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 Client Trust Attorney Disbarred FOR Unauthorized Compromise AND Misappropriation OF Funds
A lawyer who compromised a client's case without authority and misused funds for docket fees was disbarred by the Supreme Court.
Breach of Trust: How Familial Rape Impacts Justice in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court affirms rape conviction based on victim's credible testimony, rejecting sweetheart defense and clarifying force requirement.
Dishonesty as Just Cause for Dismissal: Lessons from the Smart Communications Case
When a department head approved fictitious marketing projects and fake agencies, the Supreme Court upheld dismissal for loss of trust and confidence.
Breach of Trust Dismissal for Court Employee Accepting Money From Litigants
Supreme Court affirms dismissal of court clerk who accepted money from litigants to process bail bond, ruling it constitutes grave misconduct.
Breach of Trust When Employee Disloyalty Justifies Termination in the Philippines
When does employee disloyalty justify termination? The Supreme Court explains breach of trust doctrine in Philippine labor law.
Breach of Trust as Just Cause for Dismissal in Philippine Banking
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a bank branch head's breach of trust justifies dismissal under Article 282 of the Labor Code.
Compensation and Delay: When Debts Cannot Offset Judgments in the Philippines
Philippine Trust Co. v. Roxas explains when legal compensation fails—unliquidated debts, waiver, and late defenses at execution stage.
Breach of Trust When Messenger Becomes Thief: Qualified Theft and Carnapping in Philippine Law
A messenger who took his employer's cash and motorcycle faced both carnapping and qualified theft charges. The Supreme Court explains the distinction.
Breach of Trust: How a Messenger's Betrayal Led to Convictions for Carnapping and Qualified Theft
A messenger who vanished with his employer's money and motorcycle was convicted of carnapping and qualified theft. The Supreme Court explains why.
Vault Custodian's Judicial Admission Proves Qualified Theft in Gemmary Pawnshop Case
Supreme Court affirms qualified theft conviction of pawnshop vault custodian, ruling her judicial admission and breach of trust suffice for reclusion perpetua.
Loss of Trust and Due Process: Philippine Standards for Employee Dismissal
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the standards for loss of trust and due process in employee dismissal cases under the Labor Code.
When a Solemn Promise Isn't Proof: Illegal Dismissal and Due Process in Labor Cases
SC ruling explains why an employee's written promise to return money is not enough to justify dismissal for loss of trust and confidence.
Upholding Client Trust: Lawyer Suspended for Mismanaging Settlement Funds and Unauthorized Agreements
A lawyer who settled a client's case without consent and kept the P100,000 proceeds was suspended for two years and ordered to return the money.
Breach of Trust as Ground for Dismissal: Manager's Dishonest Dealings Upheld
Supreme Court affirms dismissal of a manager who failed to account for funds and licenses, ruling that loss of trust and confidence was justified.
Trust or Time: Prescription in Disputes Over Inherited Shares
Supreme Court clarifies when prescription and laches may bar claims over shares held in implied trust, remanding Dy Sun-Ong v. Dy Sun for trial.
Breach of Public Trust: Dismissal for Non-Remittance of Judiciary Collections
Supreme Court affirms dismissal of court OIC who failed to remit P177,838.24 in judiciary funds, citing breach of public trust.
Breach of Trust: Understanding Malversation of Public Funds in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains the elements of malversation under Article 217 of the Revised Penal Code, including the presumption of misappropriation when funds are not forthcoming upon demand.
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.
Breach of Trust: Disbarment for Lawyer Neglect and Misconduct in Attorney-Client Relations
A lawyer's failure to file a client's case for three years, refusal to return funds, and practice while suspended led to disbarment.
Breach of Trust: Defining Qualified Theft in Philippine Employment Relationships
The Supreme Court clarifies when an employee's misappropriation is qualified theft, not estafa, and explains the penalty rules.
Understanding Documentary Stamp Tax on Trust Agreements: Insights from a Landmark Philippine Case
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies when documentary stamp tax applies to trust agreements and the evidence needed for tax refund claims.
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.
Influence Peddling IN THE Legal Profession Upholding Ethical Standards AND Public Trust
Understand when a lawyer's error becomes gross misconduct, and why obeying court orders is a sacred duty.
Breach of Trust Dismissal for Clerk of Court's Mismanagement of Funds
Supreme Court dismisses a clerk of court for gross neglect of duty, dishonesty, and grave misconduct over unremitted judiciary funds and unauthorized withdrawals.