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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
Missed Deadlines Dismissed Appeals Why Timely Docket Fee Payment Is Non Negotiable in Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court clarifies that unpaid docket fees on increased claims become a lien on judgment, and actual damages need competent proof.
Breach of Trust When Lawyers Misappropriate Client Funds: Docena v. Limon
When a lawyer takes client money meant for court deposit but keeps it, the Supreme Court may impose the ultimate penalty: disbarment.
Breach of Trust and Conflict of Interest: Attorney Suspended for Unethical Conduct in Estate Settlement
A CPA-lawyer's suspension for breach of trust, conflict of interest, and unethical conduct in settling a client's estate.
Attorney Misconduct Handling Client Funds AND Upholding Ethical Standards IN THE Philippines
Attorney Misconduct Handling Client Funds: Disbarment for Misappropriation and Deceit
A lawyer who misappropriates client funds and deceives clients faces disbarment. Learn the ethical rules and lessons from Busiños v. Ricafort.
Attorney Withdrawal Upholding Client Rights AND Ethical Obligations IN THE Philippines
When can a lawyer withdraw from a case in the Philippines? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on attorney withdrawal and client protection.
Foreign Currency Deposits: Balancing Secrecy and Justice in the Philippines
The Supreme Court ruled that foreign currency deposit secrecy cannot shield a transient alien's funds from satisfying a judgment for heinous crimes against a Filipino minor.
When Can a Client Be Excused From Counsel’s Negligence? A Philippine Case Analysis
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether a client may be excused from counsel's negligence, with practical guidance for litigants.
Clerks of Court and Fiduciary Responsibility: A Case of Mismanagement and Neglect
The Supreme Court clarifies that lawyers must be vigilant with client funds and records, even when clients fail to provide complete documentation.
When Is a Lawyer Liable for a Missed Appeal? Lessons from Sattar v. Lopez
The Supreme Court clarifies when a lawyer may be disciplined for a missed appeal, and when the client's own neglect is to blame.
Attorney Negligence: When a Botched Case Makes a Lawyer Liable
When a lawyer's negligence costs a client their case, disciplinary action follows. Learn the rules from a Supreme Court ruling.
Adoption in the Philippines: Alien Restrictions and Joint Adoption Requirements
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when aliens may adopt Filipino children and why joint adoption by spouses is mandatory under the Family Code.
Gross Negligence of Counsel: When Can a Client Get a New Trial in the Philippines?
When a lawyer's repeated absences prevent a client from presenting defense evidence, the Supreme Court may order a new trial to protect due process.
Employer Liability in Independent Contractor Relationships: The PAL Security Guards Case
Philippine Airlines v. NLRC clarifies when a client company becomes liable for an independent contractor's employees—and when it does not.
Priority of Liens: Attachment vs Execution in Philippine Law
How the Supreme Court resolved a dispute over which lien—attachment or execution—has priority over the same property.
Attorney Misconduct Handling Client Funds and Upholding Professional Responsibility
A lawyer who misappropriates client funds, even a small amount, faces suspension. The Supreme Court explains why.