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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Breach of Trust Dismissal for Misuse of Public Funds by a Court Official
A disbarred lawyer's failed bid to overturn his final judgment leads to indirect contempt and a writ of execution for misused funds.
Finality of Judgment Bars Disbarred Lawyer's Bid to Reopen Case, Court Holds
Disbarred lawyer's attempt to reopen final judgment fails; Court cites contempt and orders execution of PHP 4.1M restitution.
Contempt of Court for Disobeying a Final Judgment in a Disbarment Case
A disbarred lawyer's repeated refusal to return client funds leads to indirect contempt, fines, and a writ of execution.
Contempt of Court for Re-Entering Property After Execution of Judgment
When a final judgment orders you to vacate property, re-entering it can lead to contempt of court. Learn from this Philippine case.
Finality of Judgment in Disbarment Cases: The Bihag v. Era Resolution
The Supreme Court enforces final disbarment decisions, citing a lawyer for contempt and ordering execution of the judgment.
Limits to Free Speech: Protecting Judicial Independence From Public Pressure
The Supreme Court held that statements pressuring justices to rule a certain way are not protected free speech but indirect contempt of court.
Judicial Overreach: Contempt Power and Due Process Rights in Guillen v. Cañon
When can a judge cite someone for contempt? The Supreme Court clarifies the line between judicial authority and due process in Guillen v. Cañon.
Contempt of Court: Balancing Judicial Authority and Attorneys' Rights to Advocate
A look at Frani v. Pagayatan on when a judge's loss of composure in court crosses the line, and when it does not.
Finality of Judgments in Disbarment Cases: Lessons from Bihag v. Era
The Supreme Court enforces final judgments in disbarment cases, citing a lawyer for indirect contempt and disobedience for refusing to return client funds.
Final Judgments Win: SC Nullifies Lifted Contempt Order in DBP Replevin Case
SC rules a final contempt judgment cannot be lifted by a trial court, reaffirming the immutability of judgments doctrine.
Attorney Accountability: The Duty of Candor and Knowledge in Legal Practice
A lawyer cited an inexistent Supreme Court circular to defend a drug case client. The Court held him in contempt, reaffirming counsel's duty of candor and diligence.
Respect in Court: The Limits of Zealous Advocacy and Attorney Contempt
A lawyer's zeal must yield to courtroom decorum. The Supreme Court affirms direct contempt for an attorney who challenged and insulted the judge.
Safeguarding Due Process: Understanding Indirect Contempt in Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court reminds the IBP that formal investigation is mandatory in lawyer discipline cases, ensuring due process before any penalty.
Reviving Expired Judgments in the Philippines: The Terry Case and Contempt Limits
Learn when Philippine judgments expire, how to revive them, and why contempt cannot enforce stale court orders under the Terry ruling.
Understanding Indirect Contempt and Habeas Corpus: Lessons from Rodriguez v. Bonifacio
A judge's suspension for mishandling contempt and habeas corpus proceedings, and the procedural rules every litigant should know.
When a Judge Misuses Contempt Powers: The Ma Jing Habeas Corpus Case
A Supreme Court ruling on when judges cross the line from enforcing orders to abusing contempt powers, with lessons for litigants and magistrates.
Res Judicata in Philippine Courts: Why Final Judgments Matter
Learn how final judgments bind parties in Philippine courts, and why due process in contempt proceedings is non-negotiable.
Contempt of Court: Balancing Judicial Authority and Individual Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on indirect contempt, fines versus indefinite incarceration, and the courts' coercive power to enforce orders.
Finality of Judgment and the Limits of Post-Decision Remedies in Disbarment Cases
A disbarred lawyer's belated motion to reopen his case fails before the doctrine of finality of judgment, earning him contempt and fines.
Upholding Judicial Authority THE Limits OF Contempt AND Recourse TO False Claims
Gross Ignorance of the Law: Judges Must Apply Established Doctrines in Election Cases
When a judge misapplies contempt powers and ignores elementary appeal rules, the Supreme Court steps in to correct the error.
Limits of Contempt Power: When Can You Actually Be Held in Contempt of Court in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains the limits of contempt power—when a court order binds you and when it does not.
Limits on Contempt Power, Due Process, and Judicial Restraint in Impeachment Proceedings
The Supreme Court clarifies that "forthwith" in impeachment does not mean instant trial, affirming judicial restraint and the Senate's discretion.
Court Personnel Misconduct and Judicial Abuse: Lessons from a 1998 Administrative Case
A 1998 Supreme Court ruling shows how court personnel misconduct and judicial abuse of contempt power undermine public trust in the judiciary.