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.
Notarial Law Personal Appearance Requirement and Consequences of Non-Compliance
The Supreme Court explains why personal appearance before a notary public is mandatory, and the penalties for violating the 2004 Rules on Notarial Practice.
Upholding Notarial Duty Consequences FOR Incomplete AND Improperly Executed Documents
A notary public who notarized deeds with missing signatures and absent parties faces suspension and commission revocation, as ruled by the Supreme Court.
Disbarment for Dishonesty When Lawyers Fabricate Court Decisions
Fabricating a court decision to defraud clients leads to disbarment. The Supreme Court explains why.
Attorney Suspended for Disobeying Court Orders: Abellanosa v. COA and NHA
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer for five years for repeatedly ignoring lawful court directives, underscoring lawyers' duty to obey court orders.
Best Evidence Rule in Disbarment Cases: Goopio v. Maglalang Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies that photocopies cannot prove lawyer misconduct, dismissing a disbarment case for violating the Best Evidence Rule.
Upholding Notarial Duties: Proper Identification in Legal Documents
A lawyer's notarial commission revoked and practice suspended for notarizing a deed using only a community tax certificate as identification.
Barangay Dispute Resolution Lawyers Barred From Lupon Appearances
The Supreme Court clarifies that lawyers cannot appear before the Lupon Tagapamayapa, preserving the informal, conciliatory character of barangay justice.
Lawyers Barred From Lupon Proceedings: A Reminder on Barangay Justice Integrity
SC reprimands lawyer for appearing in barangay conciliation proceedings, affirming the mandatory ban on counsel under the Katarungang Pambarangay Law.
Notarization Rules: When a Notary Public Violates the 2004 Rules on Notarial Practice
The Supreme Court defines the strict personal appearance requirement for notarization and the penalties for violating notarial rules.
Judge Fined for Undue Delay in Resolving Injunction Despite Heavy Caseload
A judge's two-year delay in resolving an injunction prayer draws a fine, even with heavy caseload as a mitigating factor.
Judicial Ethics: Scrutinizing Complaints Against Justices and the Standard of Proof
A look at how the Supreme Court handles administrative complaints against justices, using a 2018 case to explain the burden of proof.
Lawyer Suspended for Lending Money to Client: A Lesson in Legal Ethics
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer for lending money to a client and foreclosing on the mortgage—a clear violation of the Code of Professional Responsibility.
Lawyer Suspended for Lending Money to Client: Breach of Fiduciary Duty
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for three months for lending money to a client, citing Rule 16.04 of the Code of Professional Responsibility.
Attorney Neglect and Failure to Account for Client Funds Warrants One-Year Suspension
Philippine Supreme Court suspends lawyer for one year for failing to file a client's case and refusing to return P30,000 in litigation fees.
Contractor Relationships and the Test for Employer Liability in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the control test for employer liability in contractor relationships, and the duties of lawyers and notaries.
Contempt of Court for Ignoring Immediate Suspension Orders in the Legal Profession
The Supreme Court clarifies that lawyers must comply with suspension orders marked "effective immediately" upon receipt, or face contempt.
Lawyer Suspended for Misappropriating Client Funds: Fiduciary Duty Breach
When a lawyer fails to return client money upon demand, the Supreme Court presumes misappropriation—a breach of fiduciary duty warranting suspension.
Upholding Ethical Conduct: Disciplinary Action for Abuse of Court Processes
The Supreme Court suspends a lawyer for two years for dilatory tactics that delayed execution of a final judgment, violating the Lawyer's Oath and Code of Professional Responsibility.
Prompt Case Raffle Is a Judge's Duty: Lessons from a Simple Neglect Case
The Supreme Court reminds judges that delaying case raffles violates A.M. No. 03-8-02-SC and constitutes simple neglect of duty.
Attorney Disbarred for Gross Misconduct and Willful Disobedience to Court Orders
A lawyer's unauthorized use of a client's property for bail bonds, plus defiance of court orders, leads to disbarment.
When Court Employees Overstep: The Caoili Case on Judicial Misconduct
A clerk of court dismissed for grave misconduct after leaking an unsigned order, procuring lawyers, and receiving monthly payments from a litigant.
Negligence in Notarial Practice: Revocation and Disqualification for Incomplete Certificates and Improper Reco
A notary's incomplete certificates and sloppy register entries led to perpetual disqualification from notarial practice and one-year suspension from law.
Disbarment for Deceit and Unauthorized Notarization: Ethical Standards for Lawyers
Supreme Court affirms suspension and notarial disqualification for a lawyer who used falsified documents and notarized outside his jurisdiction.
Court Employees' Misappropriation of Funds: Administrative Liability and Penalties
Explore the Supreme Court's ruling on court employees found guilty of dishonesty and grave misconduct for misappropriating judiciary funds.