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.
Attorney Misconduct: When a Lawyer's Actions Can Lead to Disbarment in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when a lawyer's false statements and unethical conduct warrant suspension or disbarment, and the limits of disciplinary cases.
Defining "By" in Preliminary Inquiries for Student Disciplinary Cases
Supreme Court clarifies that a preliminary inquiry conducted "before" a student tribunal is valid even if performed "by" its members.
Understanding Lawyer Negligence and Its Consequences: Insights From a Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a lawyer's failure to attend hearings amounts to negligence, and why clients cannot simply withdraw disciplinary cases.
Notarial Duties Are Personal: Lessons From a Philippine Ombudsman Case on Administrative Finality
A lawyer cannot delegate notarial duties to staff. The Supreme Court explains why in this disciplinary case.
When a Lawyer Betrays a Client: Disbarment and the Independence of Administrative Cases
The Supreme Court disbarred a lawyer who deceived his client into signing a compromise agreement, clarifying that disciplinary cases proceed independently of civil suits.
Upholding Ethical Conduct Lawyers Responsibility Beyond Professional Capacity
A lawyer's duty to a client does not end with accepting a case. The Supreme Court reminds lawyers of their ethical obligations in this disciplinary case.
Insufficient Evidence in Administrative Complaints: Dismissal of Charges Against Justice and Attorney
The Supreme Court dismissed administrative complaints against a CA Justice and a lawyer for lack of verification and evidence, reaffirming the burden of proof in disciplinary cases.
Upholding Respect for Court Orders: An Attorney's Duty and the Consequences of Disregard
A lawyer's failure to obey court orders is a serious ethical breach, as shown in this disciplinary case against Atty. Winston B. Intong.
Balancing Free Press and Confidentiality When Attorney Discipline Becomes a Public Matter
The Supreme Court clarifies when media reports on confidential lawyer disciplinary cases are protected by press freedom.
When Lawyers Issue Bouncing Checks: Good Faith Is No Defense in Disciplinary Cases
The Supreme Court suspends a lawyer for two years for issuing worthless checks, clarifying that good faith is not a defense in disciplinary proceedings.
When Can One Court Interfere With Another's Decisions? The Rule on Judicial Non-Interference
The Supreme Court explains why a Regional Trial Court cannot restrain the execution of an Ombudsman's decision in disciplinary cases.
POEA Jurisdiction Over Seafarer Disciplinary Cases: NLRC Has No Appellate Review
Supreme Court clarifies that appeals from POEA disciplinary action cases against seafarers go to the Labor Secretary, not the NLRC.
When Court Errors Are Judicial, Not Administrative: Lessons from Tallado v. Racoma
The Supreme Court dismisses an administrative complaint against two RTC judges, clarifying that judicial errors must be challenged through appeals, not disciplinary cases.
Anonymous Complaints in Disciplinary Cases: Due Process and Ethical Conduct
The Supreme Court dismisses an anonymous complaint against Solicitor General Devanadera, balancing due process rights with ethical oversight of lawyers.
When Administrative Complaints Against Judges Are Harassment: The Tallado v. Racoma Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when administrative complaints against judges are harassment suits and why judicial errors must be raised in court, not in disciplinary cases.
Safeguarding Due Process Understanding Formal Investigation in Philippine Attorney Disciplinary Cases
Learn how the Supreme Court upholds due process in administrative cases against court personnel, using a sheriff's suspension as a key example.
Upholding Attorney Accountability: Neglect of Client Affairs Leads to Suspension
A lawyer's failure to diligently pursue a client's case warrants suspension from practice, as shown in this Philippine disciplinary case.
Due Process in Lawyer Discipline: Formal Investigation Required Before Sanctions
Supreme Court remands lawyer disciplinary case to IBP for formal investigation, underscoring that due process requires a full hearing before sanctions.
Upholding Due Process in Attorney Discipline: The Necessity of Formal Investigation
When can a lawyer be suspended without a formal investigation? The Supreme Court clarifies due process requirements in disciplinary cases.
Due Process in Attorney Disciplinary Cases: The Mandatory Formal Investigation
The Supreme Court reminds the IBP that a formal investigation is mandatory in lawyer disciplinary cases, remanding a dismissed complaint for further proceedings.
Lawyer Ethics Matter: Why Misconduct Investigations Proceed Despite Complainant Withdrawal in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that lawyer disciplinary cases continue despite complainant withdrawal, and silence is not admission of guilt.
Navigating Appeals in Philippine Administrative Law: Jurisdiction and Exhaustion of Remedies
The Supreme Court clarifies appellate jurisdiction over PNP disciplinary cases, exhaustion of remedies, and administrative law principles in Cabada v. Alunan.