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 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.
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.
Dismissal of Falsification Charges in Disbarment Case Highlights Burden of Proof for Lawyers
Supreme Court dismisses disbarment charges against Atty. Bigay for lack of preponderant evidence, but reprimands notary Atty. Siapno for negligence.
When Lawyers Fail Clients: Negligence, Falsehood, and Notarial Misconduct
A lawyer who neglects a client's case and notarizes a perjured affidavit faces suspension and loss of notarial commission.
Attorney Neglect and Falsehood: Disciplining Lawyers for Breaching Professional Responsibility
A lawyer who fails to file a client's position paper and notarizes a perjured affidavit faces suspension and loss of notarial commission.
Upholding Ethical Standards A Lawyers Duty TO Financial Integrity AND Professional Conduct
Court Personnel’s Failure to Pay Just Debts: Administrative Liability Explained
Court employees who borrow from lawyers with pending cases and fail to pay face administrative sanctions. Learn the rules.
Falsifying MCLE Compliance and Disbarment: What Lawyers Risk
A Supreme Court ruling shows how a lawyer's false MCLE compliance number in pleadings led to disbarment for deceit.
Notarial Negligence: Lawyers Must Secure Seals and Prevent Unauthorized Use of Notarial Books
A notary's duty extends beyond signing documents—securing seals and books is essential to avoid gross negligence liability.
When Silence Isn't Golden: The Perils of Unchallenged Eyewitness Testimony in Murder Convictions
A Supreme Court ruling shows how unchallenged eyewitness testimony can seal a murder conviction, and why defense lawyers must test it.
Attorney Disbarment for Willful Disobedience Upholding Court Authority in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court disciplines lawyers for willful disobedience, protecting court authority and the integrity of the legal profession.
Limits ON Lawyers Language Upholding Civility IN Legal Practice
Lawyers' Facebook Posts and Online Defamation: Ethical Limits Under Philippine Law
When can a lawyer's Facebook posts lead to suspension? The Supreme Court clarifies privacy, free speech, and professional conduct online.
Lawyers Suspended for Neglect, Harassment of Client Over Fees
SC suspends two lawyers for failing to file a client's case and for filing estafa and deportation cases to collect fees.
Disbarment Case Dismissed: Falsification Must Be Proven in Proper Proceedings
Supreme Court clarifies that disbarment is not the proper venue to prove falsification or forgery charges against lawyers.
Disbarment Over Falsified Documents and Age Misrepresentation: Key Lessons
Supreme Court clarifies when falsification and age misrepresentation can ground disbarment, and who investigates public lawyers' qualifications.
Civility and Candor: Disciplining Lawyers for Unfounded Accusations in Pleadings
The Supreme Court reminds lawyers that unfounded accusations in pleadings violate the Code of Professional Responsibility, even if privileged.
Lawyers Reprimanded for Unfounded Accusations in Pleadings: A Lesson in Professional Conduct
Philippine Supreme Court disciplines lawyers for baseless accusations against opposing counsel in pleadings, reaffirming ethical duties under the Code of Professional Responsibility.
When Lawyers Fail Clients: Suspension for Misappropriating Visa Fees
A lawyer who took P345,000 for US visa services but did nothing was suspended for one year and ordered to return the money.
Ethical Boundaries: Lawyers' Duty to Avoid Abusive Language in Professional Dealings
The Supreme Court reminds lawyers that demand letters must remain respectful, not abusive or defamatory, under Rule 8.01 of the CPR.
Upholding Integrity Disbarment FOR Lawyers Misconduct AND Attempted Bribery
Disbarment for Deceit: Upholding Ethical Standards in the Legal Profession
The Supreme Court suspends a lawyer for immorality, clarifying that only the Court can discipline lawyers and that compliance must be actual.
Attorney Accountability for Defamatory Imputations Against Courts
Supreme Court suspends two lawyers for a checkbook entry implying the Sandiganbayan took a P2M bribe for a TRO.
Lawyer Disbarred for Falsified Mission Order and Hijacking Role
Supreme Court disbars lawyer for falsifying PASG documents and masterminding a cargo hijacking, stressing lawyers' high moral standards.