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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Stevedores and the Duty of Care: When Cargo Damage Is Not Negligence
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that stevedores owe ordinary diligence, not the higher standard of common carriers, in loading and stowing cargo.
Dismissal of Appeal: The Duty of Diligence for Law Firms in Monitoring Case Deadlines
A reminder that law firms, not just individual lawyers, bear responsibility for missed deadlines, and why courts may dismiss appeals for late briefs.
Negligence in Notarial Acts: Upholding the Integrity of Public Documents and the Duty of Due Diligence
A notary's failure to verify identity led to a three-month suspension and revocation of notarial commission. Learn the rules.
Deposition Denied: Balancing Discovery Rights and Diligence in Court Proceedings
When can a court deny a deposition? The Supreme Court explains the limits of discovery rights when a party delays proceedings.
Court Stenographers' Duty of Diligence: Lessons from a One-Year Suspension
A Supreme Court ruling on a stenographer's suspension for inefficiency, loafing, and false logbook entries underscores accountability in the judiciary.
Attorney Disbarred for Abandoning Client After Receiving Full Payment for Legal Services
Supreme Court disbars lawyer who took full payment but abandoned client's case, violating the duty of fidelity and diligence.
Sheriffs Must Exercise Diligence in Executing Court Orders — What This Means
A sheriff's duty to execute a writ is ministerial, but due diligence is required. The Supreme Court explains in this administrative case.
Due Diligence and Dismissal: Balancing Court Discretion and Litigant Rights in Pre-Trial Proceedings
Learn how Philippine courts balance judicial discretion with litigant rights in pre-trial proceedings, and what due diligence really means.
Sheriffs Duty Implementing Replevin Orders With DUE Diligence AND Care
When a sheriff seizes property under a replevin order, due diligence is not optional. A Supreme Court ruling shows the costly consequences of neglect.
When a Financing Company Is Not a Mortgagee in Good Faith: Lloyd's Enterprises v. Dolleton
A financing firm that failed to inspect a mortgaged property cannot claim good faith. Learn the due diligence rule from this 2008 case.
When a Sheriff's Excuses Fail: Dereliction of Duty in Philippine Courts
A deputy sheriff's repeated failure to serve court processes leads to one-year suspension, clarifying standards of diligence for court personnel.
Reconstitution of Lost Titles: Evidence Standards and Safeguarding the Torrens System
Explains Republic v. Verzosa on judicial reconstitution of lost titles, evidence rules, and balancing diligence with the Torrens system's integrity.
Clerk of Court Liability for Lost Court Records: The Limits of Due Diligence
When court records go missing, who bears responsibility? The Supreme Court clarifies that clerks of court cannot blame subordinates for lost case files.
Sheriffs’ Duty to Execute Writs with Diligence: Lessons from Vargas v. Primo
A sheriff’s ministerial duty to enforce writs promptly is underscored in Vargas v. Primo, where neglect led to suspension.
Shares of Stock and Due Diligence: Examining the Duty to Verify Ownership in Legal Disputes
A look at Jimmy T. Go v. Abrogar, where the Supreme Court ruled on the duty to verify share ownership before claiming attachment rights.
Sheriffs’ Misconduct Enforcing Writs With Due Diligence and Respect for Court Orders
When sheriffs overstep in enforcing writs, they face administrative liability. A Supreme Court ruling clarifies the standard of care and deference required.
When Attorney Neglect Leads to Disbarment: Upholding Client Trust and Competence
The Supreme Court disbarred a lawyer whose repeated failure to file appeal briefs cost his client millions, underscoring a lawyer's duty of competence and diligence.
Upholding Diligence: Court Stenographer Accountability in Transcription Accuracy
SC ruling on appeal timeliness when litigants receive unreadable court decisions, and the duty to ensure accurate transcripts.
Employer's Liability for Diligence in Employee Supervision After a Vehicular Accident
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on employer liability and the standard of diligence required in supervising employees after a vehicular accident.
Accountability and Due Diligence: Clarifying the Standard for Neglect of Duty in Public Service
The Supreme Court clarifies what constitutes simple neglect of duty and the standard of diligence required of public officers in safeguarding government property.
Dismissal Upheld for Incorrigible Process Server: Upholding Diligence in Court Service
Supreme Court affirms dismissal of a process server for habitual absenteeism, tardiness, and failure to serve court processes.
Sheriffs Duty Diligence IN Implementing Court Orders AND Calculating Legal Fees
Unmasking Land Title Fraud Evidence and Due Diligence in Philippine Property Disputes
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling on proving forged deeds, church death certificates as evidence, and due diligence in property disputes.
Navigating Conflicting Land Titles in the Philippines: Due Diligence and the Doctrine of Indefeasibility
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on land title disputes, due diligence, and why factual findings bind appellate review.