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 Neglect and Falsehood: Disciplinary Action for Violating Professional Responsibility
A lawyer who fails to file a client's position paper and notarizes a perjured affidavit faces suspension and revocation of notarial commission.
Attorney Neglect and Falsehood: Disciplining Lawyers for Breaching Professional Responsibility
A lawyer who fails to file a client's position paper and notarizes a perjured affidavit faces suspension and loss of notarial commission.
Notarizing Without Personal Appearance: The Cost of a Notary's Lapse
The Supreme Court suspends a lawyer-notary for six months and permanently bars him from notarial commission for notarizing a deed without the parties' personal appearance.
Procuring Cause: When Real Estate Brokers Earn Their Commission
Learn when a real estate broker earns a commission under Philippine law, explained through the Supreme Court's ruling in Ticong v. Malim.
Civil Service Jurisdiction: CSC Authority Over Employee Termination Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies that the Civil Service Commission, not the RTC, has jurisdiction over termination disputes involving civil service employees.
Notarizing Without the Signatory: When a Lawyer's Carelessness Leads to a Permanent Notarial Ban
A lawyer who notarized a petition while the signatory was abroad was permanently barred from notarial commission. The Supreme Court explains why.
Upholding Notarial Integrity: Consequences for False Certifications in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling on a lawyer permanently barred from notarial commission for notarizing without the party's presence, and what it means for notaries.
Probable Cause Required Before Customs Seizure: Commissioner of Customs v. Singson
Philippine Supreme Court rules customs forfeiture requires probable cause first, not mere suspicion or certification.
Probable Cause in Customs Forfeiture: Commissioner of Customs v. Singson
The Supreme Court clarifies that customs forfeiture requires probable cause first, not mere suspicion or unverified certifications.
Upholding Notarial Integrity: Personal Appearance Is Mandatory for Notaries
A notary who notarizes affidavits without the affiants' personal appearance faces suspension from law practice and loss of notarial commission.
Forfeiture Clauses Balancing Employer Protection AND Employee Rights IN Commission Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when commission forfeiture clauses in employment contracts are valid and enforceable.
When Counsel's Negligence Binds the Client: Appeals to the Commission on Audit
The Supreme Court clarifies that a client is bound by counsel's negligence in COA appeals, absent diligent follow-up.
Upholding Ethical Conduct Disciplinary Action for Unauthorized Notarization
A lawyer who notarizes documents without a valid commission faces suspension and a permanent ban from notarial practice, as this case shows.
Forum Shopping Requisites and Exceptions in Tax Litigation: Commissioner of Customs v. Pilipinas Shell
The Supreme Court clarifies the three elements of forum shopping and when filing separate cases in different courts is allowed.
Dismissal of Disbarment Complaint Upholds Independence of Quasi-Judicial Officers
Supreme Court dismisses disbarment complaint against NLRC commissioners, warning against using disciplinary cases to harass adjudicators.
Lawyer Suspended for Notarizing Without Commission and Dishonoring Financial Obligations
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for two years and permanently disqualifies him as notary for notarizing documents without a commission and for dishonesty.
Breach of Trust When a Commission Agreement Leads to Criminal Liability for Estafa
When does failing to remit sales proceeds become estafa, not just debt? The Supreme Court explains in Cheng v. People.
Finality of Judgment: Enforcing Court Orders Against Government Agencies
When a court decision becomes final, government agencies must comply. The CSC learned this lesson in Civil Service Commission v. Magoyag.
Upholding Integrity: Attorney Liability for Altered Notarial Documents
A lawyer who alters a notarized document without proper safeguards faces suspension and loss of notarial commission, as ruled by the Supreme Court.
When a Notary Lacks Authority: How Defective Notarization Can Void Property Transfers
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on defective notarization, judicial partition, and why notarized documents require a validly commissioned notary public.
Notarizing Without a Commission: Supreme Court Upholds Disciplinary Action Against Lawyers
The Supreme Court suspends a lawyer for two years and permanently bars him from notarial commission for notarizing documents without authority.
Notarizing Without a Commission: Supreme Court Upholds Strict Notarial Rules
The Supreme Court suspends a lawyer for two years and permanently bars him from notarial practice for notarizing documents without a valid commission.
Notarizing Outside Commission Territory: A Lawyer's Administrative Liability
A notary public who notarizes outside his commissioned territory commits malpractice and falsehood, facing suspension and disqualification.
Voting Rights of Sequestered Shares: Balancing Government Oversight and Corporate Governance
The Supreme Court clarifies the voting rights of sequestered shares under the Presidential Commission on Good Government's oversight.