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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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.
Upholding Honesty: Lawyer Suspended for Falsifying Document Ages
A lawyer's suspension for indicating minors were of legal age in a deed of donation, and for improper notarization, underscores the duty of truthfulness.
Lawyer Suspended for Misappropriating Client Funds: Fiduciary Duty Breach
When a lawyer fails to return client money upon demand, the Supreme Court presumes misappropriation—a breach of fiduciary duty warranting suspension.
Upholding Judicial Conduct: Lawyers Must Show Courtesy and Punctuality for Fair Justice
A lawyer's two-year suspension for harassing judges and opposing counsel underscores the ethical limits of zealous advocacy in Philippine courts.
Upholding Ethical Conduct: Disciplinary Action for Abuse of Court Processes
The Supreme Court suspends a lawyer for two years for dilatory tactics that delayed execution of a final judgment, violating the Lawyer's Oath and Code of Professional Responsibility.
Upholding Ethical Conduct Attorney Suspended For Harassment And Misrepresentation
The Supreme Court suspends a lawyer for two years for harassing opposing counsel, misrepresenting facts, and attributing unsupported motives to a judge.
Disobeying Court Orders: Consequences for Lawyers in the Philippines
A lawyer who uses dilatory tactics to delay execution of a final judgment faces suspension. Learn from Atty. Mallari's case.
When Lawyers Behave Badly: The Supreme Court on Suspension, Reputation, and Evidence
A 2017 Supreme Court ruling shows why disbarment complaints need solid evidence, and why lawyers must stay mindful of how their conduct appears to the public.
Lawyer Suspended for Negligence: The Duty to File Briefs and Update Clients
A lawyer's failure to file an appellant's brief and inform clients of case status results in six-month suspension for violating the Code of Professional Responsibility.
Attorney Suspended for Neglecting Client's Appeal and Failing to Communicate
A lawyer's failure to file an appellant's brief and update clients on case status leads to six-month suspension.
Disrespecting the Court: Fine for Counsel Who Blamed Justices for Own Errors
The Supreme Court fined a lawyer and his client for contempt after they accused the Court of negligence over their own procedural lapses.
Lawyer’s Accountability in Governance Conspiracies: Negligence and the Limits of Reliance
The Supreme Court clarifies lawyer accountability in governance conspiracies, negligence, and the limits of relying on judicial authority in administrative cases.
Lawyer Suspended for Dishonest Business Dealings: Guillen v. Arnado
A lawyer's one-year suspension for deceitfully easing a business partner out of a restaurant shows professional conduct rules apply to personal dealings.
Lawyer Suspended for Deceit in Business Dealings: A Lesson in Legal Ethics
A lawyer's one-year suspension for deceitful business conduct reminds Philippine attorneys that ethical standards apply beyond the courtroom.
Attorney Disbarred for Gross Misconduct and Willful Disobedience to Court Orders
A lawyer's unauthorized use of a client's property for bail bonds, plus defiance of court orders, leads to disbarment.
Attorney Suspended for Neglect of Duty and Failure to Provide Diligent Service
A lawyer who repeatedly failed to appear in court hearings was suspended for one year and ordered to return fees.
Lawyer Suspended for Two Years Over Falsified Deed Involving Deceased Landowner
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for two years for benefiting from a falsified deed of sale involving a property owner who had already died.
When a Lawyer Exceeds Authority: Suspension for Unauthorized Sale of Client’s Property
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer for two years for selling a client's property without authority, violating Canons 5, 15, and 17 of the CPR.
When a Lawyer Takes Client Funds for Taxes: Lessons from Ojales v. Villahermosa
A lawyer who received P21,280 for capital gains tax and title processing but did nothing was suspended. Learn the ethical rules.
Lawyer’s Neglect and Misappropriation of Client Funds: A Lesson in Professional Responsibility
When a lawyer fails to process a client’s title and keeps the fees, the Supreme Court steps in with suspension and restitution.
When Lawyers Fail Clients: Trust, Diligence, and the Consequences of Neglect
A lawyer's failure to handle a client's funds and legal work can lead to suspension. Learn from a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Upholding Integrity: A Lawyer's Duty in Notarizing Documents and Avoiding Deceitful Conduct
A lawyer was suspended for notarizing a fictitious deed without a commission and without all parties present. Learn the notarial duties and ethical rules.
When Court Employees Overstep: The Caoili Case on Judicial Misconduct
A clerk of court dismissed for grave misconduct after leaking an unsigned order, procuring lawyers, and receiving monthly payments from a litigant.
Attorney Neglect and the Duty to Return Fees: Ethical Boundaries in Legal Practice
When a lawyer takes a client's acceptance fee but renders no service, can the fee be kept? The Supreme Court says no.