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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Social Media Conduct and Lawyer Discipline: Ethical Boundaries in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling on a lawyer's Facebook post shows how social media conduct can lead to contempt and disciplinary action.
Attorney Disciplinary Action: When Offensive Social Media Posts Lead to Disbarment Risk
Learn how a lawyer's Facebook post accusing the Supreme Court of "judicial tyranny" led to contempt and disciplinary action under the CPRA.
When Media Interviews Can Lead to Indirect Contempt: The ABS-CBN v. Ampatuan Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies the sub judice rule and when media interviews of witnesses may constitute indirect contempt.
When Court Errors Are Judicial, Not Administrative: Lessons from Tallado v. Racoma
The Supreme Court clarifies when judges may be administratively liable for judicial errors, and when complainants face contempt for harassment suits.
Misrepresentation and Accountability When Non-Judiciary Personnel Impede Justice
Supreme Court clarifies that non-judiciary personnel who misrepresent influence over cases face contempt, even if outside administrative jurisdiction.
When Judges Face Accountability: The Pajaron Contempt Case Explained
The Supreme Court held a retired judge liable for gross inefficiency and dishonesty over 66 undecided cases, imposing a fine deductible from retirement benefits.
Understanding Contempt of Court and the Consequences of Repeated Legal Harassment in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts penalize grave misconduct by judicial employees, including dismissal and forfeiture of benefits, to protect the integrity of the justice system.
CSC Contempt Fines and Compliance with Orders: The Eusebio Case
The Supreme Court reinstated a P416,000 contempt fine against a mayor who defied CSC reinstatement orders, affirming the CSC's power to impose daily fines.
Double Jeopardy, Forum Shopping, and the Immutability of Judgments in Family Disputes
A Supreme Court ruling on final judgments, forum shopping, and indirect contempt in a family property dispute under RA 9262.
Contempt of Court: Balancing Judicial Authority and Good Faith Compliance
A disbarred lawyer's failure to comply with a final Court order leads to indirect contempt, fines, and execution of judgment.
Finality of Judgment and Lawyer Discipline: Lessons from Bihag v. Era
A disbarred lawyer's attempt to reopen a final judgment fails; Court cites contempt and orders execution.
Indirect Contempt Requires Willful Disobedience: Lessons from Land Bank v. MERALCO
When is failure to comply with a court order contempt? The Supreme Court clarifies in Land Bank v. MERALCO that good faith and impossibility matter.
Good Faith and Land Titles: Protecting Property Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when good faith protects parties from contempt in property disputes, balancing court orders with rights of innocent buyers.
When Finality Isn't Enough: Re-Evaluating Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries After a Concluded Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when DAR may re-open beneficiary identification despite a final ruling, and why that isn't contempt.
Res Judicata and Forum Shopping: When Prior Rulings Do Not Bar a Contempt Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when prior judgments bar later cases, distinguishing res judicata from conclusiveness of judgment in contempt proceedings.
Res Judicata and Forum Shopping: When Prior Rulings Do Not Bar a Contempt Case
The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of res judicata and forum shopping in a case involving used motor vehicle importations.
Senate Contempt Powers: When Legislative Inquiry Detention Must End
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on Senate contempt detention limits during legislative inquiries, balancing legislative power and individual rights.
Trademark Infringement and Contempt: When Corporate Names and Court Orders Collide
The Supreme Court clarifies that good faith compliance with an injunction order cannot be punished as indirect contempt, even if a corporate name contains a challenged mark.
Judicial Affidavit Rule and Contempt: Good Faith in Complying with Court Orders
When does using a corporate name violate an injunction? The Supreme Court clarifies that good faith compliance defeats indirect contempt.
Contempt of Court for Ignoring Immediate Suspension Orders in the Legal Profession
The Supreme Court clarifies that lawyers must comply with suspension orders marked "effective immediately" upon receipt, or face contempt.
Disrespecting the Court: Fine for Counsel Who Blamed Justices for Own Errors
The Supreme Court fined a lawyer and his client for contempt after they accused the Court of negligence over their own procedural lapses.
Contempt of Court and the Limits of Reconsideration: Lessons from Fortune Life Insurance v. COA
The Supreme Court penalizes a litigant and counsel for disrespectful language in pleadings and clarifies the strict rules on second motions for reconsideration.
When Court Orders Are Ignored: Indirect Contempt in Intra-Corporate Disputes
The Supreme Court explains when defiance of court orders becomes indirect contempt, using a school board dispute as a cautionary example.
Judicial Accountability vs Vexatious Litigation: Balancing Rights in Administrative Complaints
The Supreme Court clarifies when judges may be held administratively liable and when complainants cross the line into contempt.