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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Default Judgments: Excusable Negligence and Timely Remedies in Philippine Courts
Understand when Philippine courts set aside default orders, what counts as excusable negligence, and the remedies available to defendants.
Default Judgments: Excusable Negligence and Timely Remedies in Philippine Courts
Understand default judgments in Philippine courts, the strict rules on excusable negligence, and the timely remedies available to defendants.
Breach of Warranty Against Eviction: A Seller's Duty to Defend Property Title
When a seller's gross negligence in defending title causes the buyer's eviction, the seller acts in bad faith and must pay damages under Article 1555 of the Civil Code.
Upholding Notarial Duties: Consequences for Negligence in Document Authentication
The Supreme Court reminds notaries public that notarization is no empty act, and negligence carries serious professional consequences.
Annulment of Judgment: When a Lawyer's Negligence Is Not Extrinsic Fraud
Supreme Court clarifies that a lawyer's negligence is not extrinsic fraud for annulment of judgment under Rule 47.
Annulment of Judgment: Extrinsic Fraud Must Be Caused by the Adverse Party
The Supreme Court clarifies that a lawyer's negligence is not extrinsic fraud for annulment of judgment under Rule 47.
Extrinsic Fraud and Annulment of Judgment: What Litigants Must Know
The Supreme Court clarifies that a lawyer's negligence is not extrinsic fraud, and explains the strict requirements for annulling a final judgment under Rule 47.
Civil Liability Despite Acquittal When Medical Negligence Results in Damages
Acquittal in a criminal case does not erase civil liability. Learn how Philippine courts award damages based on preponderance of evidence.
Grave Misconduct and Discretion: Analyzing Quasi-Judicial Errors in Labor Disputes
When can courts overturn NLRC rulings? This case clarifies grave abuse of discretion and negligence standards in labor disputes.
Employer Negligence and the Duty of Supervision: Retirement Benefits Case
Supreme Court ruling on when banks can deduct retirement benefits for employee negligence, and the limits of supervisory liability.
Proximate Cause in Quasi-Delict Cases: Linking Negligence to Injury
The Supreme Court clarifies that in quasi-delict cases, the plaintiff must prove proximate causation by preponderance of evidence.
Upholding Attorney Duty Truthfulness in Legal Filings and the Scope of Disciplinary Actions
The Supreme Court clarifies that bad faith in graft cases requires dishonest purpose, not mere error or negligence.
Quasi-Delict Liability in Vehicular Accidents: What the Supreme Court Ruling Means
A recent Supreme Court ruling clarifies negligence, vicarious liability, and insurer subrogation in Philippine vehicular accident claims.
Losing the Right to Appeal: Understanding Finality of Judgments in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling explains why a convicted person who misses the 15-day appeal period loses the right to appeal—and why counsel's negligence binds the client.
Attorney's Negligence Leads to Suspension: Upholding Diligence in Legal Representation
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for five years for gross negligence in criminal defense, reaffirming counsel's duty of diligence and fidelity to clients.
Grave Negligence and Public Office Accountability for Improper Land Use in Infrastructure Projects
When can a city engineer be criminally liable for a public works project built on private land? The Supreme Court explains gross inexcusable negligence under R.A. 3019.
Gross Negligence in Cash Advances Is Breach of Public Trust: Bacasmas v. Sandiganbayan
Public officials who approve irregular cash advances face graft liability. The Supreme Court explains gross negligence, bad faith, and conspiracy in Bacasmas v. Sandiganbayan.
Upholding Attorney Accountability: Negligence and Breach of Professional Duty
A lawyer's failure to attend hearings, file pleadings, and inform clients breaches the Code of Professional Responsibility and warrants suspension.
Jail Officers Negligence Defining Gross Misconduct in Public Service
Supreme Court ruling on when a jail officer's negligence and consent to a prisoner's escape constitutes gross misconduct in public service.
Lawyer Suspended for Failing to Appeal Client's Quo Warranto Case
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for three months for gross negligence in failing to appeal a quo warranto decision, causing client's removal from office.
Unexplained Wealth and SALN Omissions: Balancing Dishonesty and Simple Negligence in Public Office
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on freeze orders, unexplained wealth, and SALN omissions in public office explained in plain language.
Parking Liability When Negligence Doesn't Extend to the Property Owner
When a car is stolen from a paid parking lot, who pays? The Supreme Court explains when the property owner escapes liability.
Balancing Justice and Procedure When Attorney Negligence Threatens a Client's Appeal
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may relax procedural rules, holding that a counsel's ordinary negligence binds the client and cannot justify a late appeal.
Hotel Liability After Huang v. Philippine Hoteliers: When a Guest’s Own Negligence Bars Damages
A guest’s own negligence can defeat a hotel injury claim. Learn the quasi-delict rules from Huang v. Philippine Hoteliers, Inc.