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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Mortgage in Good Faith: Upholding Banks' Due Diligence in Real Estate Transactions
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when banks qualify as mortgagees in good faith despite defective titles, protecting foreclosures.
Sheriff's Extortion and Neglect of Duty: A Supreme Court Lesson on Court Personnel Integrity
Supreme Court ruling on a sheriff's extortion and neglect of duty, reaffirming that sheriffs must execute writs with diligence and integrity.
Employer Liability: Proving Due Diligence in Employee Negligence Cases
Employers face liability for employee negligence unless they prove due diligence in selection and supervision. Learn the rules from a Supreme Court case.
Dismissal of Actions: Balancing Diligence and the Courts Duty in Philippine Legal Proceedings
Philippine courts balance procedural diligence with the duty to decide cases on their merits. This article explains dismissal rules, grounds, and practical guidance.
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.
Employer Liability for Vehicular Accidents: Proving Due Diligence in Hiring Drivers
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies employer liability for driver negligence, emphasizing documentary proof of due diligence in hiring and supervision.
Employer Liability for Employee Negligence: Proving Diligence in Selection and Supervision
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when employers can escape liability for employee negligence under Article 2180 of the Civil Code.
Dismissal of Action: Intervenors' Rights and the Duty to Diligently Prosecute Claims
When a case is dismissed for failure to prosecute, intervenors generally lose their right to continue the suit. The Supreme Court explains why diligence matters.
Good Faith vs Actual Knowledge: Resolving Land Disputes in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on finality of judgments, petitions for relief, and banks' duty of diligence in land mortgage disputes.
Untangling Mortgage Disputes: Good Faith, Due Diligence, and Finality of Judgments
A Supreme Court ruling on mortgage disputes, good faith, and why final and executory judgments bind all parties.
Good Faith vs Due Diligence: Unmasking the Innocent Purchaser Doctrine
The Supreme Court clarifies that buyers of registered land must go beyond the title when circumstances raise suspicion. Learn the limits of the innocent purchaser defense.
Breach of Legal Duty Attorney Neglect and the Imperative of Diligence in Legal Representation
A lawyer's neglect of a client's case violates the Code of Professional Responsibility, even if fees are later refunded.
Upholding Real Estate Mortgage Validity Forgery Claims AND DUE Diligence IN Banking Transactions
Good Faith vs Due Diligence: Protecting Land Titles in the Philippines
When can a forged land title become valid? The Supreme Court explains the limits of good faith and due diligence for property buyers.
Upholding Client Trust Attorney Suspended FOR Negligence AND Lack OF Diligence
Lawyer suspended six months for neglecting client's annulment case despite receiving P250,000. Learn the duties lawyers owe clients.
Attorney Accountability: Negligence in Handling a Client's Appeal and Ethical Responsibilities
A lawyer's failure to file an appeal brief on time leads to suspension, reinforcing the duty of diligence in legal representation.
Clerks of Court and Simple Neglect of Duty: The Migriño Case on Delayed Execution
The Supreme Court held a Clerk of Court liable for simple neglect of duty for delays in scheduling and executing a final judgment, affirming that court personnel must act with diligence.
Lawyer Suspended for Neglecting Client’s Case and Defying Court Orders
A lawyer’s duty of diligence and obedience to court orders, explained through a Supreme Court ruling suspending Atty. Reni M. Dublin for six months.
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.
Bank's Duty of Diligence in Home Loans: Comsavings Bank v. Capistrano
When a bank makes a borrower pre-sign a house completion certificate, it breaches its duty of highest diligence and may be liable for damages.
Lawyer Admonished for Neglect of Client's Case: Upholding Competence and Diligence
A lawyer's failure to file a timely appeal leads to admonition, reinforcing the duty of competence and diligence under the Code of Professional Responsibility.
Banks Must Exercise Higher Diligence: Land Bank v. Poblete on Mortgage in Bad Faith
When a bank accepts a mortgage over property it failed to verify, it risks losing protection as a mortgagee in good faith.
School Bus Operators Are Common Carriers: Extraordinary Diligence and Liability for Student Safety
A school bus operator is a common carrier bound by extraordinary diligence. The Supreme Court explains liability for student deaths.
Sheriffs Duty Balancing Execution Of Writs With Due Diligence And Impartiality
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on judges' duty to decide cases within 90 days, and the consequences of delay.