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.
Software License Agreement Philippines: Key Clauses to Include
Learn the key clauses a software license agreement in the Philippines must have, based on Civil Code rules on contracts and obligations.
Lawyer Suspended for Abusive Language and Disrespect for Legal Processes
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer for urging police to shoot her nephew and using intemperate language in pleadings—a reminder of ethical limits.
Serious Misconduct and Employee Dismissal in the Philippines: What Employers Must Prove
Philippine law requires wrongful intent, not just a mistake, to dismiss an employee for serious misconduct. Learn what employers must prove.
Employee Misconduct and Termination: Understanding Just Cause in the Philippines
When does employee misconduct justify termination in the Philippines? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on serious misconduct and just cause.
Social Media Misconduct and Attorney Disbarment: Balancing Free Speech and Professional Ethics
The Supreme Court disbarred a lawyer for posting a draft plunder complaint on Facebook, ruling that free expression does not justify violating the Code of Professional Responsibility.
When a Lawyer's Dual Clients Create a Conflict of Interest: Lessons from Marcelo-Salud v. Bolivar
A lawyer who represents tenants while also serving as counsel to the alleged property owner may face discipline for conflicting interests, even if the main complaint fails.
Understanding Due Process in Government Audits: Lessons from a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Case
Learn how the Supreme Court's ruling on an administrative case clarifies due process, misconduct, and penalties for government employees.
Right to Information vs. Exam Confidentiality: The Antolin-Rosero Ruling
The Supreme Court balances the right to information against exam confidentiality in Antolin-Rosero v. PRC, a landmark 2021 ruling.
Employee Dismissal for Loss of Trust and Confidence: What Employers Must Prove
The Supreme Court clarifies when loss of trust and confidence is a valid ground for dismissing an employee, and why vague company rules cannot justify termination.
Conflict of Interest in Legal Practice: The Fine Line Lawyers Must Navigate
When can a lawyer's business venture become a conflict of interest? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on lawyer loyalty and competing businesses.
Lawyer-Client Confidentiality: When a Consultation Creates a Binding Duty
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that even unpaid consultations create lawyer-client confidentiality, barring lawyers from representing adverse parties.
Navigating Conflict of Interest: The Importance of Ethical Notarization in Legal Practice
A lawyer who notarizes an adverse party's affidavit risks conflict of interest and suspension. Learn the ethical rules.
Understanding Employee Dismissal for Serious Misconduct: Insights From a Landmark Philippine Case
Learn when an employee's public statements can be valid grounds for dismissal for serious misconduct under Philippine labor law.
Chain of Custody in Drug Busts: Why Witnesses Must Be Present at Seizure
Philippine Supreme Court acquits drug suspects over missing chain of custody witnesses, stressing Section 21 RA 9165 compliance.
Loss of Trust and Confidence in Dismissing Senior Managers: Due Process Still Matters
Supreme Court clarifies when loss of trust and confidence justifies dismissing senior managers, and what happens when due process is skipped.
Reasonable Doubt When Evidence Fails to Prove Illegal Drug Transport
The Supreme Court acquits three accused of transporting shabu where prosecution failed to prove they were on board the vehicle and broke the chain of custody.
Former Judge's Conflict of Interest: Ethical Limits After Leaving the Bench
Supreme Court clarifies Rule 6.03 on former judges and government lawyers accepting cases they previously handled.
When Can Arbitration Statements Be Withheld? The Confidentiality Rule Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies when arbitration testimony and witness statements are confidential and protected from disclosure in other proceedings.
The Limits of Mandamus in Enforcing Disputed Informer's Rewards
When can a court compel payment of an informer's reward? The Supreme Court clarifies that mandamus only lies for clear, undisputed rights.
Upholding Client Trust Attorney Suspended For Conflicting Representation
A lawyer who represents a client against an existing retainer client of his law firm violates Rule 15.03, even without using confidential information.
When a Lawyer Buys His Client’s Land: Double Sale and Bad Faith Under Philippine Law
A lawyer who bought land his clients had already purchased lost the case. The Supreme Court explains double sales, bad faith, and unregistered land rules.
When a Lawyer Buys the Client's Land: Breach of Fiduciary Duty in Property Acquisition
A lawyer who bought property his clients had already purchased breached his fiduciary duty. The Supreme Court explains why.
Upholding Client Confidentiality When Prior Representation Bars Subsequent Claims
A lawyer who sued a former client for a new client violated the duty against conflicting interests, earning a one-year suspension.
Confidentiality Rules for Court Personnel: Lessons from a Legal Researcher's Misconduct Case
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when court personnel breach confidentiality and why even "harmless" disclosures to litigants constitute misconduct.