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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Upholding Regional Autonomy National Laws Must Respect Powers of Muslim Mindanao
The Supreme Court affirms that national laws cannot override ARMM autonomy, striking down a law that encroached on devolved powers.
Moral Turpitude and Lawyer Disbarment: Issuing a Bouncing Check
A lawyer's conviction for issuing a bouncing check under BP 22 involves moral turpitude and warrants disbarment, the Supreme Court ruled.
Upholding Ethical Standards: Adultery as Grounds for Attorney Disbarment in the Philippines
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer for cohabiting with a woman not his wife, reaffirming that good moral character is a continuing requirement for membership in the Philippine Bar.
Accidental Harm vs Self-Defense: When Can You Claim Innocence in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when accident or self-defense excuses criminal liability, and why switching defenses on appeal fails.
Disbarment for Infidelity: Moral Standards in the Legal Profession
The Supreme Court disbarred a lawyer for marital infidelity, reaffirming that good moral character is a continuing requirement for all members of the bar.
Disbarment for Bigamous Marriage and Betrayal of Client Trust
A lawyer who married his client's daughter while still married was disbarred for grossly immoral conduct and betrayal of trust.
Protecting Farmers Rights Darab Jurisdiction Over Home LOT Disputes IN Tenancy Agreements
Lawyer's Courtroom Conduct: Disbarred Attorney Fined PHP 155,000 for Disrespect
Supreme Court fines disbarred lawyer for disrespecting court personnel and disobeying IBP orders, clarifying penalties after disbarment.
Upholding Ethical Conduct: Disbarment Case Dismissed Despite Forum Shopping Finding
The Supreme Court clarifies that a final forum shopping finding does not automatically warrant disbarment without clear evidence of deceitful intent.
Disbarment for Legal Counsels Dishonest and Unlawful Conduct
A lawyer's duty to hold client funds in trust, and the consequences of misappropriation after a client's death.
Agrarian Reform Voluntary Land Surrender to Samahang Nayon Upheld by Supreme Court
Supreme Court clarifies when a farmer-beneficiary's voluntary surrender of agrarian land to a Samahang Nayon is valid under PD 27.
Guardians at the Gate: Examining Self-Defense and Accountability in Philippine Homicide Cases
A security guard's fatal shooting raises key questions on self-defense, treachery, and firearm confiscation in Philippine criminal law.
Self-Defense, Unlawful Aggression, and Firearm Confiscation in Homicide Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies self-defense requirements, unauthorized firearm use as aggravating circumstance, and rightful confiscation of licensed firearms.
Upholding Migrant Workers Act: Courts Can't Stop Enforcement Without Proof of Harm
Supreme Court rules courts cannot enjoin enforcement of the Migrant Workers Act without clear proof of irreparable injury to those challenging it.
Desistance Does Not Automatically Dismiss a Disbarment Case Against a Lawyer
A complainant's change of heart does not automatically end a disbarment case. The Supreme Court explains when dismissal is still proper.
When a Bank's Actions Harm a Business: Breach of Contract and Damages
Explore when a bank's actions may constitute breach of contract and grounds for damages, with insights from Philippine law.
Lawyers' Dishonesty and Disobedience: When Administrative Cases Lead to Suspension
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer for dishonesty and disobeying IBP orders, clarifying the burden of proof in disbarment cases.
When a Flawed Complaint Can Still Lead to Estafa: The Filadams Pharma Case
A Supreme Court ruling shows when a prosecutor's dismissal of an estafa complaint is grave abuse of discretion, and what evidence matters.
Integrity Under Scrutiny: False Disbarment Complaint Protects Attorney's Reputation
The Supreme Court's ruling in Mejares v. Romana clarifies when lawyers face discipline for mishandling client funds and communications.
Accidental Shooting Intent and Liability in Firearm Mishaps Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on robbery with homicide clarifies criminal liability when killings occur during heists, even if accidental.
Infidelity and the Bar: Disbarment for Immoral Conduct Outside Professional Duties
The Supreme Court disbarred a lawyer for adultery, ruling that gross immorality in private life warrants removal from the Bar.
Upholding Integrity: Disbarment for Bar Exam Leakage and the Duty of Care in Protecting Confidential Informati
The Supreme Court disbarred a lawyer for leaking bar exam questions, and reprimanded the examiner for negligence in safeguarding confidential materials.
When Lawyers Fail Clients: Lessons from a Disbarment Case on Negligence
A lawyer's failure to file an appeal brief led to suspension. Learn the ethical duties and consequences of legal negligence in the Philippines.
Upholding Legal Ethics: Attorneys Accountability for Misappropriating Client Funds
A look at Mercedes Nava v. Atty. Sorongon, where the Supreme Court addressed conflict of interest and the mandatory requirement of formal investigation in disbarment cases.