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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Judicial Clemency for Philippine Lawyers: The Ruiz Case and the Path to Reinstatement
Learn how judicial clemency works for disciplined Philippine lawyers, including the requirements under the CPRA and the landmark Ruiz case.
Lawyer Disbarred for Investment Scam and Bounced Checks Under the CPRA
The Supreme Court disciplines a lawyer for running an unregistered investment scheme and issuing dishonored checks, applying the new CPRA penalty framework.
When Can a Judge Be Disciplined for Rulings in a Criminal Case? Lessons from Bloomberry v. Luna
A look at when judges face discipline for trial rulings, witness disqualification, and courtroom conduct, citing the Supreme Court's 2024 ruling.
Premarital Pregnancy and Employee Rights: Illegal Suspension in the Philippines
Supreme Court rules suspending a teacher for premarital pregnancy is illegal; secular morality governs employment discipline in the Philippines.
Attorney Misconduct: Handling Client Funds and Accountability in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine lawyers must account for client funds and return unused amounts, based on Supreme Court rulings on attorney discipline.
Attorney Discipline: Negligence and Misconduct in Quasi-Judicial Roles
When do a government lawyer's official acts become grounds for discipline? The Court clarifies the standard in this 2024 ruling.
When Courts Can Still Discipline a Judge After Retirement: Gross Neglect of Duty Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies when it retains jurisdiction over judges who retire, ruling on gross neglect of duty in case delays.
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.
Protection Orders and Jurisdiction: When Court Errors Are Judicial, Not Administrative
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a judge's TRO errors are judicial matters, not grounds for administrative discipline.
Child Abuse vs Slight Physical Injuries: Understanding the Nuances of Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when a teacher's discipline of a child is child abuse or only slight physical injuries under Philippine law.
Notarizing Without a Commission: Supreme Court Discipline for Lawyers
Learn the disciplinary consequences for Philippine lawyers who notarize documents without a valid commission, based on a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Upholding Ethical Conduct Attorney Sanctioned for Overreach and Notarial Misconduct
Supreme Court disciplines lawyer for exceeding search warrant limits and notarizing brother's certificate, affirming ethical boundaries.
Lawyer Discipline for Negligence and Ignorance of the Law: The Quiñones Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when government lawyers face disciplinary action for negligence and ignorance of the law.
Balancing Fidelity and Moral Conduct: Attorney Discipline for Extramarital Affairs in the Philippines
The Supreme Court disbarred a lawyer for gross immorality in an extramarital affair, reaffirming that good moral character is a continuing requirement for the bar.
Solicitation and Sanctions: Upholding Integrity in the Legal Profession
The Supreme Court disciplines a lawyer for soliciting clients and making false charges, reaffirming ethical standards in the legal profession.
Ombudsman’s Disciplinary Power Over Special Prosecutor: Balancing Independence and Accountability
The Supreme Court rules on the Ombudsman’s power to discipline the Special Prosecutor, clarifying removal authority and due process in administrative cases.
When Court Errors Are Not Misconduct: Judicial Discretion vs. Administrative Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies when a judge's errors in issuing TROs are judicial matters, not grounds for administrative discipline.
Attorney Accountability: Negligence and Communication Failures in Legal Representation
Philippine Supreme Court disciplines lawyers for missed deadlines and failure to inform clients, setting clear standards for attorney conduct.
Theft of Company Property: Balancing Employee Rights and Employers' Disciplinary Prerogative
Supreme Court clarifies when theft of company property justifies dismissal, balancing employer discipline with proportional penalties for erring employees.
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.
When Court Errors Are Not Misconduct: Ombudsman Decisions and Judicial Review
Understand when judges can be disciplined for erroneous rulings and when errors must be raised through judicial remedies instead.
CBA Benefits and Presidential Approval: Balancing Labor Rights and GOCC Financial Discipline
The Supreme Court ruled that GOCC CBAs granting additional benefits are void without the President's approval under EO No. 7, s. 2010.
Philippine Airlines v. Yañez: When Workplace Conduct Warrants Disciplinary Action
The Supreme Court clarifies when employers may discipline employees for creating a hostile work environment, even absent explicit sexual demands.
When Love Turns Abusive: Disbarment for Lawyer's Violence Against Partner and Children
A lawyer was disbarred for physically abusing his partner and her children. Learn the rules on lawyer discipline and violence against women.