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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The Binding Nature of Counsel's Negligence: Upholding Procedural Rules in Labor Appeals
Explore how the Supreme Court addressed appeal bond requirements and procedural rules in labor cases, balancing technicalities with substantial justice.
When Heated Words Lead to Illegal Strikes: Balancing Free Speech and Order in Labor Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on gross negligence, serious misconduct, and due process in employee dismissal cases under the Labor Code.
Civil Liability Survives Acquittal: Negligence by Preponderance of Evidence
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: an acquittal in a criminal case does not automatically erase civil liability if negligence is proven by preponderance of evidence.
When Counsel's Gross Negligence Can Win a Client a New Trial
The Supreme Court explains when a lawyer's gross negligence deprives a client of due process and justifies a new trial.
Gross Negligence and Employee Termination: When One Mistake Justifies Dismissal
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a single act of gross negligence can be a valid just cause for terminating a regular employee.
Judicial Accountability: Judges and Court Personnel Liable for Negligence in Bail Bond Processing
Supreme Court holds judge and clerk of court liable for gross neglect in approving bail without required documents, imposing fines on retirement benefits.
When Attorney Negligence Impacts Client Rights: The M+W Zander Illegal Dismissal Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when an employer may validly dismiss for loss of trust and confidence, and when dismissal becomes illegal.
U-Turn Negligence: When a Sudden Maneuver Establishes Fault in Vehicle Collisions
A sudden U-turn without signal lights can establish negligence and proximate cause in a vehicle collision, making the driver and employer liable for damages.
Intersection Collisions and Driver Negligence: Who Has the Right of Way in the Philippines?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies right of way rules, driver negligence, and fault in intersection collisions under RA 4136.
Stevedores and the Duty of Care: When Cargo Damage Is Not Negligence
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that stevedores owe ordinary diligence, not the higher standard of common carriers, in loading and stowing cargo.
The Expert Witness Imperative: Proving Medical Negligence in the Philippines
Philippine courts require expert medical testimony to prove negligence in most malpractice cases. Learn the rules and practical steps.
Lost Appeals When Negligence Bars Justice in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court affirms dismissal of an appeal for failure to file brief on time, stressing that the right to appeal is a mere statutory privilege.
Judicial Accountability Negligence VS Simple Misconduct IN Handling Delayed Cases
A sheriff’s misuse of the franking privilege drew a fine, while a letter about flag ceremony attendance was not misconduct.
When Attorney Negligence Binds the Client: Appeal Deadlines and the Limits of Leniency
A missed appeal memorandum deadline cost respondents their case. The Supreme Court clarifies when counsel's negligence binds the client and when exceptions apply.
Quasi-Delict Liability in Vehicular Accidents: What the Supreme Court Ruling Means
Learn how the Supreme Court applied quasi-delict rules in a vehicular accident case, clarifying negligence, vicarious liability, and damages.
Supervisory Negligence: Clerks of Court Held Accountable for Monitoring Court Funds
Philippine Supreme Court holds clerks of court liable for simple neglect of duty for failing to supervise a cashier who misappropriated court funds.
Judicial Accountability: Death Does Not Erase Negligence in Office
The Supreme Court clarifies that a judge's death does not automatically erase findings of negligence, though it may affect the penalty imposed.
Upholding Integrity: Disciplining Notaries for Negligence and Ethical Breaches
When a notary fails to verify identity, the consequences can be severe. This case explains the duty and the penalty.
Negligence in Notarial Acts: Upholding the Integrity of Public Documents and the Duty of Due Diligence
A notary's failure to verify identity led to a three-month suspension and revocation of notarial commission. Learn the rules.
Revival of Judgment, Attorney Negligence, and Binding Effect on Heirs
Explains when a dormant judgment can be revived, and how a lawyer's failure to inform the court of a client's death binds the heirs.
Relief From Judgment Negligence Bars Second Chances in Agrarian Disputes
Filing both an appeal and certiorari to question the same order is forum shopping. Learn the rule.
Vicarious Liability and Public Officials: When Is a Mayor Responsible for Employee Negligence
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a mayor can be held liable for a driver's negligence under Article 2180 of the Civil Code.
NPC Liable for Electrocution Death: Duty to Maintain Safe Transmission Lines
Supreme Court rules power company negligent for sagging transmission lines that electrocuted a miner, rejecting contributory negligence defense.
Medical Negligence: The Duty to Consider Existing Conditions During Treatment
Philippine Supreme Court rules on seafarer disability claims, company-designated physician assessments, and the duty to consider pre-existing conditions.