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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Lawyer Suspended for Negligence: The Duty to File Briefs and Protect Clients' Rights
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for failing to file appellant's brief, causing delay in client's criminal appeal and violating professional responsibility rules.
Finality of Judgments in Disbarment Cases: Lessons from Bihag v. Era
The Supreme Court enforces final judgments in disbarment cases, citing a lawyer for indirect contempt and disobedience for refusing to return client funds.
Attorney Accountability: The Duty of Candor and Knowledge in Legal Practice
A lawyer cited an inexistent Supreme Court circular to defend a drug case client. The Court held him in contempt, reaffirming counsel's duty of candor and diligence.
Lawyer Suspended Two Years for Misappropriating Client Funds and Ignoring Court Orders
A Supreme Court ruling shows how a lawyer's failure to file pleadings and misuse of client money led to a two-year suspension.
Attorneys Neglect AND Misconduct Consequences OF Abandoning Client Trust AND Defying Court Orders
Conflict of Interest and Informed Consent in Attorney Representation
The Supreme Court dismissed a disbarment complaint against a lawyer who represented clients with potentially conflicting interests, clarifying the written-consent rule.
When Counsel's Negligence Binds the Client: Due Process Limits in Appeals
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a lawyer's failure to file an appellant's brief justifies dismissal of an appeal and binds the client.
Habeas Corpus and Deportation: What Tung Chin Hui v. Rodriguez Means for Aliens in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when habeas corpus is available to aliens facing deportation orders from the Bureau of Immigration.
Habeas Corpus Cannot Free Undocumented Alien with Tampered Passport
Supreme Court rules habeas corpus cannot be issued when BID has validly ordered deportation of an alien found using a tampered, cancelled passport.
Deportation and Habeas Corpus: The Limits of Judicial Intervention in Immigration Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may issue the writ of habeas corpus in deportation cases involving undocumented aliens.
Public Land vs Private Claim: Proving Alienable Classification Before Ownership
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why long possession of public land cannot ripen into private ownership without proof of alienable classification.
Upholding Attorney Accountability A Lawyers Duty TO Clients Despite FEE Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on lawyer's duty to clients despite fee disputes, jurisdictional rules, and carrier liability for passenger safety.
Safeguarding Your Appeal: Due Process and Lawyer Negligence in Philippine Courts
When a lawyer's mistakes cost a client her case, can the judgment be annulled? The Supreme Court explains the limits of extrinsic fraud and counsel negligence.
Land Registration IN THE Philippines WHY Proof OF Alienable AND Disposable Land Status IS Crucial
Land Ownership in the Philippines: Why Land Classification Matters in Titling
Philippine land titling depends on classification as alienable and disposable. The Supreme Court explains in De Ocampo v. Arlos.
Compromise Agreements in the Philippines: Why You Need a Special Power of Attorney
A lawyer cannot compromise a client's case without a special power of attorney. Learn the rules from a Supreme Court ruling.
Breach of Client Trust: Lawyer Misconduct and Disciplinary Action in the Philippines
When lawyers in government betray public trust, they face disciplinary action. The Supreme Court explains the rules on lawyer misconduct.
Client Funds in Trust: Why Lawyer Accountability Matters in the Philippines
A lawyer's duty to hold client funds in trust and render an accounting, explained through a Supreme Court suspension case.
Lawyer Suspended for Deceit in Client Property Dealings: A Lesson in Professional Trust
A Supreme Court ruling suspends a lawyer for one year for gross misconduct in handling a client's property, underscoring fiduciary duties.
When a Lawyer's Negligence Binds the Client: The Mercury Drug Rule on Notice and Final Judgments
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a lawyer's failure to inform the client of an adverse judgment is binding, and when relief from judgment is unavailable.
Breach of Trust: A Lawyer's Duty to Account for Client Funds Promptly
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer for failing to promptly account for a client's money, affirming that lawyers hold client funds in trust under Canon 16.
Attorney Negligence: Upholding a Lawyer's Duty of Diligence and Competence
A lawyer's failure to file briefs caused a client's case to be lost. The Supreme Court suspended him for one year.
Lawyers Must Promptly Account for Client Funds: A Lesson from A.C. No. 5019
The Supreme Court suspends a lawyer for failing to promptly account for client funds, reaffirming the fiduciary duty under Canon 16.
Breach of Duty: Upholding Integrity and Accountability in Court Processes
A lawyer's misuse of client funds for purported court fees leads to suspension and restitution, reinforcing ethical duties.