Contempt: The Tabao Case on Judicial Restraint
The Supreme Court clarifies when a lawyer's motion to inhibit a judge crosses the line into contempt—and when it does not.
Respectful Advocacy Limits on Attorney Language in Legal Filings
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on lawyer discipline for abusive language in pleadings, citing Canons 8 and 11 of the CPR.
Counsel's Negligence and Due Process: When Does It Warrant a New Trial
The Supreme Court explains when a lawyer's negligence justifies a new trial and when it does not, in Elpidio S. Uy v. First Metro Integrated Steel Corp.
Lawyer Misconduct Outside Professional Duties: When Private Acts Lead to Suspension
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a lawyer's private misconduct, like road rage and firing a gun, warrants suspension from the practice of law.
Conflict OF Interest When A Lawyers Loyalty IS Divided
Attorney Negligence Does NOT Automatically Justify Judgment Annulment
Supreme Court clarifies that a lawyer's negligence does not automatically justify annulment of a final judgment, especially when the wrong remedy is used.
Truth in Advocacy: Lawyer Sanctioned for Misleading Statements in Court
The Supreme Court suspends a lawyer for two months for falsely telling a judge that a settlement existed, reaffirming a lawyer's duty of candor.
Accountability in Public Office: Canvassers' Duty of Care in Elections
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on election canvassers' liability for certifying padded votes, and the ethical duties of lawyers in public service.
Breach of Marital Vows: Attorney's Immoral Conduct and the Legal Profession
Supreme Court rules on lawyer-client affair, immorality as professional misconduct, and penalties for breaching marital vows.
Ethical Boundaries FOR Lawyers THE Perils OF Misconduct AND Unauthorized Practice
Limits on Self-Representation When a Lawyer Is Required in Court
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a party may appear without counsel and why mixing self-representation with a lawyer's appearance is not allowed.
Bigamy and Expired Notarial Commission: When a Lawyer’s Private Life Triggers Discipline
A lawyer’s bigamous second marriage and notarizing without a commission led to a four-year suspension. Here’s what the Court ruled.
Unconscionable Greed: Attorney's Fees Must Be Reasonable and Just
Philippine Supreme Court nullifies P50M attorney's fee claim, ruling lawyers' compensation must be reasonable, not driven by greed.
Untangling Appeal Deadlines: Why Missing a Memorandum Matters
A missed appeal deadline due to lawyer negligence can be fatal. Learn the rules on relief from judgment in Philippine civil procedure.
Safeguarding Attorney Integrity: The Imperative of Clear Evidence in Disbarment Cases
Disbarment requires clear, convincing evidence. This article explains the standard of proof and due process in lawyer discipline cases.
Motion for Reconsideration Before IBP Now Allowed in Lawyer Discipline Cases
Supreme Court amends IBP rules to allow motions for reconsideration before appeal in lawyer disciplinary cases, citing Halimao v. Villanueva.
Lawyer Suspended for Dishonoring Debt and Issuing Worthless Checks
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for six months for failing to pay debt and issuing checks drawn against a closed account.
Attorney Suspended for Failing to Account for Client Funds Withdrawn from Court
Lawyer suspended two years for withdrawing P255,000 in client rentals without accounting, violating the Code of Professional Responsibility.
IBP Governance and Lawyer Discipline: Suspension for Misuse of Client Funds
Supreme Court suspends IBP president for misusing client funds, clarifies res judicata in disbarment cases, and affirms IBP removal powers.
Upholding Ethical Standards: Notarial Misconduct and Falsification of Documents
A lawyer-notary's antedated document and false acknowledgment lead to suspension, underscoring the sacred duty of notaries public.
Notarial Misconduct and the Duty of Candor: Lessons from Mondejar v. Rubia
A lawyer-notary's false notarization and lack of candor lead to suspension, underscoring the sacred duties of the notarial office.
Second Chances in Law: Lifting Suspension and Releasing Leave Credits After Misconduct
The Supreme Court lifts a dismissed lawyer's suspension and orders release of leave credits, but keeps the ban on government re-employment.
Bound by Your Lawyer’s Mistakes? Client Responsibility Under Philippine Law
Philippine courts generally hold clients responsible for their lawyers' negligence. Only gross negligence that deprives a client of due process warrants relief.
Disbarment for Conflicting Interests and Misleading Use of Judicial Title
Supreme Court fines disbarred lawyer P155,000 for disrespecting courts and defying IBP orders in A.C. No. 11508.