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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When Shipowner Negligence Sinks the Limited Liability Defense in Philippine Maritime Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when shipowners lose the limited liability rule due to actual negligence in cargo loss cases.
When a Counsel's Negligence Endangers Property: Balancing Technical Rules and Substantive Justice
A Supreme Court ruling shows that procedural lapses in an appellant's brief may be excused, but a drugstore's negligent dispensing of medicine still invites liability.
Pharmacists' Negligence: The High Standard of Care in Dispensing Medicine
When a pharmacist gives the wrong medicine, that mistake is negligence. The Supreme Court explains the high standard of care for drugstores in Mercury Drug v. De Leon.
Upholding Trust in Notarization: Consequences for Negligence in Verifying Document Signatures
A lawyer who notarized a deed without the signatories appearing before him was suspended and disqualified. Learn the notarial rules.
Judicial Accountability: Fines for Negligence and Delay in Legal Proceedings
A Supreme Court ruling holds court officers accountable for gross negligence and delay, affirming that retirement does not erase administrative liability.
Accountability IN THE Judiciary Negligence AND Dereliction OF Duty BY Court Officers
Illegal Dismissal: Employer's Burden to Prove Just Cause and the Finality of Judgments
A look at Pasiona v. CA, where the Supreme Court ruled on illegal dismissal, just cause, and the binding effect of counsel's negligence.
Finality of Judgment: When a Lawyer's Negligence Does Not Deny Due Process
A dismissed employee's late appeal fails as the Supreme Court upholds finality of judgment despite counsel's negligence.
Vehicle Registration VS Lease Agreements WHO Pays FOR Negligence
Homeowner Associations Liability Negligence IN Approving Building Plans
When can a homeowners association be liable for negligence in approving building plans? The Supreme Court explains in Corinthian Gardens v. Tanjangco.
Liability FOR Negligence When Subdivision Associations Fail TO Prevent Property Encroachments
Notary Negligence and Disqualification: Lessons from Baylon v. Almo
A notary who fails to verify identity can lose the commission and be disqualified. Learn the rules from a Supreme Court ruling.
Bank Negligence and Depositor Fault: Who Bears Loss in Fraudulent Deposit Reversals
Supreme Court rules on allocating loss between bank negligence and depositor contributory fault in fraudulent check deposit reversals.
Attorney Misconduct: When a Lawyer's Absence Constitutes Negligence
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a lawyer's absence from proceedings amounts to negligence, and the limits of a client's remedy.
When Is Negligence "Gross and Habitual"? Lessons from Belle Corporation v. Macasusi
The Supreme Court clarifies the standard for dismissing employees for gross negligence and the rules on project versus regular employment in the Philippines.
Gross Negligence and Project Employment: Protecting Employee Rights Against Unjust Dismissal
Learn how the Supreme Court defined gross negligence and project employment in Belle Corporation v. Macasusi, protecting employees from unjust dismissal.
Dismissal of Appeal, Counsel's Negligence, and the Duty to Uphold Procedural Rules
The Supreme Court clarifies when a counsel's negligence may excuse a late appeal and when courts must relax procedural rules.
Right to Counsel in Criminal Appeals: Due Process Beyond the Trial Court
The Supreme Court rules that the right to counsel extends to appeals, and gross lawyer negligence can excuse a missed appeal.
Negligence in Public Service: Distinguishing Gross from Simple Neglect and the Right to Backwages
Explains the Supreme Court's distinction between gross and simple neglect of duty in public service, and when backwages may be awarded.
Custodian Negligence Court Personnel Held Liable for Missing Case Records
Court personnel who negligently handle case records face administrative liability. Learn the rules on custodianship of court exhibits.
Pawnshop Liability Fortuitous Events Negligence AND Insurance Obligations IN Pledge Agreements
When a pawned item is lost to robbery, who bears the loss? The Supreme Court clarifies pawnshop liability, fortuitous events, and insurance duties.
Clerk of Court's Negligence: When Lost Court Records Undermine Justice
A clerk of court's failure to keep complete records constitutes simple neglect of duty, as shown in Rivera v. Buena.
Employer's Vicarious Liability for Employee Negligence in Quasi-Delict Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on employer liability for driver negligence under quasi-delict, explained in plain language.
Negligence in Notarization: Consequences for Lawyers and the Validity of Wills
A lawyer-notary's careless notarization of a will can invalidate it and trigger suspension. Learn the rules and consequences.