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 Can a Mayor Order Demolition Without a Court Order? The Altarejos Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of a mayor's power to order demolition without court intervention, reinforcing due process and property rights.
Defying Court Orders Consequences OF Disobedience IN THE Philippine Justice System
The Supreme Court clarifies that repealing a penal law does not erase criminal liability when the offense is reenacted, affirming a child pornography conviction.
Falsified Court Documents: Supreme Court Disbars Lawyer for Fabricating Court Order
A lawyer who fabricates a court order faces disbarment. The Supreme Court explains the ethical rules and consequences in a recent ruling.
Upholding Court Authority Indefinite Suspension FOR Attorneys Persistent Disobedience
The Supreme Court indefinitely suspends a lawyer for over a decade of willful disobedience of lawful court orders, underscoring the duty of attorneys to respect judicial authority.
Escrow Funds and Execution of Judgments: Rights of Third-Party Banks Clarified
Supreme Court clarifies when escrow funds may be reached in executing money judgments, protecting third-party banks from premature court orders.
Upholding Final Judgments: The Prohibition Against Defiance of Court Orders
The Supreme Court reiterates that final judgments are immutable and must be obeyed, even by government entities, in National Steel Corporation v. City of Iligan.
Candidate Eligibility: No Automatic Disqualification for Unpaid Taxes Absent Express Court Order
Supreme Court clarifies that unpaid taxes do not automatically disqualify a candidate absent an express penalty in a final court judgment.
Understanding Unlawful Detainee Release: Insights From the Marzan Case
A jail officer who releases a detainee without a court order can face graft charges. The Supreme Court explains why in Marzan v. People.
Disbarment for Deceitful Conduct and Disobedience to Court Orders: A Lawyer’s Duty to Uphold Integrity
A lawyer who deceives clients and defies court orders faces disbarment. The Supreme Court imposes a P100,000 fine in lieu of double disbarment.
Falsifying Court Orders: When Court Personnel Betray the Public Trust
A court stenographer who faked an order and certificate of finality to extort money was dismissed. Learn the legal consequences.
Gross Misconduct and Serious Dishonesty: Lessons from a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Case
A lawyer who abandoned his client, ignored court orders, and borrowed money from a client faced a three-year suspension. Learn the ethical rules.
Understanding the Importance of Proper Service of Summons in Judicial Foreclosure Cases in the Philippines
Learn how a Supreme Court ruling on simple neglect of duty underscores the critical role of proper service of court orders in Philippine judicial proceedings.
Lawyer Misconduct: The Consequences of Ignoring Court Orders in the Philippines
A lawyer who ignores Supreme Court directives faces added suspension. Learn the consequences of disobeying lawful orders.
Gross Neglect and Absenteeism: When a Lawyer's Failures Merit Three-Year Suspension
A lawyer who filed pleadings late and ignored court orders was suspended for three years. Learn the rules on neglect and diligence.
When a Lawyer’s Suspension Does Not End Automatically: Compliance and Court Orders
A lawyer’s suspension is not automatically lifted when the period ends. The Court must first issue an order lifting it.
Non-Payment of Debts and Insubordination in Court Employment: A Cautionary Tale
The Supreme Court explains when a court employee's failure to pay debts and defiance of Court orders can lead to dismissal from service.
Breach of Trust Disbarment for Misappropriation and Defiance of Court Orders
Lawyer disbarred for misappropriating client funds and practicing law despite a suspension order. Learn the ethical rules and consequences.
The High Cost of Good Intentions When Government Employee Incentives Violate the Law
When a state university granted bonuses without legal basis, the Supreme Court ordered full refunds. Learn the rules on government incentives.
Judicial Accountability: Forfeiture of Benefits for Gross Ignorance of the Law
Supreme Court rules on judicial accountability, imposing fines on a retired judge for gross misconduct and defiance of Court orders.
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.
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.
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.
Attorney Suspended for Disobeying Court Orders: Abellanosa v. COA and NHA
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer for five years for repeatedly ignoring lawful court directives, underscoring lawyers' duty to obey court orders.
Lawyers Must Avoid Harassment and Respect Colleagues: A.C. No. 7088
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer for two years for harassing opposing counsel and ignoring court orders. Learn the ethical rules.