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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
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.
Reckless Driving and Criminal Intent: Establishing Liability in Vehicular Accidents
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when reckless driving rises to criminal negligence versus mere administrative liability in vehicular accidents.
Dismissal of Appeals for Incomplete Documentation: What Celestial v. People Teaches Litigants
Learn how failure to file an appellant's brief can end an appeal, and what the Supreme Court said about counsel's negligence in Celestial v. People.
Final and Executory Labor Decisions Cannot Be Reopened on Grounds of Counsel Negligence
Supreme Court rules final labor arbiter decisions stand despite counsel negligence, explaining appeal bond rules and finality of judgments.
Negligence in Appeals: When a Lawyer's Delay Can Cost You Your Case
A party who sleeps on its rights cannot blame counsel for an abandoned appeal. Learn the finality rule.
Upholding Professional Responsibility Attorneys Negligence AND Dishonesty IN Handling Client Affairs
Contributory Negligence in Property Disputes: Balancing Rights and Responsibilities
When adjoining landowners cause damage to each other, Philippine courts weigh contributory negligence in awarding damages. Learn from the Vergara v. Sonkin case.
Supreme Court Affirms Negligence Ruling in Subrogation Claim Over Vehicular Accident
SC affirms insurer's subrogation claim, holding driver negligent and owner vicariously liable for damages from a 2014 collision.
Negligence and Vicarious Liability in Road Accidents: Insights from G.R. No. 279772
The Supreme Court affirms that overtaking on a road shoulder constitutes negligence, holding both driver and employer solidarily liable for damages.
Notarial Negligence and Lawyer Accountability: Lessons from Heirs of Alilano v. Atty. Examen
A lawyer's notarial duties are personal and cannot be delegated. Learn what two-year suspension means for notarial practice in the Philippines.
Negligence and Maritime Law: Res Ipsa Loquitur in Cargo Handling Disputes
When a hidden metal bar in a ship's cargo hold damages an arrastre operator's unloader, who pays? The Supreme Court applies res ipsa loquitur.
The Doctor's Dilemma: Hospital Liability in Medical Negligence Cases in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on medical negligence, physician-patient duty, and hospital solidary liability under Article 2180 of the Civil Code.
When Counsels Negligence Risks Conviction Balancing Client Responsibility AND DUE Process
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.
Employer Liability for Driver Negligence: R Transport v. Yu on Registered and Actual Owners
The Supreme Court holds employers directly and solidarily liable for a negligent driver's acts, even if another entity is the bus's registered owner.
Indigency and Access to Courts: Balancing Constitutional Rights with Procedural Rules
The Supreme Court clarifies when counsel's negligence binds clients and why procedural rules on appeals remain jurisdictional.
Negligence of Counsel and Due Process: Lessons from People v. Tapugay
How the Supreme Court balanced procedural lapses in drug evidence handling against the accused's right to due process in People v. Tapugay.
Attorney Negligence and Breach of Duty: When a Lawyer's Inaction Costs a Client the Case
A Supreme Court ruling on lawyer accountability: negligence and lack of candor lead to a two-year suspension from practice.
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.
Client Responsibility: The Binding Nature of Counsel Negligence in Philippine Law
When does a lawyer's mistake bind the client? The Supreme Court explains the rule on counsel negligence and the client's duty to monitor cases.
Solidary Liability When Negligence in Construction Leads to Shared Responsibility
When two parties' separate negligent acts combine to cause one injury, Philippine law treats them as joint tortfeasors solidarily liable for all damages.
Attorney Suspended for Misusing Client Funds and Negligence in Title Transfer
A lawyer's two-year suspension for mishandling client funds and negligence in property title transfer, and the ethical rules violated.