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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Judicial Ethics Under Scrutiny: Accountability for Misconduct Outside the Courtroom
A look at how the Supreme Court treats judicial misconduct committed outside court, and what it means for public trust in the judiciary.
Judicial Ethics: Judge Fined P20,000 for Solemnizing Bigamous Marriage
A judge who solemnized a bigamous marriage despite knowing of the prior subsisting marriage was fined P20,000 for gross ignorance of the law.
Judicial Ethics: Impartiality and Decorum in the Philippine Judiciary
A Supreme Court ruling reminds judges that intemperate speech and offensive attacks on fellow magistrates violate the Code of Judicial Conduct.
Respecting the Court: Judicial Ethics and the Limits of Free Speech for Philippine Judges
What happens when a judge attacks the Supreme Court? A lesson in judicial ethics, free speech limits, and the duty of magistrates.
Judicial Ethics: Upholding Impartiality and Integrity in the Philippine Judiciary
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge's misconduct shows why judicial ethics demand conduct beyond reproach, even outside court.
When a Judge’s Error Outside the Courtroom Still Breaches Judicial Ethics
A judge’s mistaken hold departure order leads to a reprimand, clarifying limits on court authority and judicial competence.
Judicial Ethics in the Philippines: The Prohibition Against Private Practice for Judges
A Supreme Court ruling explains why judges cannot serve as private administrators or practice law, and the narrow exceptions allowed.
Judicial Ethics: Dismissal of Judge for Sexual Harassment and Conduct Unbecoming
Supreme Court dismisses judge for sexual harassment, harassment of employees, and improper dealings with a litigant before his sala.
Premature Complaints Against Judges: Why Timing Is Crucial in Philippine Judicial Ethics
Explore how the Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Sesbreño clarifies why premature complaints against judges fail and timing matters in judicial ethics.
Judicial Ethics and Due Process: The Rule on Service of Judgments by Registered Mail
A look at Santos v. Court of Appeals on the completeness of service by registered mail and the need for conclusive proof of notice.
Judicial Ethics and Sexual Harassment: Dismissal of Judge de Asa
The Supreme Court dismissed Judge de Asa for sexual harassment, affirming that judges must uphold the highest standards of integrity and morality.
Judicial Ethics in the Philippines: Impartiality, Evidence, and the Presumption of Innocence
A look at how the Supreme Court upholds judicial ethics by demanding impartiality and rigorous evidence review in criminal cases.
Judicial Misconduct and Ethical Violations: Lessons from Improper Handling of Court Funds and Disqualification
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge's misconduct over court funds and failure to inhibit, with lessons for judicial ethics and accountability.
Judicial Ethics and Immorality: When Can a Judge Be Removed from Office
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when immorality and misconduct justify a judge's dismissal from the judiciary.
Judicial Ethics: When a Judge's Actions Lead to Forfeiture of Retirement Benefits
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains when a judge's misconduct can result in losing all retirement benefits, even after retirement.
Judicial Ethics and Employee Conduct: Lessons from Belaunzaran v. NLRC on Dismissal and Abandonment
A look at Belaunzaran v. NLRC clarifies when resignation offers are not constructive dismissal and when unauthorized absences justify loss of trust.
Forum Shopping and Judicial Ethics: Lessons from Fil-Estate Golf v. Court of Appeals
When may filing two similar cases be considered forum shopping? The Supreme Court explains the rule and its penalties.
When Can a Judge Be Held Liable for Misconduct? Lessons from Benjamin v. Alaba
A Supreme Court ruling on when a judge crosses the line from error to administrative liability, and why even well-meaning actions can breach judicial ethics.
Judicial Ethics and Workplace Harassment: When a Judge Preys on Court Staff
The Supreme Court dismissed a judge for gross misconduct and immorality after he sexually harassed a court clerk, reaffirming that judges must embody integrity.
Judicial Ethics: When Should a Judge Inhibit From a Case
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a judge must inhibit from a case to preserve impartiality and avoid the appearance of bias.