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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When Courts Reject Negligence Claims: The Quasi-Delict Standard in Vehicular Accidents
The Supreme Court affirms that factual findings on negligence in quasi-delict cases bind appellate review, clarifying driver liability under Philippine law.
Upholding Ethical Standards Consequences FOR Notarial Negligence AND Falsification OF Documents
When Counsel's Negligence Costs the Appeal: Lessons from Dimaandal v. Ilagan
A client is bound by counsel's mistakes unless gross negligence deprives them of due process. The Supreme Court explains the rule.
Res Ipsa Loquitur in Bus Accidents: When Negligence Is Implied Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court applies res ipsa loquitur in a bus-motorcycle collision, explaining when negligence is presumed and employers are liable.
Breach of Trust in Employment: When Negligence Justifies Dismissal
The Supreme Court ruled that negligence in handling company property can justify dismissal for breach of trust, even without proof of theft or misconduct.
Upholding Employee Dismissal FOR Gross Negligence DUE Process AND Employer Trust
Negligence in Supervision: Employer's Right to Terminate for Gross Neglect of Duty
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a supervisor's failure to oversee staff constitutes gross and habitual neglect, justifying dismissal.
Upholding Notarial Duties Negligence AND Misrepresentation IN Legal Practice
A lawyer's failure to secure notarial paraphernalia and unauthorized court appearances lead to suspension and notarial disqualification.
School Liability for Student Safety in Off-Campus Activities: The St. Luke's Case
The Supreme Court holds schools liable for student safety in required off-campus activities, ruling on negligence and contractual obligations.
Negligence in Public Service: Duty, Accountability, and the Manalo Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when a public employee's failure to verify documents amounts to grave misconduct, not simple negligence.
Notarizing Without the Affiant: When a Lawyer’s Negligence Becomes Misconduct
The Supreme Court suspends a lawyer for six months for notarizing affidavits without the affiants’ personal appearance, a clear breach of notarial rules.
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.
Negligence vs Intent: When a Lawyer's Careless Accommodation Becomes Misconduct
The Supreme Court distinguishes negligence from intentional misconduct in Cruz v. Reyes, reprimanding a lawyer for careless accommodation of another counsel's requests.
Attorney Negligence and Misconduct: Upholding Ethical Standards in Legal Practice
A lawyer who absconds with client funds and solicits money to bribe a judge faces suspension, reaffirming strict ethical standards for the Philippine bar.
Forged Title Not Spotted by Register of Deeds Examiner: No Gross Negligence Without Bad Faith
The Supreme Court explains when a land registration examiner may—and may not—be held liable for failing to detect a forged owner's duplicate title.
Counsel's Negligence in Appeals: When a Client Is Bound by a Lawyer's Lapses
A missed deadline for an appellant's brief can end an appeal. Philippine Supreme Court explains when clients are bound by counsel's negligence.
When Counsel's Negligence Binds the Client: Appeals to the Commission on Audit
The Supreme Court clarifies that a client is bound by counsel's negligence in COA appeals, absent diligent follow-up.
Negligence on the Road: When Employer Liability Intersects With Employee Conduct
A Supreme Court ruling on bus driver dismissals clarifies negligence as just cause, procedural due process, and the limits of settlement authority.
Counsel Negligence and Client Responsibility: When Procedural Dismissals Stand in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a client is bound by counsel's negligence and why dismissal for failure to prosecute is a final, appealable order.
Annulment of Judgment: When a Final Court Decision Cannot Be Undone
The Supreme Court explains the strict limits of annulment of judgment, including what counts as extrinsic fraud and why counsel's negligence is not enough.
Proving Negligence in Quasi-Delict Cases: The Supreme Court's Latest Word
The Supreme Court affirms that quasi-delict claims require proof of negligence, proximate cause, and damage, rejecting a Rule 45 factual review.
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.
Negligence in Vehicular Accidents: Proving Fault and Vicarious Liability Under Philippine Law
A look at how courts determine negligence in vehicular accidents, and the vicarious liability of vehicle owners and employers.
Upholding Attorney Accountability: Negligence and the Duty to Client
A lawyer's failure to file an appellant's brief and keep a client informed leads to a six-month suspension, while a contingent fee contract is upheld.