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 Competence IN Legal Representation
Travel Agency Liability: Ordinary Care, Not Common Carrier Duties
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that travel agencies owe ordinary diligence, not the extraordinary care required of common carriers.
Defining Common Carrier: Liability for Cargo Loss Due to Negligence
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies common carrier status and extraordinary diligence in cargo loss cases, citing Asia Lighterage case.
Notarial Diligence: The Duty to Verify Identity in Property Transactions
A notary public must verify the identity of parties to property documents. Learn the lesson from a lawyer suspended for failing this duty.
Banks' Due Diligence in Foreclosure Sales and Rights of Land Reform Beneficiaries
A bank that forecloses on land without ocular inspection cannot eject land reform beneficiaries, as the Supreme Court ruled in Rural Bank of Sta. Ignacia v. Dimatulac.
When Is a Shipping Company a Common Carrier? Lessons from Philamgen v. PKS Shipping
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a shipping firm is a common carrier and how extraordinary diligence affects liability for lost cargo.
Lawyer Suspended for Neglecting Client’s Case and Failing to Return Fees
A lawyer’s duty of diligence begins at retainer. Learn from a case where neglect led to suspension and refund.
Mandamus and Bank Due Diligence in Tax Payment Mishaps
When a bank's tax payment goes astray, mandamus may not compel a treasurer to issue receipts. Learn the due diligence rule.
Bus Company's Liability: The Duty to Supervise Employees and Prevent Negligence
A bus firm must prove diligence in supervising drivers to avoid liability for their negligence. Victory Liner case explained.
Upholding Client Diligence Attorney Suspended FOR Neglect IN Handling Civil Case
Sheriffs' Duty to Execute Court Orders: Balancing Diligence and Due Process
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies sheriffs' duty to promptly execute writs of demolition, balancing enforcement with respect for due process.
Court Employee Fined for Neglect of Duty Over Lost Case Records
Supreme Court fines court records custodian P1,000 for losing criminal case records, stressing diligence in safeguarding court documents.
Court Employee Negligence: Process Server Fined for Failing to Serve Notices
A process server's failure to serve pre-trial notices led to a fine, underscoring that court personnel must uphold the highest standards of diligence and accountability.
When Is a Customs Broker a Common Carrier? The Transorient Container Case
A customs broker who transports goods as part of its business is a common carrier bound by extraordinary diligence under Philippine law.
Defining the Boundaries of a Common Carrier When Transportation Duties Imply Extraordinary Diligence
A customs broker who transports goods as part of its business is a common carrier bound by extraordinary diligence under Philippine law.
Dismissed for Delay? Understanding Due Diligence in Philippine Court Cases
Learn how the Supreme Court handles procedural delays and due diligence in labor cases, using a recent illegal dismissal ruling as a guide.
Lawyer's Missed Deadline Leads to Reprimand: Lessons on Diligence and Client Rights
When a lawyer's missed filing deadline costs a client his case, the Supreme Court explains the limits of excusable negligence and counsel's duty of diligence.
When a Lawyer's Missed Deadline Costs a Client's Case: Ramos v. Dajoyag
A lawyer's failure to file a petition on time is negligence, not excusable error. Learn the duty of diligence.
Employer Liability and Due Diligence in Philippine Road Accidents: Proving Defense Against Damages
Learn how Philippine courts assess employer liability for road accidents caused by employees and the due diligence defense.
Liability FOR Negligence Banks Duty TO Exercise DUE Diligence IN Handling Remittances
Judicial Accountability Negligence and the Standard of Care for Judges in Approving Court Documents
The Supreme Court reminds judges that approving court documents demands diligence, not mere reliance on counsel.
Due Diligence in Real Estate Mortgages: A Lender's Responsibility
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why mortgage lenders must verify borrower identity and property status before approving real estate loans.
Judicial Accountability Balancing Independence AND Diligence IN Case Resolution
The Supreme Court clarifies that the 60-day period for filing certiorari is counted from receipt of the denial of a motion for reconsideration.
Dismissal for Judicial Misconduct: Impartiality and Diligence in Granting Hospital Confinement
A judge's dismissal for granting hospital confinement without hearing shows why diligence and impartiality are non-negotiable in every judicial act.