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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Attorney Negligence Upholding Diligence AND Accountability IN Legal Representation
A lawyer's failure to file an appellant's brief led to a one-year suspension, reinforcing the duty of diligence in legal representation.
Negligence and the Burden of Proof: Establishing Liability for Damages in Property Disputes
A fire crossed from a factory to a farm, but without proof of negligence, the property owner could not recover damages. The Supreme Court explains the burden of proof in civil cases.
Lawyer Suspended for Negligence: The Duty to File Briefs and Protect Clients' Rights
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for failing to file appellant's brief, causing delay in client's criminal appeal and violating professional responsibility rules.
Judicial Duty vs Oversight: When a Judge's Negligence Impacts Justice
A Supreme Court ruling on when a client bears the consequences of counsel's negligence, and the strict deadlines for relief from judgment.
Bank Negligence and Damages: When a Dishonored Check Does Not Mean Compensation
The Supreme Court ruled that a bank's error in assigning a wrong account number caused a check dishonor, yet the depositor still recovered nothing. Here is why.
Upholding Diligence: The Duty of Clerks of Court in Efficient Case Management
A clerk of court's duty to manage records and dockets is vital to justice. The Supreme Court reminds court personnel that negligence in these tasks draws administrative sanctions.
Upholding Lawyer Accountability Consequences OF Negligence IN Philippine Legal Practice
Quasi-Delict and Vehicular Accidents: When Overtaking Leads to Liability in Philippine Courts
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies negligence, proximate cause, and vicarious liability in a vehicular accident quasi-delict case.
Mutual Negligence Determining Liability IN Expired Letters OF Credit
Res Ipsa Loquitur in Philippine Law: Negligence and Presumption Explained
Learn how res ipsa loquitur shifts the burden of proof in negligence cases, using a landmark Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
When Counsel's Negligence Binds the Client: Due Process Limits in Appeals
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a lawyer's failure to file an appellant's brief justifies dismissal of an appeal and binds the client.
Banking Negligence Claims: Depositors Must Prove Unauthorized Transactions
Supreme Court ruling clarifies that depositors claiming unauthorized withdrawals must prove forgery or fraud, not just allege bank negligence.
Bank Negligence and Dishonored Checks: Protecting Your Reputation and Finances
Learn from the Firestone v. Luzon Development Bank case why non-negotiable instruments carry risks and how banks' duties apply.
Simple Neglect of Duty vs Gross Negligence: A Guide for Public Servants
The Supreme Court clarifies the line between simple neglect of duty and gross negligence in a case involving court employees.
Check Fraud and Bank Liability: Lessons from Ford Philippines vs. Citibank and PCIBank
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on bank liability for fraudulently negotiated checks, crossing, due diligence, and comparative negligence.
Safeguarding Your Appeal: Due Process and Lawyer Negligence in Philippine Courts
When a lawyer's mistakes cost a client her case, can the judgment be annulled? The Supreme Court explains the limits of extrinsic fraud and counsel negligence.
When a Lawyer's Negligence Can Void a Judgment: Extrinsic Fraud in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when lawyer negligence amounts to extrinsic fraud that can annul a judgment, and when it does not.
Employer Subsidiary Liability in Philippine Criminal Law: The Catacutan Doctrine
Philippine employers can be held subsidiarily liable for damages from employees' criminal negligence. Learn the rules from Catacutan v. Heirs of Kadusale.
Gross Negligence in Handling Public Property: A Public Official's Liability for Malversation in the Philippine
Explaining when a public officer's careless handling of entrusted property becomes malversation, based on a Supreme Court ruling on lost shabu evidence.
Employer Liability in Philippine Negligence Cases: Independent Civil Actions for Damages
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies employer liability for employee negligence and the right to file independent civil actions for damages.
Missed Deadlines Dismissed Appeals Understanding Docket Fees AND Counsels Duty IN Philippine Courts
Learn how unpaid docket fees and counsel's negligence can get an appeal dismissed, based on a Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
Supervisory Failures in the Judiciary: Holding Clerks of Court Accountable for Negligence
A clerk of court's duty to supervise subordinates is non-negotiable. This case explains liability for neglect of duty.
Judicial Efficiency vs Negligence: The 90-Day Rule for Judges
Philippine Supreme Court fines judges for failing to decide cases within the 90-day reglementary period, underscoring judicial accountability.
When a Lawyer's Negligence Binds the Client: The Mercury Drug Rule on Notice and Final Judgments
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a lawyer's failure to inform the client of an adverse judgment is binding, and when relief from judgment is unavailable.