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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Judge's Negligence Over Court Funds: Fiscal Accountability and Retirement Benefits
Supreme Court rules on judge's liability for missing cash bonds and court fund shortages, emphasizing fiscal accountability and command responsibility.
Notarial Negligence: A Lawyer's Duty to Supervise and the Risks of Delegating Notarial Functions
The Supreme Court suspended a notary public for letting office secretaries handle his notarial duties, underscoring a lawyer's personal responsibility over notarization.
Upholding Procedural Rules: How Counsel's Negligence Binds Clients in Labor Appeals
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a lawyer's failure to file a timely appeal binds the client, even in labor cases.
Lawyer Fined P10,000 for Negligence in Handling Client's Replevin Case
Supreme Court fines lawyer P10,000 for negligence and dereliction of duty in handling a client's replevin case, citing Canon 18 violations.
Dismissal of Appeal Due to Attorney Negligence: Balancing Client Rights and Procedural Rules
The Supreme Court rules that counsel's negligence binds the client, and litigants must actively monitor case progress.
Victory Liner Liability: Breach of Contract of Carriage and Passenger Safety
Supreme Court ruling on common carrier liability for passenger death, negligence of counsel, and damages in breach of contract of carriage.
Accountability FOR Counsels Negligence When Does IT Void A Court Decision
Notarial Negligence: Holding Notaries Public Accountable for Improperly Authenticated Documents
A notary public's commission was revoked for notarizing a deed signed by deceased persons without verifying identities. Learn the rules.
Judicial Discretion vs Neglect: Balancing Speed and Justice in Philippine Courts
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when appellate courts may disturb factual findings and how negligence is proven in quasi-delict cases under Philippine law.
When a Lawyer's Negligence Binds the Client: The Barza v. Dinglasan Ruling
The Supreme Court held that a client is bound by counsel's mistakes unless the negligence is so gross it deprives the client of the day in court.
Negligence of Counsel: When It Justifies Relief From Judgment
When does a lawyer's mistake excuse a client from an adverse ruling? Philippine courts balance diligence and fairness.
Why Bicycles Aren't Held to the Same Negligence Standard as Motor Vehicles
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains why motorists face a higher duty of care than cyclists, and why a cyclist's ordinance violation doesn't automatically bar damages.
Sheriff’s Duty and Accountability in Implementing Writs of Execution and Handling Funds
A sheriff’s duty to execute writs is ministerial, but prudence is required when third-party claims arise. The Court warns against negligence.
Upholding Public Trust: Negligence in Disbursement of Funds Despite Restitution
A Supreme Court cashier's restitution did not erase his administrative liability for simple neglect of duty in releasing funds without proper identification.
Supreme Court Upholds Quasi-Delict Liability in Vehicular Accident Case
SC affirms negligence ruling against driver and owner in vehicular accident, applying quasi-delict rules and rejecting factual re-examination.
Negligence in Highway Collisions: Bus Operator, Truck Owner, and Insurer Liabilities
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on negligence in a bus-truck collision, covering common carrier liability, truck owner responsibility, and insurer obligations.
Dismissal of Appeal: Client Bound by Counsel’s Negligence and Failure to Comply with Procedural Rules
When a lawyer’s negligence causes a missed appeal deadline, the client is still bound. Learn the rules and exceptions.
Lawyer Negligence in the Philippines: Barbuco v. Beltran on Diligence and Competence
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling suspends a lawyer for six months after a late appellant's brief caused a client's appeal to be dismissed, showing what diligence demands.
Notarial Negligence and Lawyer Accountability: Serzo v. Flores on Falsified Deeds
The Supreme Court revoked a notary's commission and suspended him for two years after he notarized a deed of sale signed by a man who had already died.
Accountability IN Construction Piercing THE Corporate Veil FOR Negligence
Negligence IN Handling Court Documents THE Duty OF Care FOR Court Stenographers
Breach of Trust: When Negligence Justifies Employee Dismissal in the Philippines
When does an employee's negligence justify dismissal for loss of trust and confidence? The Supreme Court explains in this Philippine labor case.
Traffic Violations and Negligence: When a Bus Driver's Overtaking Causes Liability
A bus driver who overtakes despite an oncoming car is negligent. Employers must prove diligence in supervision to avoid liability.
Negligence and Security Protocol: Defining Duty in Judicial Premises
Supreme Court ruling on security guard negligence in judicial premises, explaining duty standards, simple neglect, and penalties under civil service rules.