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.
Neglect of Duty in Public Service: Upholding Diligence and Accountability in the Judiciary
Court stenographer suspended two years for simple neglect of duty—a reminder that every judicial employee must perform tasks with diligence.
IPRA Does Not Shield Indigenous Peoples From Criminal Prosecution
The Supreme Court clarifies that the Indigenous Peoples' Rights Act cannot be used to evade criminal liability or strip courts of jurisdiction over criminal cases.
Lawyer Suspended 3 Years for Neglect and Misappropriation of Client Funds
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for 3 years for failing to transfer client's property titles for 8 years and misusing P170,000 in client funds.
Absence Without Leave: Upholding Public Service Standards in the Philippine Judiciary
Court personnel who go AWOL face dropping from the rolls. Learn the rules and consequences from a 2019 Supreme Court ruling.
Unexcused Absence and Termination: When Is an Employee Considered AWOL
Learn when an employee is considered AWOL and can be dropped from the rolls, based on a 2019 Supreme Court ruling.
Psychological Incapacity: The High Bar for Marriage Nullity in the Philippines
The Supreme Court reiterates that psychological incapacity under Article 36 requires proof of gravity, juridical antecedence, and incurability—not mere infidelity or irreconcilable differences.
Sheriff Dismissed for Accepting Unofficial Payments From Litigants
Supreme Court dismisses sheriff for receiving P100,000 in direct payments from litigants, ruling such conduct constitutes serious dishonesty.
Insurance Rescission: Proving Fraud in False Representations vs Concealment
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when insurers can rescind for concealment versus false representations, and what evidence proves fraud.
Sheriffs Duty to Serve Notice Before Implementing Writs: Consequences of Neglect
A sheriff who enforces a writ without prior notice violates due process. Learn the rules and penalties under Rule 39.
Sheriff's Duty of Timely Execution and Periodic Reporting: Lessons from Foster v. Santos
A sheriff's duty to enforce writs is ministerial; failure to report periodically constitutes simple neglect of duty.
Surety Bonds Liability Extends Until Case Termination Despite NON Renewal
A surety bond stays effective until a case is finally terminated, even without renewal. Learn the rule from Enriquez v. Mercantile Insurance.
Upholding Client Loyalty: Ethical Boundaries in Attorney Representation Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court suspends a lawyer for two years for representing conflicting interests, committing forum shopping, and neglecting clients.
Sheriff Duties and Neglect in Attachment Cases: Protecting Your Property Rights
Learn how sheriffs must handle attached properties, their inventory duties, and what happens when they neglect these responsibilities.
When Lawyers Take Fees But Never File the Case: A Lesson in Professional Responsibility
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer for one year for collecting fees but failing to file a client's case, reaffirming lawyers' fiduciary duties.
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.
Lawyer's Duty to Client: Neglect and Failure to Inform Leads to Six-Month Suspension
A lawyer who failed to inform a client about an adverse NLRC ruling and did not appeal was suspended for six months for violating the Code of Professional Responsibility.
Notarial Duty and Administrative Liability: Upholding Integrity in Court Services
A branch clerk of court was suspended for notarizing documents without following the 2004 Rules on Notarial Practice. Learn the rules and risks.
Mitigating Penalties in Administrative Cases: Balancing Justice and Human Considerations
The Supreme Court explains when mitigating circumstances like length of service, remorse, and restitution can reduce administrative penalties.
Sheriff’s Duty to Follow Execution Procedures and the Consequences of Neglect
A sheriff’s failure to follow execution rules—from expense estimates to auction notices—can mean dismissal. The Supreme Court explains why.
Can Pathological Gambling Nullify a Marriage? The Singson Ruling on Psychological Incapacity
The Supreme Court in Singson v. Singson clarifies when pathological gambling can—and cannot—nullify a marriage under Article 36 of the Family Code.
Totality of Infractions: Delineating Just Cause for Termination in Philippine Labor Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when past offenses may justify dismissal under the totality of infractions principle, balancing employer prerogative and employee rights.
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.
Abandonment Requires Clear Intent Protecting Employees From Unjust Dismissal
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that abandonment of work requires clear intent to sever employment, not mere absence from work.
Judicial Accountability vs Mercy: Balancing Misconduct Penalties with Mitigating Circumstances
The Supreme Court shows how mitigating circumstances can temper penalties for court employees guilty of grave misconduct, gross neglect, and dishonesty.