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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When Sheriffs Cross the Line: Illegal Exaction, Neglect of Duty, and Administrative Liability
A sheriff who directly collects fees without court approval and releases seized property without authority faces administrative liability, as the Supreme Court recently ruled.
Lawyer Sanctioned for Misusing Court Custody of Levied Property
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for one year for taking a vehicle under custodia legis without court approval, violating the Code of Professional Responsibility.
Compromise Agreements Court Approval Required FOR Enforceability Against ALL Parties
A compromise agreement approved by the court binds only the parties who signed it, not other claimants in the same case.
When Lawyers Can Withdraw From a Case: The Rule on Client Consent and Court Approval
A lawyer cannot simply abandon a client's case. The Supreme Court explains the rules on withdrawal and the penalties for violation.
Lawyer Suspended for Neglecting Client’s Cases and Unjustified Withdrawal
A lawyer who withdrew from a case without client consent or court approval was suspended for one year and ordered to return fees.
Extrajudicial Rescission of Lease Contracts: What Philippine Law Allows
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a lessor may extrajudicially rescind a lease contract without court approval, and the risks involved.
Sheriff’s Duty on Expense Handling: Strict Compliance With Court Rules to Prevent Misconduct
A sheriff who demanded and received execution expenses without court approval or liquidation was suspended for conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.
Good Faith No Defense for Sheriff Who Collected Execution Fees Without Court Approval
Philippine Supreme Court holds sheriff liable for grave misconduct, dishonesty, and neglect of duty for collecting execution expenses without prior court approval.
Sheriff’s Duties, Integrity, and Procedure in Executing Writs of Execution
A sheriff’s duty to execute a writ is ministerial; demanding money without court approval is grave misconduct. Learn the rules.
Custodia Legis and Garnishment: The BSP v. Judge Lanzanas Ruling
Funds in custodia legis cannot be garnished without court approval. The Supreme Court's ruling in BSP v. Judge Lanzanas explains why.
Sheriffs Must Follow Rule 141 in Collecting Execution Expenses: Aprieto v. Lindo
A sheriff who collects execution expenses without court approval violates Rule 141 and faces suspension. Learn the rules from Aprieto v. Lindo.
Judicial Approval of Compromise Agreements: Binding Parties to Mutually Agreed Terms
When parties settle a dispute, court approval of their compromise agreement makes it binding and enforceable as a final judgment.
Sheriffs Must Follow Rule 141 Procedure for Execution Expenses — Key Lessons from Go v. Hortaleza
A deputy sheriff was suspended for demanding execution expenses without court approval. Learn the proper Rule 141 procedure.
Sheriffs Must Get Court Approval for Execution Expenses: A.M. No. P-06-2184
Philippine Supreme Court rules on sheriff's duty to secure court approval for execution expenses and remit fees under Rule 141.
Resolving Land Disputes: Boundary Relocation and Title Amendments in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts handle boundary disputes, relocation surveys, and when title corrections require court approval under PD 1529.
Navigating Sequestration: Why Court Approval Is Mandatory for Disposing of Assets in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why sequestered assets, including dividends, cannot be sold without Sandiganbayan approval.
Estate Mortgage Invalidity Securing Court Approval FOR Estate Property Transactions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why estate property mortgages require court approval under Rule 89, with practical guidance.
Sheriff's Duties in Executing Judgments: When Collecting Fees Becomes Misconduct
Learn the proper procedure for sheriff's expenses in executing judgments, and the consequences when sheriffs collect fees without court approval.
Sheriffs Must Follow Court-Approved Fee Process or Face Administrative Liability
A sheriff who collected excess service fees without court approval was fined for grave dereliction of duty, clarifying Rule 141 procedure.
Sheriff's Duty: Court Approval Required for Execution Expenses in the Philippines
The Supreme Court fined a sheriff for demanding P10,000 directly from a judgment creditor without court approval, clarifying the proper procedure under Rule 141.
Upholding Judicial Authority: The Consequences of Unauthorized Court Transfers
A judge and court staff were disciplined for moving a court's station without prior Supreme Court approval. Learn the rules and risks.
Court Approval Required Prior Rights Prevail IN Estate Property Sales
Estate Sales Require Court Approval Protecting Heirs Rights In Property Transfers
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why estate property sales need court approval to protect heirs' rights.
Sheriffs’ Duty to Return Writs and Accountability in Execution of Judgments
A sheriff’s failure to return writs on time is gross negligence; accepting fees without court approval is gross misconduct.