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 and Disbarment: Upholding Legal Ethics in the Philippines
The Supreme Court disbarred a lawyer for gross negligence and deceit, reaffirming that lawyers must uphold the highest standards of integrity and diligence.
When Can a Lawyer Be Disbarred in the Philippines? Gross Negligence Explained
Learn when lawyer negligence leads to disbarment in the Philippines, based on a Supreme Court ruling on a counsel who abandoned a client.
Gross Negligence of Counsel Can Restore the Right to Appeal in Criminal Cases
When a lawyer's gross negligence and misrepresentations cause a client to lose the right to appeal, the Supreme Court may recall the entry of judgment and reinstate the appeal.
Gross Negligence of Counsel: When Final Convictions Can Be Reopened for Due Process
When a lawyer's gross negligence and lies cost a client the right to appeal, the Supreme Court may recall a final judgment to protect due process.
Understanding Gross Negligence and Due Process in Employee Termination: Insights from a Landmark Philippine Ca
The Supreme Court clarifies probationary employment standards, performance appraisal, and due process in termination cases under Philippine labor law.
Understanding Gross Negligence in Public Office: Insights from a Landmark Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of criminal liability for public officers under the Anti-Graft law, emphasizing the right against double jeopardy.
Simple vs Gross Negligence in Public Service: The Trinidad Case
Understanding the fine line between simple and gross negligence in public service through the Supreme Court's ruling in Trinidad v. Ombudsman.
Understanding Lawyer Negligence in Ejectment Cases: The Violago Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies when a lawyer's errors in ejectment cases amount to gross negligence warranting discipline, and when they do not.
When Counsel's Gross Negligence Excuses Procedural Lapses: B.E. San Diego v. Bernardo
A Supreme Court ruling on when gross negligence of counsel can excuse procedural errors and prevent deprivation of property rights.
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.
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.
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.
Upholding Employee Dismissal FOR Gross Negligence DUE Process AND Employer Trust
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.
Upholding Competence and Diligence: Attorney Suspended for Neglect of Client's Case
A lawyer's suspension from practice does not end his duty to clients. The Supreme Court suspends Atty. Baterina for gross negligence.
Negligence in Keeping Records Leads to Dismissal: Colegio de Sta. Rosa-Makati Case Analysis
Philippine Supreme Court affirms dismissal of school physician for gross negligence in keeping student medical records. Learn the legal standards.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Gross Negligence of Counsel Can Reopen Litigation to Protect Due Process
When counsel's gross negligence denies a client his day in court, the litigation may be reopened to protect due process.
Court Clerk’s 6-Year Appeal Delay: Gross Negligence of Duty
Branch clerk fined P20,000 for gross negligence in failing to transmit appeal records to the Court of Appeals within the 30-day rule.
When Is a Nurse's Negligence Serious Misconduct? The Medical Center Manila Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a nurse's lapse amounts to gross negligence justifying dismissal, and when suspension is the proper penalty.
When Pilots' Negligence Is the Proximate Cause: The 2010 Runway Collision Ruling
Supreme Court rules on proximate cause in the 1996 NAIA runway collision, holding pilots liable for gross negligence despite air traffic clearances.