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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Attorney Disbarment in the Philippines: When Client Trust Is Betrayed
The Supreme Court disbarred a lawyer who mortgaged and sold a client's property using a forged power of attorney, underscoring the high ethical standards required of Philippine attorneys.
Protecting Land Rights Clarifying Alienation and Free Patents Under the Public Land Act
Supreme Court clarifies when free patent land can be alienated, distinguishing true transfers from mere corrections of title errors.
When Lawyers Fail Clients: Lessons from a Disbarment Case on Negligence and Misuse of Funds
A Supreme Court ruling on lawyer negligence, client funds, and the duty of diligence in Philippine legal practice.
When Lawyers Fail Clients: Lessons from a Disbarment Case on Attorney Negligence
A Supreme Court ruling on lawyer negligence, client funds, and the duty to return unearned fees—key lessons for clients.
When Lawyers Face Discipline: The Tan v. Gumba Case and Professional Responsibility in the Philippines
A lawyer who deceived a client into a loan through false documents was suspended for six months. Learn the ethical rules and lessons from this Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
Breach of Contract in Construction: Completion, Damages, and Mutual Breach Under Philippine Law
When both contractor and client breach a construction contract, Philippine courts equitably adjust damages. Learn the rules from a Supreme Court ruling.
Breach of Public Trust When Falsification and Deportation Orders Lead to Anti-Graft Convictions
A BID commissioner's conviction for graft and falsification shows how knowingly allowing accused aliens to self-deport breaches public trust.
Counsel's Negligence Binds the Client in Philippine Legal Proceedings
Learn when a lawyer's negligence binds the client in Philippine courts, and when courts may grant relief from counsel's mistakes.
Managerial Employees and Overtime Pay in the Philippines: The Clientlogic Case
Who counts as a managerial employee exempt from overtime pay? The Supreme Court's Clientlogic ruling clarifies the test.
Attorneys Neglect Duty TO Client Despite Personal Sentiments
Personal feelings do not excuse lawyer negligence. The Court fined a counsel for failing to reconstitute and return client records.
Proving Alienable and Disposable Land Status in Philippine Registration Cases
Philippine land registration requires proof of alienable and disposable status through DENR certification, not just survey plans.
Navigating Land Registration: Open Possession and Imperfect Titles in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when possession of alienable public land can ripen into a registrable title under P.D. 1529.
Breach of Contract and Bank Negligence: Protecting Clients' Rights
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on bank liability for negligence in terminating credit lines and dishonoring checks without proper notice.
Deceptive Practices in Sales: When Employees Face Estafa Liability
Sales employees can face estafa liability for deceptive practices. The Supreme Court explains when soliciting clients despite knowledge of fraud constitutes misrepresentation.
Client Responsibility Prevails: The Binding Effect of Counsel's Negligence in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a client is bound by counsel's negligence, and the duty to monitor one's case.
Attorney Ethics: When Filing Pleadings for Deceased Clients Is Not Dishonesty
The Supreme Court clarifies when a lawyer's act of filing pleadings for deceased clients amounts to dishonesty, and when it does not.
Lawyer Disbarred for Filing Frivolous Cases Against Former Client in Revenge
Supreme Court disbars lawyer who filed 12 cases against former client and family to exact revenge for suspension. Learn the ethical rules.
Disbarment for Abuse of Legal Processes: Protecting Clients and the Justice System
A lawyer's failure to pay just debts is gross misconduct. The Supreme Court affirms disbarment for habitual non-payment and deceit.
Land Title Registration in the Philippines: Proving Alienability and Possession
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies what evidence is needed to register land title under PD 1529, emphasizing proof of alienability and possession since 1945.
Late Certiorari Filing Binds Clients to Counsel's Negligence: Labao v. Flores
Supreme Court rules that a client is bound by counsel's failure to file certiorari on time, stressing strict compliance with reglementary periods.
Perfecting Land Titles: Proving Alienability and Possession Since June 12, 1945
Land registration requires proof of alienable public land and possession since June 12, 1945. The Supreme Court clarifies these indispensable requirements.
Counsel's Negligence and Missed Appeal Deadlines: When Excuses Fail in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a lawyer's negligence excuses a missed appeal deadline, and when clients remain bound by counsel's mistakes.
Attorney's Fees and Estate Liens: Protecting a Lawyer's Right to Be Paid
The Supreme Court ruled that a lawyer may claim attorney's fees in the very case where he served and annotate a lien on the properties of the estate.
When a Lawyer's Negligence Does Not Amount to Extrinsic Fraud: Amihan Bus Lines v. Romars
The Supreme Court clarifies when a lawyer's mistakes can justify annulment of judgment, and when clients must bear the consequences.