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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Vicarious Liability: When Employers Are Liable for Employee Torts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when employers are vicariously liable for employee torts under Article 2180, and how due diligence in selection and supervision can defeat liability.
Attorney Suspended for Neglect of Clients: A Lesson in Diligence
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer for six months for neglecting clients' ejectment case, violating Canon 18 of the CPR.
Breach of Contract and Nominal Damages When Extraordinary Diligence Falls Short
When a shipper breaches a contract but the insurer fails to prove actual loss, the Supreme Court awards nominal damages instead.
Bank Liability for Counterfeit Currency: Due Diligence and Customer Protection
When a bank releases counterfeit foreign currency, when is it liable for damages? The Supreme Court clarifies the standard of diligence.
Due Diligence Defined: Banks' Responsibility in Mortgage Transactions
The Supreme Court clarifies that banks must exercise higher due diligence than ordinary lenders before accepting property as mortgage collateral.
Neglect of Duty: Reliance on Subordinates Does Not Excuse Lack of Due Diligence
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on managerial employees, loss of trust and confidence, and dismissal for breach of security protocols.
Integrity Under Scrutiny: Ombudsman's Duty to Uphold Impartiality in Internal Investigations
The Supreme Court reminds judges that impartiality and diligence are non-negotiable, even in internal administrative matters.
Mortgage Agreements and Due Diligence: Protecting Buyer Rights in Condominium Developments
The Supreme Court clarifies when a civil case and an administrative complaint constitute forum shopping, protecting claimants' rights to pursue multiple remedies.
Patent Revival and Due Diligence: The Consequences of Negligence in Intellectual Property Rights
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that negligence by a patent applicant's counsel binds the client, and revival of abandoned applications may be barred by third-party rights and public interest.
Banks' Duty of Utmost Diligence: Liability for Forged Manager's Checks
When a bank clears a counterfeit manager's check bearing its own officers' forged signatures, it bears the loss—not the depositor.
Passenger Duty of Diligence in Verifying Flight Details: Manay v. Cebu Air
The Supreme Court ruled that passengers must exercise ordinary diligence in checking flight details on tickets, even as airlines owe extraordinary diligence.
Upholding Lawyers Duty Honesty AND Diligence IN Legal Practice
Accountability in Public Service: Internal Auditors' Duty to Prevent Misuse of Funds
Supreme Court ruling on internal auditors' liability for government fund losses, explaining due diligence standards under COA rules.
Annulment of Judgment: Why Extrinsic Fraud and Due Diligence Matter in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when annulment of judgment is available—extrinsic fraud must come from the adverse party, not one's own counsel.
Annulment OF Judgment Extrinsic Fraud AND DUE Diligence IN Legal Proceedings 2
Common Carriers and Passenger Safety: Defining the Scope of Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies when a bus company is liable for a passenger's death caused by a co-passenger, distinguishing extraordinary diligence from ordinary care.
Arrastre Operator Liability: Proving Diligence in Cargo Handling
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on arrastre operator negligence, burden of proof, and liability for damaged cargo under custody.
Mortgage in Bad Faith: Banks' Duty of Diligence in Verifying Land Titles
When a bank accepts a mortgage without fully investigating suspicious facts on the property, it acts in bad faith and loses protection as an innocent mortgagee.
Arrastre Operator Liability: Proving Delivery Diligence in Cargo Claims
When is an arrastre operator liable for missing cargo? The Supreme Court clarifies the burden of proof and the effect of signed gate passes.
Mortgage in Good Faith: Upholding Banks' Due Diligence in Real Estate Transactions
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when banks qualify as mortgagees in good faith despite defective titles, protecting foreclosures.
Sheriff's Extortion and Neglect of Duty: A Supreme Court Lesson on Court Personnel Integrity
Supreme Court ruling on a sheriff's extortion and neglect of duty, reaffirming that sheriffs must execute writs with diligence and integrity.
Employer Liability: Proving Due Diligence in Employee Negligence Cases
Employers face liability for employee negligence unless they prove due diligence in selection and supervision. Learn the rules from a Supreme Court case.
Dismissal of Actions: Balancing Diligence and the Courts Duty in Philippine Legal Proceedings
Philippine courts balance procedural diligence with the duty to decide cases on their merits. This article explains dismissal rules, grounds, and practical guidance.
Upholding Competence and Diligence: Attorney Suspended for Neglect of Client's Case
A lawyer's suspension from practice does not end his duty to clients. The Supreme Court suspends Atty. Baterina for gross negligence.