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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Foreclosure Rights VS Damages Dbps Mortgage Lien AND THE Limits OF Injunction
Attorney Suspended for Misconduct Involving Client Funds and Dishonored Checks
A lawyer's one-year suspension for withholding client settlement funds and violating trust obligations under Canon 16 of the CPR.
Integrity in Public Service: Disciplining Dishonest Timekeeping in the Judiciary
A lawyer's duty to account for client funds is absolute. This case shows the consequences of breach.
Attorney Suspended for Neglect of Duty and Misrepresentation to Client
A lawyer who failed to file a petition for review and misled his client about the case's status was suspended for four months and ordered to refund P5,000.
When a Lawyer's Negligence Binds the Client: The Barza v. Dinglasan Ruling
The Supreme Court held that a client is bound by counsel's mistakes unless the negligence is so gross it deprives the client of the day in court.
Negligence of Counsel: When It Justifies Relief From Judgment
When does a lawyer's mistake excuse a client from an adverse ruling? Philippine courts balance diligence and fairness.
Lawyer Suspended Six Months for Neglect and Failure to Return Client Funds
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for six months for failing to file a client's case and refusing to return P30,000 in fees.
Upholding Attorney Accountability: Neglect of Client Affairs Leads to Suspension
A lawyer's failure to diligently pursue a client's case warrants suspension from practice, as shown in this Philippine disciplinary case.
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.
Dismissal of Appeal: Client Bound by Counsel’s Negligence and Failure to Comply with Procedural Rules
When a lawyer’s negligence causes a missed appeal deadline, the client is still bound. Learn the rules and exceptions.
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.
When a Lawyer's Authority Dies With the Client: Lessons From A.C. No. 5182
A lawyer cannot rely on a special power of attorney after the client's death. The Supreme Court's ruling on agency, trust duties, and lawyer accountability explained.
Lawyer Indefinitely Suspended for Misappropriating Client Funds After Client's Death
A lawyer who turned over a deceased client's judgment proceeds to an unauthorized person was indefinitely suspended for breaching trust obligations.
Lawyer Negligence in the Philippines: Barbuco v. Beltran on Diligence and Competence
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling suspends a lawyer for six months after a late appellant's brief caused a client's appeal to be dismissed, showing what diligence demands.
Attorney Suspended for Neglect and Disrespect Toward the IBP
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer for six months for neglecting a client's appeal and repeatedly ignoring the IBP's authority.
Lawyer Suspended for Deceit and Unauthorized Representation in Estate Case
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for six months for deceiving clients into signing an authority that let him file unauthorized estate proceedings.
Intervention Denied Prioritizing Original Litigants AND Preventing Prolonged Delays IN Maritime Lien Disputes
Upholding Client Trust Attorney Suspended For Neglecting Legal Duty AND Misusing Funds
A lawyer who took a client's fees but never filed her annulment case was suspended for six months. The Supreme Court explains why.
Can Employers Withhold Wages for Loan Guarantees or Training Bonds? SC Says No
Philippine Supreme Court rules employers cannot withhold wages or benefits as lien for car loan guarantees or training expenses. Learn the limits.
Serving Time Before Deportation: Criminal and Immigration Law Intersect
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that convicted aliens must serve their prison sentence before deportation under the Immigration Act of 1940.
When a Prior Unregistered Sale Loses to a Registered Attachment Lien
A registered attachment lien beats an earlier unregistered sale under the Torrens system. Learn the rule from Luz Du v. Stronghold Insurance.
Lawyers Cannot Claim Ignorance of Basic Procedures to Abandon Client Obligations
Philippine Supreme Court rules a lawyer's claim of ignorance in filing a motion for reconsideration is no excuse for neglecting a client's case.
Upholding Client Trust: Attorneys' Duty of Diligence and Accountability
Banks must honor commitments in good faith; courts award temperate damages when actual loss can't be precisely proven.
Preserving Client Confidences Understanding Attorney Client Privilege AND ITS Limits IN THE Philippines
When does the duty to keep client secrets begin and end? A Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies the limits of attorney-client privilege.