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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Good Faith and Due Diligence When Lawyers Rely on Official Records
When can a lawyer rely on official receipts without facing disciplinary action? The Supreme Court explains the limits.
Neglect OF Duty IN Court Upholding Diligence IN Record Management
Accountable Officers Liability Upholding Due Diligence in Public Fund Management
Supreme Court ruling on judge's gross ignorance of law in bail and preliminary investigation procedures, reinforcing judicial accountability.
Judicial Diligence: A Judge's Duty to Verify Records and Uphold Impartiality
The Supreme Court reminds judges to verify records and remain impartial, not merely rely on party submissions.
Mortgage in Bad Faith When Due Diligence Falls Short
A mortgagee who fails to verify the identity and authority of the mortgagor is not in good faith and loses protection under PD 1529.
Surety's Due Diligence: Challenging Bail Bond Forfeiture After Finality
A surety cannot belatedly challenge bail bond forfeiture after judgment becomes final. Learn the proper remedies and procedural deadlines.
Counsel's Negligence Is Not Excusable: Land Bank's Duty of Diligence in Legal Matters
SC rules counsel's heavy workload is not excusable negligence; procedural rules bind even government agencies like Land Bank.
When Counsel's Negligence Binds the Client: Due Diligence in Appeals
The Supreme Court clarifies when a lawyer's failure to act diligently on an appeal binds the client, and what counts as notice of a decision.
Attorney Suspended for Neglect of Duty and Failure to Serve Client With Diligence
A lawyer who accepted fees but failed to act on a client's case was suspended for six months and ordered to return the money.
Accountability in the Judiciary: Upholding Diligence in Court Administration
The Supreme Court holds clerks of court to strict standards of diligence, ruling that delayed transmittal of appeal records constitutes simple neglect of duty.
Civil Liability After Acquittal: Investment Fraud and Due Diligence in the Philippines
When does an acquittal in estafa still leave room for civil liability? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on damages, conspiracy, and investor due diligence.
Carrier Liability for Passenger Safety: Extraordinary Diligence in Public Transportation
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies common carrier liability, extraordinary diligence, and delivery standards in breach of contract cases.
Upholding Diligence AN Attorneys Duty TO Competently Handle Client Matters AND THE Consequences OF Negligence
Extraordinary Diligence in Cargo Delivery: Common Carrier Responsibilities and Liabilities
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies common carrier extraordinary diligence standards in cargo delivery disputes, balancing shipper protections with carrier defenses.
When a Lawyer Drops the Ball: Lessons from Edquibal v. Ferrer on Diligence and Client Trust
A Supreme Court ruling on lawyer negligence in appeals, explaining counsel's duty of diligence and what clients should expect.
Lawyers Must Uphold Diligence and Fidelity in Legal Representation
A lawyer who fails to file an appellate brief faces suspension. The Supreme Court affirms that neglect of a client's case violates the Code of Professional Responsibility.
Attorneys Duty Balancing Diligence AND Client Communication IN Legal Representation
Negligence of Counsel: When It Justifies Relief From Judgment
When does a lawyer's mistake excuse a client from an adverse ruling? Philippine courts balance diligence and fairness.
Upholding Notarial Duties Accuracy and Diligence in Legal Documentation
A lawyer-notary's failure to observe notarial formalities draws administrative sanctions, even without deceit. Learn the mandatory rules from this Philippine Supreme Court case.
Reconstitution of Lost Titles: The Imperative of Primary Evidence and Due Diligence in Land Registration
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on reconstitution of lost titles, emphasizing primary evidence requirements and due diligence in land registration cases.
Lawyer Negligence in the Philippines: Barbuco v. Beltran on Diligence and Competence
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling suspends a lawyer for six months after a late appellant's brief caused a client's appeal to be dismissed, showing what diligence demands.
Traffic Violations and Negligence: When a Bus Driver's Overtaking Causes Liability
A bus driver who overtakes despite an oncoming car is negligent. Employers must prove diligence in supervision to avoid liability.
Upholding Client Trust: Attorneys' Duty of Diligence and Accountability
Banks must honor commitments in good faith; courts award temperate damages when actual loss can't be precisely proven.
Lawyer Suspended for Late Appeal: Lessons on Diligence and Candor
A lawyer's late appeal and false certification lead to one-year suspension. Learn the ethical duties every Philippine lawyer owes clients and courts.