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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Untangling Appeal Deadlines: Why Missing a Memorandum Matters
A missed appeal deadline due to lawyer negligence can be fatal. Learn the rules on relief from judgment in Philippine civil procedure.
Motion for Reconsideration Before IBP Now Allowed in Lawyer Discipline Cases
Supreme Court amends IBP rules to allow motions for reconsideration before appeal in lawyer disciplinary cases, citing Halimao v. Villanueva.
Lawyer Suspended for Dishonoring Debt and Issuing Worthless Checks
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for six months for failing to pay debt and issuing checks drawn against a closed account.
IBP Governance and Lawyer Discipline: Suspension for Misuse of Client Funds
Supreme Court suspends IBP president for misusing client funds, clarifies res judicata in disbarment cases, and affirms IBP removal powers.
Attorney Suspended for Failing to Account for Client Funds Withdrawn from Court
Lawyer suspended two years for withdrawing P255,000 in client rentals without accounting, violating the Code of Professional Responsibility.
Upholding Ethical Standards: Notarial Misconduct and Falsification of Documents
A lawyer-notary's antedated document and false acknowledgment lead to suspension, underscoring the sacred duty of notaries public.
Notarial Misconduct and the Duty of Candor: Lessons from Mondejar v. Rubia
A lawyer-notary's false notarization and lack of candor lead to suspension, underscoring the sacred duties of the notarial office.
Second Chances in Law: Lifting Suspension and Releasing Leave Credits After Misconduct
The Supreme Court lifts a dismissed lawyer's suspension and orders release of leave credits, but keeps the ban on government re-employment.
Bound by Your Lawyer’s Mistakes? Client Responsibility Under Philippine Law
Philippine courts generally hold clients responsible for their lawyers' negligence. Only gross negligence that deprives a client of due process warrants relief.
Disbarment for Conflicting Interests and Misleading Use of Judicial Title
Supreme Court fines disbarred lawyer P155,000 for disrespecting courts and defying IBP orders in A.C. No. 11508.
Gross Negligence of Counsel Can Justify New Trial in Criminal Cases
When a lawyer's gross negligence deprives an accused of due process, courts may reopen the case for a fair trial.
Breach of Public Trust: The High Cost of Dishonesty for Court Officers in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court affirms direct bribery convictions of immigration officers and a lawyer, emphasizing public trust and accountability.
Lawyer Convicted of Direct Bribery: Acejas III vs. People and the Ethics of Representation
The Supreme Court convicted lawyer Francisco Acejas III of direct bribery for conspiring with a public officer to extort money — a warning to all legal professionals.
Sellers Beware: Ethical Duties When Assigning Property Rights You Don't Fully Own
A lawyer-seller assigned a townhouse he hadn't fully paid for. The Supreme Court suspended him for three years, reminding sellers of their ethical duties.
Falsification of Documents: Proving Intent and Damage in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on notarial falsification, forgery evidence, and lawyer liability in Lingan v. Calubaquib.
Attorney Negligence: Failing to File a Pre-Trial Brief in the Philippines
When a lawyer's failure to file a pre-trial brief leads to case dismissal, the Supreme Court may impose disciplinary sanctions. Learn the rules.
When Can a Lawyer Be Disciplined? No Prescription for Attorney Misconduct
The Supreme Court strikes down the IBP's two-year prescription rule, affirming that lawyer misconduct can be disciplined anytime.
When a Lawyer's Negligence Leads to Suspension: The Adecer v. Akut Case
A lawyer who misses the deadline for filing a client's petition for probation faces administrative liability, even if the client was also negligent.
Missed Deadlines, Lost Liberty: When Lawyer Negligence Costs Clients Their Freedom
A lawyer's missed 15-day deadline cost clients their liberty. The Supreme Court suspends Atty. Akut for six months for negligence.
Lawyer Reprimanded for Neglect: Pontevedra and a Client's Money Order
The Supreme Court reprimanded a lawyer who failed to file a required memorandum and kept a client's money order, underscoring a lawyer's duty of diligence and trust.
Attorney's Fees in Estate Settlement: When Can Lawyers Directly Claim From the Estate?
Learn when lawyers may directly claim attorney's fees from an estate in the Philippines, based on Supreme Court rulings and estate settlement rules.
Attorney Negligence in the Philippines: Upholding Client Trust and Diligence
A lawyer's failure to file a memorandum and return a client's money order leads to reprimand, reaffirming duties of diligence and fidelity.
Dismissed on a Technicality: Why Your Signature Matters in Certifications Against Forum Shopping
A petition can be dismissed outright if a lawyer signs the certification against forum shopping. Learn the rule and how to avoid this fatal defect.
Prima Facie Evidence in Disbarment Cases: Protecting Lawyers From Baseless Accusations
Learn how the Supreme Court protects lawyers from baseless disbarment complaints, requiring prima facie evidence before full investigation proceeds.