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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Upholding Legal Ethics: Disciplining Lawyers for Obstructing Justice and Misleading Courts
A lawyer's duty to the court outweighs loyalty to a client. Learn how obstruction and misleading courts lead to suspension.
Upholding Client Trust: Attorney Disbarred for Neglect, Non-Communication, and Practicing While Suspended
The Supreme Court disbarred a lawyer for neglecting a client's case, failing to return funds, and practicing law while under suspension.
Attorney Suspended for Neglect and Failure to Return Client Funds
A lawyer's neglect of a client's case and refusal to return unearned fees can lead to suspension. Learn the rules.
Notarial Negligence and Lawyer Accountability: Lessons from Heirs of Alilano v. Atty. Examen
A lawyer's notarial duties are personal and cannot be delegated. Learn what two-year suspension means for notarial practice in the Philippines.
Lawyer Suspended for Non-Payment of Debt: Ethical Standards for Attorneys
A lawyer's deliberate failure to pay a just debt constitutes gross misconduct warranting suspension from the practice of law under Rule 1.01.
Upholding Client Trust Attorney Suspended FOR Neglect AND Misuse OF Funds IN THE Philippines
A lawyer who fails to file a case and refuses to return client money faces one-year suspension. Learn the rules on client funds.
Attorney Suspended for Dishonored Checks: Ethical Duties Beyond the Courtroom
Issuing worthless checks can cost a lawyer more than criminal liability—it can trigger suspension from practice, as this case shows.
Suspension of Arraignment, DOJ Review, and the Right to Speedy Trial in Copyright Cases
Explaining when courts may suspend arraignment pending DOJ review and how delay affects the right to speedy trial in copyright infringement cases.
Notarizing Without Personal Appearance: The Cost of a Breach of Notarial Duty
A notary public who notarizes a deed without the parties appearing before him faces suspension and perpetual disqualification. Learn why.
Attorney Negligence and Breach of Duty: When a Lawyer's Inaction Costs a Client the Case
A Supreme Court ruling on lawyer accountability: negligence and lack of candor lead to a two-year suspension from practice.
Upholding Competence and Diligence: Attorney Suspended for Neglect of Client's Case
A lawyer's suspension from practice does not end his duty to clients. The Supreme Court suspends Atty. Baterina for gross negligence.
Attorney Suspended for Misusing Client Funds and Negligence in Title Transfer
A lawyer's two-year suspension for mishandling client funds and negligence in property title transfer, and the ethical rules violated.
Sheriffs Must Follow Court Rules: Impartiality and Decorum in Serving Writs
A sheriff's failure to file timely returns and reliance on a party's computation led to suspension, underscoring judicial integrity.
Upholding Ethical Conduct: Suspension for Dishonest Acts by Attorneys
Learn how the Supreme Court disciplines attorneys for dishonest acts, including suspension, based on recent jurisprudence.
Lawyer Suspended for Dishonesty and Failure to Pay Debt: A Lesson in Ethical Conduct
The Supreme Court affirms a lawyer's suspension for issuing worthless checks and failing to pay a debt, underscoring lawyers' ethical duty to honor financial obligations.
Credit Card Suspension: When Banks Must Answer for Negligence and Damages
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on credit card suspension, bank negligence, and cardholder rights to moral and exemplary damages.
Suspension Orders AND B P 22 When Corporate Rehabilitation Protects Against BAD Check Charges
Lawyer Suspended for Misappropriating Client Funds in Breach of Fiduciary Duty
A lawyer's failure to account for and return client funds collected on behalf of a client constitutes gross misconduct warranting suspension.
Notarizing Outside Commission Territory: A Lawyer's Administrative Liability
A notary public who notarizes outside his commissioned territory commits malpractice and falsehood, facing suspension and disqualification.
Moral Damages for Illegal Suspension: Bad Faith and Due Process in Philippine Labor Law
Philippine Airlines v. Montinola: illegally suspended employees can recover moral and exemplary damages when the employer acts in bad faith or denies due process.
Upholding Professional Integrity Lawyers Association With Questionable Individuals Leads TO Suspension
Notarial Misconduct: When Lawyers Fail Their Oath as Notaries Public
A lawyer-notary's careless notarization of unsigned documents leads to one-year suspension and perpetual disqualification from notarial commission.
The Certification Against Forum Shopping: When a Lawyer's False Oath Leads to Suspension
A Supreme Court ruling on a lawyer's false certifications against forum shopping and notarial malpractice, and the penalties imposed.
Accountability for False Statements: Attorney Suspended for Misleading Forum Shopping Certifications
A lawyer's false certifications against forum shopping and notarial malpractice lead to one-year suspension and permanent disqualification from notarial commission.