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.
Behest Loans in the Philippines: Understanding Anti-Graft Law and Due Diligence
Learn how Philippine courts define behest loans, the role of RA 3019, and why loan repayment does not erase potential graft liability.
Graft and Corruption: Navigating Local Government Contracts in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies direct bribery under the Revised Penal Code in a case involving Ombudsman officials and local executives.
Social Media Ethics for Judges: Lessons from the Atillo Case
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge's Facebook photos clarifies the ethical boundaries judges face when using social media in the Philippines.
Just Compensation in Agrarian Reform: Lessons from a Landmark Philippine Case
A Philippine lawyer's suspension highlights the rules on just compensation, finality of judgments, and the limits of DARAB authority.
Understanding Gross Immorality When Personal Conduct Leads to Disbarment in the Philippines
The Supreme Court disbarred a lawyer-judge for continuing an illicit relationship despite prior warning. Learn the rules on gross immorality.
Limits of Clerks of Court Misconduct and Judicial Integrity
A clerk of court dismissed for simple misconduct after overstepping duties during writ implementation. Learn the boundaries of court personnel authority.
Judicial Decorum in Philippine Courts: Lessons from Judge Dajao's Vulgar Conduct Case
The Supreme Court fined a judge for vulgar language and self-promotion, reaffirming strict standards of judicial decorum under Philippine law.
When Judges Interfere with Writs of Execution: A Lesson in Judicial Conduct
A judge who stopped a sheriff from implementing a writ of execution was fined for conduct unbecoming a judicial officer.
Sheriff's Suspension for Handling Litigant's Money: A Lesson in Judicial Integrity
A sheriff's attempt to pass a litigant's P7,500 to a prosecutor was grave misconduct. The Court explains why court personnel must never handle litigants' money.
When Court Employees Overstep: The Caoili Case on Judicial Misconduct
A clerk of court dismissed for grave misconduct after leaking an unsigned order, procuring lawyers, and receiving monthly payments from a litigant.
Judicial Accountability: Timely Decisions and Ethical Conduct on the Bench
The Supreme Court holds judges accountable for delayed decisions and retirement violations, imposing fines on a retired judge.
COA Auditors Barred From Agency Benefits: Nacion v. COA
Supreme Court affirms COA's discipline of auditor who received bonuses, housing, and car loans from audited agency MWSS.
Judicial Accountability: Supreme Court Sanctions Judge for Grave Misconduct and Abuse of Authority
Supreme Court holds judge liable for grave abuse of authority, misconduct, and insubordination despite his resignation, affirming judicial accountability.
When a Judge Serves as Attorney-in-Fact: A Cautionary Tale on Judicial Impropriety
The Supreme Court reminds judges that serving as attorney-in-fact for non-family members violates the Code of Judicial Conduct and constitutes impropriety.
Sheriffs Must Disclose Conflicts of Interest and File Timely Returns on Writs of Execution
The Supreme Court ruled that sheriffs must disclose family ties to parties and file periodic reports on writs of execution, or face administrative liability.
Nepotism in Government Appointments: Abstention Is Not a Cure
The Supreme Court rules that a commissioner's abstention from voting does not cure a nepotistic appointment in the Civil Service Commission v. Cortes case.
Judicial Conduct on Trial: Balancing Online Presence and Ethical Duties
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge's Friendster photos and courtroom conduct clarifies ethical boundaries for magistrates online and offline.
Judicial Conduct and Impropriety: Upholding Public Trust in the Judiciary
A judge's jail visits to solicit inmate signatures constituted simple misconduct, underscoring the duty to avoid impropriety.
When a Judge's Side Business Crosses the Line: Lessons from Luarca v. Molato
The Supreme Court clarifies when a judge's involvement in a spouse's business becomes an administrative offense, and what judges must avoid.
Missing Rollo Case: Court Record Handling and Lawyer Accountability
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for six months for borrowing a case rollo and keeping it for nearly 12 years, underscoring integrity in legal practice.
Private Dealings, Public Trust: When Personal Conduct Creates Administrative Liability for Philippine Public O
The Supreme Court clarifies when a public official's private dealings can still trigger administrative liability, even if the act is unrelated to official duties.
Upholding Ethical Standards Disciplining Court Personnel For Gross Discourtesy And Unprofessional Conduct
The Supreme Court disciplines a judge for simple misconduct, emphasizing that judges must avoid impropriety and the appearance of impropriety in all activities.
Judicial Conduct: Impartiality and the Appearance of Impropriety
A judge who dismissed a case without independent review and solemnized the accused's son's wedding faces administrative liability.
Clerk of Court Suspended for Unauthorized Fee Collection: Breach of Duty
A branch clerk of court was suspended for collecting commissioner's and stenographer's fees without authority. Learn the rules on court fee collection.