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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Attorney Misappropriation of Client Funds: Fiduciary Duty and Ethical Obligations of Lawyers
When a lawyer mishandles client money, the Supreme Court does not take it lightly. Learn the ethical rules and consequences.
Government Contracts Void When Bid Exceeds Congressional Appropriation
Supreme Court rules a winning bidder cannot compel a government agency to formalize a contract when the bid exceeds the amount appropriated by Congress.
City of Quezon v. Lexber: Contract Validity Despite Procedural Lapses
SC rules city contracts valid when entered under statutory authority, even without prior council appropriation.
Acquittal in Malversation Case Shows Audit Gaps Can Overcome Presumption of Guilt
Supreme Court acquits treasurer and cashier of malversation, ruling that flawed audit findings and lack of proof of actual shortage defeat the presumption of misappropriation.
Breach of Trust and Estafa: The Crucial Role of Demand in Philippine Law
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling in Barrameda v. Court of Appeals on estafa through misappropriation, the elements of the crime, and the importance of demand.
Misappropriation vs Private Property: Understanding Malversation in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies that malversation requires public property. A mayor's custody of a private gun is not malversation.
Avoiding Pactum Commissorium: Protecting Borrowers in Philippine Loan Agreements
Learn how the Supreme Court protects borrowers from pactum commissorium—automatic property appropriation in loan agreements—under Philippine law.
Attorney Misconduct Handling Client Funds: Disbarment for Misappropriation and Deceit
A lawyer who misappropriates client funds and deceives clients faces disbarment. Learn the ethical rules and lessons from Busiños v. Ricafort.
Misappropriation of Court Funds: Duties and Liabilities of Clerks of Court
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on misappropriation of Judiciary Development Fund collections and the liabilities of clerks of court for negligence.
Estafa and Breach of Trust: When Returning Property Through a Third Party Leads to Acquittal
Returning entrusted property through a third party can defeat estafa charges if it raises reasonable doubt on misappropriation. Learn from Rosa Lim's acquittal.
Dishonesty in Public Service: Consequences and Prevention Lessons from a Court Employee's Dismissal
A Supreme Court ruling on JDF misappropriation shows why dishonesty in public service leads to dismissal and how to prevent it.