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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Fraud Voids Donations: Protecting Consent in Property Transfers
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how fraud and misrepresentation invalidate donations, protecting illiterate donors' consent in property transfers.
Inadvertent Misrepresentation as a Lawyer: When It Is Not Contempt of Court in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that inadvertent misrepresentation as a lawyer without intent to practice is not indirect contempt.
Conflict of Interest in Philippine Law: Client Loyalty and the Cabucana Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies when a lawyer's representation of opposing parties violates Rule 15.03 of the Code of Professional Responsibility.
Lawyer Fined for Unauthorized Representation in Barangay Conciliation: Magno v. Jacoba
A lawyer who appeared for a party in barangay conciliation proceedings was fined P5,000 for violating the Local Government Code.
Attorneys Neglect Leads TO Suspension Upholding Diligence IN Legal Representation
When Does the Clock Start? Prescription Periods for Hidden Contract Breaches in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies when the prescriptive period begins for hidden breaches of contract, protecting buyers who rely on seller representations.
Lawyers Must Acknowledge Client Payments and Act Fairly Despite Zealous Representation
A lawyer who refuses to acknowledge a client's payment and withholds registration of a deed violates ethical rules, even when acting to protect a client.
Counsel’s Negligence Reopens Criminal Appeals for Fair Representation
When a lawyer abandons a client’s appeal, the Supreme Court may reopen the case to protect the accused’s right to counsel.
Unlawful Detainer: Actual Possession vs. Representation in Ejectment Suits
Learn when an ejectment suit must target the actual occupant versus the lessee they represent, based on a Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
Substantial Compliance and Legal Representation: Justice Prevails Over Technicalities
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on substantial compliance in ejectment cases, month-to-month leases, and the balance between procedural rules and substantive justice.
Notarizing a Dead Man's Signature: Disbarment for Lawyer's Misrepresentation
A lawyer who notarized a Special Power of Attorney after the signer had died was disbarred for gross misconduct. Here's why.
When Lawyers Cross the Line: Conflicting Interests and Client Confidentiality in Philippine Legal Ethics
The Supreme Court's ruling in Pormento vs. Pontevedra clarifies when a lawyer's representation of new clients against former clients constitutes prohibited conflicting interests.
Upholding Legal Ethics: A Lawyer's Duty of Candor and Fidelity in Property Transactions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on lawyers' duty of candor, fidelity, and accountability in property transactions and legal representation.
Lawyers Must Uphold Diligence and Fidelity in Legal Representation
A lawyer who fails to file an appellate brief faces suspension. The Supreme Court affirms that neglect of a client's case violates the Code of Professional Responsibility.
Attorneys Duty Balancing Diligence AND Client Communication IN Legal Representation
Forum Shopping Certification and Corporate Representation: A Philippine Supreme Court Guide
Learn the Philippine Supreme Court's rules on forum shopping certifications, corporate representation, and who must sign pleadings to avoid dismissal.
Attorney Suspended for Neglect of Duty and Misrepresentation to Client
A lawyer who failed to file a petition for review and misled his client about the case's status was suspended for four months and ordered to refund P5,000.
Lawyer Suspended for Deceit and Unauthorized Representation in Estate Case
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for six months for deceiving clients into signing an authority that let him file unauthorized estate proceedings.
Union Misrepresentation Can Void Certification Elections: The DHL-URFA Case
When union officers lie about their affiliation before a certification election, workers may get a new vote. The Supreme Court explains why.
Party List Registration: What It Takes to Represent Marginalized Sectors
The Supreme Court clarifies the requirements for party-list registration and representation of marginalized sectors in the Philippines.
Ethical Standards in the Legal Profession: Non-Disclosure and Misrepresentation Consequences
A judge's extramarital affair and child led to dismissal and suspension from law practice, underscoring ethical accountability.
Attorney's Duty of Fidelity: Neglect and Abandonment in Legal Representation
When a lawyer takes a client's money and disappears with case records, the Supreme Court draws a firm line on professional responsibility.
Upholding the Electorate's Will When Technicalities Give Way to True Representation
When a proclamation rests on an incomplete canvass, it is null and void. The Court explains why.