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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
Proving Fault in Pre-Employment Medical Exams: The St. Martin Polyclinic Case
A clinic cleared a worker as fit, but he tested positive for hepatitis C abroad. The Court explains when negligence can—and cannot—be presumed.
Electrical Utility Liability: Negligence in Infrastructure Management
When an electric utility's haphazardly relocated posts and wires cause a fire, the utility—not the property owner—bears liability for damages.
Lawyer Suspended for Negligence: The Duty to File Briefs and Update Clients
A lawyer's failure to file an appellant's brief and inform clients of case status results in six-month suspension for violating the Code of Professional Responsibility.
Disrespecting the Court: Fine for Counsel Who Blamed Justices for Own Errors
The Supreme Court fined a lawyer and his client for contempt after they accused the Court of negligence over their own procedural lapses.
Lawyer’s Accountability in Governance Conspiracies: Negligence and the Limits of Reliance
The Supreme Court clarifies lawyer accountability in governance conspiracies, negligence, and the limits of relying on judicial authority in administrative cases.
Good Faith vs Gross Negligence: Due Process in Government Benefit Disallowances
The Supreme Court nullified a COA decision holding BSP officers liable for cash shortage, ruling that due process was violated when the Commission treated a request for opinion as a complaint.
Bank Manager's Acquittal in Graft Case Does Not Erase Civil Liability for Negligence
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that acquittal in a criminal graft case does not automatically absolve a bank manager from civil liability for negligence.
Negligence in Notarial Practice: Revocation and Disqualification for Incomplete Certificates and Improper Reco
A notary's incomplete certificates and sloppy register entries led to perpetual disqualification from notarial practice and one-year suspension from law.
Maritime Accidents and Shared Fault: When Contributory Negligence Affects Damage Claims
A Supreme Court ruling on maritime allision shows how contributory negligence can reduce damages even when another vessel caused the accident.
Contractual Negligence: Defining the Scope of Liability in Service Agreements
A Supreme Court ruling on surety bonds clarifies when a contractor's breach triggers full liability, and how compensation applies.
Upholding Notarial Duties: Consequences for Negligence in Document Notarization
A notary's failure to verify documents and record notarizations leads to commission revocation and disqualification in this Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
Dismissal of Falsification Charges in Disbarment Case Highlights Burden of Proof for Lawyers
Supreme Court dismisses disbarment charges against Atty. Bigay for lack of preponderant evidence, but reprimands notary Atty. Siapno for negligence.
When Lawyers Fail Clients: Negligence, Falsehood, and Notarial Misconduct
A lawyer who neglects a client's case and notarizes a perjured affidavit faces suspension and loss of notarial commission.
Upholding Client Trust: Attorney Negligence and the Duty to Refund Unearned Fees in the Philippines
A lawyer who neglects a client's case must refund unearned acceptance fees. The Supreme Court explains the rules on attorney negligence and quantum meruit.
Traffic Violations and Negligence: When Driving on the Wrong Lane Determines Liability in Collisions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how traffic violations like wrong-lane driving establish negligence and liability in vehicle collisions.
Telegraphic Transfers and Bank Liability: Understanding the Limits of Negligence
The Supreme Court clarifies when a bank's duty ends in telegraphic transfers and why courts cannot rule on unpleaded negligence claims.
Supreme Court Affirms Negligence Ruling in Vehicle Collision Insurance Subrogation Case
Supreme Court affirms CA ruling holding driver negligent in highway collision, upholding insurer's subrogation claim for vehicle repair costs.
Accountability in Government: When Good Faith Does Not Excuse Negligence in Public Fund Disbursements
The Supreme Court clarifies when public officers approving disallowed disbursements remain personally liable despite claims of good faith.
When Attorney Negligence Doesnt Equal Extrinsic Fraud Protecting Final Judgments
The Supreme Court clarifies that a lawyer's negligence, without malice or connivance with the adverse party, does not constitute extrinsic fraud to annul final judgments.
Client Bound by Counsel's Negligence? SC Relaxes Rules in Pontillas Construction Dispute
Supreme Court reminds courts that procedural rules serve justice, not hinder it, in a case involving counsel's lapses.
Accountability in the Judiciary: Judges and Clerks Held Liable for Neglect of Duty
The Supreme Court reminds judges and court clerks that negligence delays justice. Learn the rules on accountability from a 2017 case.
When Court Staff Fail: Accountability for Delayed Case Resolution
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that judges cannot hide behind staff negligence when motions remain unresolved for years.
Hospital Liability FOR Nurse Negligence Ensuring Patient Safety AND Diligent Supervision
Notarial Negligence: Lawyers Must Secure Seals and Prevent Unauthorized Use of Notarial Books
A notary's duty extends beyond signing documents—securing seals and books is essential to avoid gross negligence liability.