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.
Judicial Ethics: Judge Fined for Using Official Position in Personal Dispute
Supreme Court fines judge P11,000 for using judicial letterhead to pressure officials in personal dispute over a relative's piggery business.
Judicial Efficiency and Ethical Conduct: Lessons from a Judge's Administrative Liability
The Supreme Court reminds judges that delay in deciding cases is gross inefficiency and a breach of judicial and professional ethics.
Attorney-Client Privilege: When Confidentiality and Conflicts of Interest Are Not Violated
The Supreme Court clarifies when a lawyer's use of client information and representation of a former client's adversary does not breach professional ethics.
Judicial Ethics Upholding Impartiality IN THE Face OF Impropriety
Judicial Ethics: When Judges Squabble, Both Face Administrative Liability
A Supreme Court ruling on two RTC judges fined for a public altercation shows why decorum is a non-negotiable judicial duty.
Practicing Law During Suspension: Judicial Ethics and Integrity
A judge's preventive suspension does not lift the ban on private law practice. The Supreme Court explains why.
Judicial Conduct: Impartiality and Avoiding the Appearance of Impropriety
A judge's off-bench conduct matters. This case explains why helping friends settle disputes can violate judicial ethics.
Lawyers Must Substantiate Claims Against Judges: Notarial Ethics and Administrative Liability
A lawyer's baseless accusations against a judge and notarial violations led to suspension and disqualification from notarial commission.
Judicial Ethics: Judge Fined P40,000 for Public Humiliation of Court Clerk
Supreme Court holds judge liable for gross misconduct after threatening, vilifying, and publicly humiliating a court clerk through newspaper publications.
Contempt and Ethics in Legal Practice: The Ilusorio Case on Free Speech Limits
The Supreme Court clarifies when criticism becomes contempt and when a lawyer's conduct warrants suspension in Ilusorio v. Ilusorio.
Attorney Suspended for Drafting Illegal Lease Agreements: Ethics in Legal Practice
A lawyer's six-month suspension for drafting lease contracts exceeding legal limits for aliens—a lesson in professional responsibility.
Judicial Ethics, Extra-Marital Affairs, and the Standard of Moral Decency for Judges
The Supreme Court holds judges to exacting moral standards, ruling that even a non-physical romantic relationship with another woman constitutes immorality.
Public Office Ethics Improper Firearm Discharge AND Limits OF Misconduct Claims
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on constructive dismissal, retirement age, and limits of employer misconduct claims.
Judicial Ethics and the Price of Impropriety: Lessons from the Court of Appeals Controversy
The Supreme Court's ruling on the CA justices' conduct in the Meralco-GSIS case underscores the strict standards of judicial ethics and propriety.
Judicial Ethics: When a Judge's Personal Letter Becomes Official Misconduct
Supreme Court clarifies when a judge's use of court letterhead and title in personal correspondence crosses the line into impropriety.
Client Bound by Counsel's Negligence: Lessons from a Philippine Attorney Ethics Case
A Supreme Court ruling on how a lawyer's failure to update addresses and clients' duty to monitor cases affect finality of judgments.
Upholding Ethical Standards Extramarital Affairs AND THE Judiciarys Integrity
Explore how the Supreme Court reinforces judicial ethics, holding court personnel accountable for procedural lapses and safeguarding public trust.
Judicial Ethics and Free Speech: When Complaints Against Judges Cross the Line
The Supreme Court clarifies when criticism of judges becomes baseless and how judicial remedies must precede administrative complaints.
Candor and Fairness: A Lawyer's Duty to the Court and Fellow Counsel
A lawyer's entry of appearance must be candid and accurate. Learn the ethics rules from this Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
Court Employee Fined for Gambling During Office Hours: A Lesson in Judicial Ethics
The Supreme Court fined a court clerk for gambling during office hours, underscoring the high ethical standards required of judiciary employees.
Judicial Ethics Upholding Decorum in Legal Pleadings and the Limits of Administrative Liability
Court clarifies when a judge's intemperate language in pleadings warrants administrative sanction, and when charges lack substantial evidence.
Upholding Public Trust Accountability for Dishonored Debts in Government Service
Court interpreter reprimanded for willful failure to pay just debts. Learn the ethics rules for government employees and their personal obligations.
Contempt of Court and Lawyer Accountability: The Roxas Case
A lawyer's intemperate letter to a Supreme Court Justice led to a P30,000 fine for indirect contempt and a reminder of professional ethics.
When a Lawyer's Demand Letter Crosses the Line: Threats and Ethics
A lawyer's threat to file criminal charges in a demand letter violates the Code of Professional Responsibility and amounts to blackmail.