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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Balancing Justice AND Procedure When Strict Rules Give WAY
When a counsel's negligence threatens a client's appeal, the Supreme Court shows when strict procedural rules yield to substantial justice.
Priority of Registered Attachment Liens: Protecting Creditors in Real Property Sales
When a registered attachment lien beats an unregistered sale: lessons from Biñan Steel v. Garcia on creditor protection in Philippine property law.
Upholding Ethical Standards Lawyer Disbarred FOR Exploiting Client Trust AND Corporate LAW
Attorney Suspended for Misusing Client Funds and Neglecting Duty
A lawyer's one-year suspension for converting a client's filing fee and failing to file a case underscores ethical duties in the legal profession.
Lawyer Indefinitely Suspended for Dishonesty and Defying Court Processes
A lawyer who kept a client's sale proceeds, issued bad checks, and defied court orders was indefinitely suspended by the Supreme Court.
Lawyer Suspended for Misappropriating Client Funds in Fake PNB Fixer Scheme
A Supreme Court ruling suspends a lawyer for six months for misappropriating P60,000 from a client through false claims of bank connections.
Lawyer Suspended for Misappropriating Client Funds in Loan Restructuring Scheme
A lawyer's six-month suspension for misappropriating P60,000 in client funds and fabricating a PNB connection underscores ethical duties.
Dismissal for Failure to File Brief: Procedural Rules Bind Litigants in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court upholds dismissal of appeal for failure to file brief on time, affirming that negligence of counsel binds the client.
Attorney Negligence: When a Lawyer's Lapses Cost Clients Their Case
Philippine Supreme Court suspends lawyer for six months for failing to file briefs, costing clients their property in a recovery case.
When a Lawyer's Missed Deadline Costs a Client's Case: Ramos v. Dajoyag
A lawyer's failure to file a petition on time is negligence, not excusable error. Learn the duty of diligence.
Lawyer's Missed Deadline Leads to Reprimand: Lessons on Diligence and Client Rights
When a lawyer's missed filing deadline costs a client his case, the Supreme Court explains the limits of excusable negligence and counsel's duty of diligence.
Attorney-Client Privilege Protects Lawyers Even When Conspiracy Is Alleged
The Supreme Court shields lawyers from suits that would breach attorney-client confidentiality, even when conspiracy is alleged against them.
Gross Negligence of Counsel Reopening Cases for Fair Trial
When a lawyer's gross negligence deprives a client of a fair trial, courts may reopen the case to serve justice.
Who Can Answer a Request for Admission? Rule 26 and Legal Representation
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies whether a lawyer may answer a request for admission for a client under Rule 26 of the Rules of Court.
Accountability Prevails Upholding Ethical Conduct AND Client Trust IN Attorney Client Relationships
Alien Land Ownership and Pari Delicto: When Title Reverts to the State
Explaining the pari delicto doctrine in alien land sales, and when the State—not the vendor—may pursue reversion of title.
Alien Land Ownership: Constitutional Ban Survives Even After Heirs Become Filipino Citizens
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on land reconstitution, alien ownership bans, and how Filipino heirship cures constitutional defects.
Attorney Neglect: Upholding Diligence and Communication in Client Representation
A lawyer who forgets a client's case and fails to inform them of its status breaches the Code of Professional Responsibility and faces sanctions.
Breach of Trust: When a Lawyer's Actions Lead to Ethical Misconduct
When a lawyer solicits a client's letter then uses it against them, the Supreme Court says it is misconduct.
Attorney’s Lien in the Philippines: Can It Attach to Real Property?
Philippine law limits attorney’s liens to judgments and client documents—not land. Learn the rules from a Supreme Court ruling.
Obligations Under Contracts Defining Liens and Encumbrances in Land Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when "free from liens and encumbrances" in land contracts includes clearing squatters and what obligations bind successors.
Lawyer Suspended for Neglecting Appeal: Duty to Client and Court
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for six months for failing to file appellant's brief, causing client's appeal to stall for over a year.
Judicial Duty vs Oversight: When a Judge's Negligence Impacts Justice
A Supreme Court ruling on when a client bears the consequences of counsel's negligence, and the strict deadlines for relief from judgment.
Attorney Suspended for Neglect of Duty in Failing to File Appellant's Brief
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for six months for neglecting client's appeal and disobeying court orders.