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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Upholding Ejectment Decisions: Counsel's Negligence and Finality of Judgments
Learn how a client's failure to attend a preliminary conference and counsel's negligence led to a binding ejectment judgment in Mauleon v. Porter.
Counsel Substitution and Appeal Perfection: Procedural Pitfalls in Labor Disputes
A Supreme Court ruling on how improper counsel substitution and missing non-forum shopping certifications can doom labor appeals.
Losing the Right to Appeal: Understanding Finality of Judgments in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling explains why a convicted person who misses the 15-day appeal period loses the right to appeal—and why counsel's negligence binds the client.
Attorney's Negligence Leads to Suspension: Upholding Diligence in Legal Representation
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for five years for gross negligence in criminal defense, reaffirming counsel's duty of diligence and fidelity to clients.
Finality of Labor Awards and Attorney's Fees in Compromise Settlements
When a client settles a labor case behind counsel's back to avoid attorney's fees, the Supreme Court protects the lawyer's right to compensation.
Appeal Denied: Understanding Timeliness and Binding Counsel in Philippine Law
A look at Mendiola v. Commerz Trading, where the Supreme Court clarified VAT liability and the binding effect of contractual stipulations between parties.
Balancing Zealous Advocacy AND Honest Conduct Limits TO Protecting Client Interests
A lawyer’s duty to protect a client has limits: the Supreme Court reprimands counsel for using false statements in demand letters.
When Can a Government Official Hire Private Counsel? Gontang v. Alayan Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies when local government officials may hire private lawyers despite rules requiring government counsel representation.
Building Care v. Macaraeg: When Late Appeals and Counsel's Negligence Are Not Excused
The Supreme Court ruled that a late appeal cannot be excused by invoking substantial justice alone, and that a client is bound by the negligence of counsel.
Balancing Justice and Procedure When Attorney Negligence Threatens a Client's Appeal
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may relax procedural rules, holding that a counsel's ordinary negligence binds the client and cannot justify a late appeal.
Upholding DUE Process Effectivity OF Counsel Withdrawal AND THE Implications ON Timely Appeals
When a Lawyer's Admission in Court Binds the Client: Lessons from Chung v. Mondragon
A client's fate can hinge on counsel's admissions in court. Learn how the Supreme Court applied this rule in quieting of title cases.
Gross Negligence of Counsel Can Reopen Litigation to Protect Due Process
When counsel's gross negligence denies a client his day in court, the litigation may be reopened to protect due process.
Dismissal for Lack of Pre-Trial Brief: Balancing Procedural Rules and Justice
The Supreme Court affirms dismissal of a case for failure to file a pre-trial brief, clarifying the fresh period rule and the binding effect of counsel's negligence.
Robbery With Homicide Conviction Upheld Despite Claims of Illegal Arrest and Lack of Counsel
The Supreme Court affirms a robbery with homicide conviction, ruling that illegal arrest claims are waived if not raised before plea, and that police line-ups are not part of custodial investigation.
Binding Counsel When Attorney Negligence Impacts A Clients Appeal IN Philippine LAW
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a client is bound by counsel's negligence in failing to file an appeal brief, and limits of certiorari.
Counsel's Negligence Binds the Client in Philippine Legal Proceedings
Learn when a lawyer's negligence binds the client in Philippine courts, and when courts may grant relief from counsel's mistakes.
Attorneys Neglect Duty TO Client Despite Personal Sentiments
Personal feelings do not excuse lawyer negligence. The Court fined a counsel for failing to reconstitute and return client records.
Client Responsibility Prevails: The Binding Effect of Counsel's Negligence in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a client is bound by counsel's negligence, and the duty to monitor one's case.
Attorney's Fees for Administrators Who Also Serve as Counsel in Estate Disputes
A lawyer-administrator may recover attorney's fees for representing the sole heir in a will contest, separate from his compensation as administrator of the estate.
Service of Judgment to Deceased Lawyer: Ejectment and Annulment in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court rules on validity of judgment service to deceased counsel, finality of ejectment decisions, and limits of preliminary injunction.
Substitution of Counsel and Your Right to Appeal: A Philippine Guide
Learn how the Supreme Court handles appeals filed by lawyers who failed to properly substitute the counsel on record.
Late Certiorari Filing Binds Clients to Counsel's Negligence: Labao v. Flores
Supreme Court rules that a client is bound by counsel's failure to file certiorari on time, stressing strict compliance with reglementary periods.
Local Government Officials and Legal Representation: Defining Government Instrumentalities
Supreme Court clarifies that government-owned or controlled corporations like NPC are "instrumentalities" under the Local Government Code, disqualifying sanggunian members from appearing as counsel ag