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 Disbarment for Notarial Misconduct and Ethical Breaches in the Philippines
The Supreme Court disbarred Atty. Elmer Dela Rosa for selling a client's property without consent and notarizing a document with deceased signatories.
Reviving Accountability: Condonation Doctrine and Preventive Suspension in Philippine Governance
Supreme Court clarifies the condonation doctrine and preventive suspension rules for public officers facing administrative and criminal liability.
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.
Illegal Dismissal of Cooperative Officers: CDA, Not Labor Tribunals, Has Jurisdiction
The Supreme Court clarifies that illegal dismissal complaints by cooperative officers fall under CDA jurisdiction, not labor tribunals.
Notarial Duties Are Personal: Attorney's Lapses in Recording SPA Lead to Suspension
A lawyer cannot delegate notarial record-keeping to staff. Learn the rules and consequences from a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Notarial Negligence and Tax Evasion: Lessons from Lopez v. Atty. Ramos
A notary's duty to verify identity and refuse unlawful deals explained through a lawyer's suspension for tax evasion.
The Critical Role of Notarization in Property Transactions: Lessons From a Philippine Supreme Court Case
A notary public who notarized a deed of sale involving parties who had long been dead was suspended and perpetually disqualified. Here's why notarization matters.
When Church Governance Prevails: Minister Reassignment and Labor Jurisdiction in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when a pastor's non-reappointment is an ecclesiastical affair beyond labor tribunals' jurisdiction, and why courts respect church autonomy.
Mandatory Retirement vs. Reappointment Rights in Philippine State Universities
Supreme Court clarifies that mandatory retirement age does not automatically end a valid reappointment term of a state university president.
Negligence in Notarial Duties Upholding Public Trust in Legal Documents
A notary's failure to properly record notarized documents leads to suspension and revocation of commission, underscoring the public trust in notarization.
Condonation Doctrine Applies Even When Official Succeeds to Different Post
Supreme Court clarifies condonation doctrine applies when same electorate re-elects official to a different position, condoning prior misconduct.
Contractor Relationships and the Test for Employer Liability in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the control test for employer liability in contractor relationships, and the duties of lawyers and notaries.
Digging for Trouble: When Unauthorized Excavation Leads to Dismissal
Supreme Court rules on grave misconduct for court employees who dug for hidden treasure inside the SC compound in Baguio.
Upholding Notarial Integrity: Personal Appearance Is Mandatory for Notaries
A notary who notarizes affidavits without the affiants' personal appearance faces suspension from law practice and loss of notarial commission.
Notarizing Documents of Deceased Persons: A Lawyer's Notarial Duty and Its Consequences
When a lawyer notarizes documents for parties who are already dead, the Supreme Court imposes severe penalties. Learn the rules.
Notarizing Without Personal Appearance: The Cost of a Breach of Notarial Duty
A notary public who notarizes a deed without the parties appearing before him faces suspension and perpetual disqualification. Learn why.
Government Reorganization: Security of Tenure vs Legislative Authority
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling on ATO abolition, hold-over status, and security of tenure in government reorganizations.
Disbarment for Notarizing Falsified Deed with Dead Donors
Notarizing a deed with deceased donors leads to disbarment. The Court explains a notary's duties and penalties for gross negligence.
Notarization Is Not a Rubber Stamp: Supreme Court Disbars Negligent Notary
A notary who notarized a forged deed without verifying signers' identities was suspended and disqualified. Learn the rules on notarization.
Notarizing Without a Commission: When a Lawyer’s Mistake Becomes Malpractice
The Supreme Court suspends a lawyer for notarizing documents after his commission expired, ruling that ignorance or reliance on staff is no excuse.
Abolition of Public Office: Balancing Government Reorganization and Security of Tenure
The Supreme Court explains when abolishing a government office is valid and how it differs from removal, protecting security of tenure.
Notarization Essentials: Why Personal Appearance Before a Notary Public Is Non-Negotiable in the Philippines
A lawyer who notarized a document without one affiant's personal appearance was suspended and disqualified. Learn the notarization rules.
The Notary's Oath: Ensuring Document Authenticity and Preventing Legal Falsehoods
Why notarization demands personal appearance: lessons from a lawyer's suspension for notarizing a deed without the seller's presence.
Notarial Duties and Consequences for Negligence in Document Authentication
A notary's failure to record notarized documents violates the Notarial Law and warrants suspension. This case explains the rules.