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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
Court Employee Suspended for Impropriety in Handling Litigant's Funds
Legal researcher suspended one year for receiving P130,000 from a litigant and helping secure counsel in a case before her own branch.
Lawyer Cited for Direct Contempt Over Fake Supreme Court Decision
A Philippine lawyer was fined P2,000 for direct contempt after submitting a forged Supreme Court decision, showing why counsel must verify every document they file.
Counsel's Negligence Binds the Client: Jaramillo v. Court of Appeals and the Lost Appeal
In Jaramillo v. Court of Appeals, the Supreme Court held that a client is bound by counsel's negligence and that certiorari cannot replace a lost appeal.
Judicial Impartiality When Family Ties Conflict With Legal Duty In The Courtroom
A judge who hears a case where his son-in-law appears as counsel violates mandatory disqualification rules, even if the outcome seems fair.
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.
Counsel's Negligence Is Not Excusable: Land Bank's Duty of Diligence in Legal Matters
SC rules counsel's heavy workload is not excusable negligence; procedural rules bind even government agencies like Land Bank.
When Counsel's Negligence Binds the Client: Due Diligence in Appeals
The Supreme Court clarifies when a lawyer's failure to act diligently on an appeal binds the client, and what counts as notice of a decision.
Lawyer Fined for Unauthorized Appearance as NEA Counsel in GOCC Case
Supreme Court fines lawyer P5,000 for appearing as NEA counsel without required OGCC conformity and COA concurrence.
Balancing Attorney Conduct: Upholding Dignity While Protecting Due Process in Legal Practice
SC ruling clarifies that pending criminal cases do not automatically warrant lawyer suspension, but offensive language against opposing counsel remains sanctionable.
When a Lawyer Drops the Ball: Lessons from Edquibal v. Ferrer on Diligence and Client Trust
A Supreme Court ruling on lawyer negligence in appeals, explaining counsel's duty of diligence and what clients should expect.
DUE Process IN Administrative Cases Opportunity TO Explain AND Binding Counsel Decisions
Duty to Inform Courts of Address Changes: Lessons from Garrucho v. Court of Appeals
When a party and counsel fail to notify courts of address changes, service is deemed complete—and appeals may be lost. Learn the rules.
Upholding Procedural Rules: How Counsel's Negligence Binds Clients in Labor Appeals
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a lawyer's failure to file a timely appeal binds the client, even in labor cases.
Proper Service of Notices to Counsel: A Due Process Requirement in Philippine Litigation
A notice sent to the wrong person is no notice at all. The Supreme Court explains why service to counsel matters.
Dismissal of Appeal Due to Attorney Negligence: Balancing Client Rights and Procedural Rules
The Supreme Court rules that counsel's negligence binds the client, and litigants must actively monitor case progress.
Victory Liner Liability: Breach of Contract of Carriage and Passenger Safety
Supreme Court ruling on common carrier liability for passenger death, negligence of counsel, and damages in breach of contract of carriage.
Accountability FOR Counsels Negligence When Does IT Void A Court Decision
When a Lawyer's Negligence Binds the Client: The Barza v. Dinglasan Ruling
The Supreme Court held that a client is bound by counsel's mistakes unless the negligence is so gross it deprives the client of the day in court.
Judicial Misconduct When Orders Reflect Bias AND Compromise Impartiality
Supreme Court fines judge for gross ignorance, grave misconduct, and bias in issuing irregular orders favoring a party's counsel.
Negligence of Counsel: When It Justifies Relief From Judgment
When does a lawyer's mistake excuse a client from an adverse ruling? Philippine courts balance diligence and fairness.
Dismissal of Appeal: Client Bound by Counsel’s Negligence and Failure to Comply with Procedural Rules
When a lawyer’s negligence causes a missed appeal deadline, the client is still bound. Learn the rules and exceptions.
Disbarment for Legal Counsels Dishonest and Unlawful Conduct
A lawyer's duty to hold client funds in trust, and the consequences of misappropriation after a client's death.
Service of Court Decisions on Government Entities: The Lead Counsel Rule Explained
When must court decisions be served on a government agency's lead counsel? The Supreme Court clarifies service rules and appeal periods.
When a Barangay Captain Cannot Be Independent Counsel: Extrajudicial Confessions and the Constitution
A barangay captain who is a lawyer cannot act as independent counsel for a suspect. The Supreme Court explains why the confession was inadmissible.