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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Accountability for Accomplices: Conspiracy in Carnapping with Homicide
How the Supreme Court held four accused liable for carnapping with homicide through conspiracy, and what this means for accomplice liability.
Court Personnel Liability: When Moonlighting Becomes Simple Misconduct
A sheriff's money lending business during office hours constitutes simple misconduct. Learn the rules on court personnel conduct and penalties.
Arson and Homicide: How the Primary Motive Determines Criminal Liability
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a death during a fire is absorbed by arson or punished separately, based on the offender's main objective.
Resignation VS Reinstatement When CAN A Government Employee Reverse Course
Can a government employee escape administrative liability by resigning or transferring? The Supreme Court clarifies the rule in a recent ruling.
Promoting Prostitution vs Trafficking: Liability Under the Anti-Trafficking Act
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between trafficking in persons and acts that promote trafficking under RA 9208.
Condonation Doctrine and Nepotism: A Mayor's Administrative Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies when the condonation doctrine applies and holds a mayor liable for nepotism in water district appointments.
Falsified Documents and Fraud: How Courts Determine Liability in Complex Crimes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how courts determine liability when falsified documents and fraud are alleged, using a forged deed of sale case.
Subsidiary Liability of Employers: Execution Against Employers for Employees' Civil Delicts
Supreme Court clarifies when employers may be held subsidiarily liable for employees' civil liability arising from criminal acts.
Packaging Errors and Liability: Who Pays When Contract Manufacturing Goes Wrong
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on who bears liability for defective packaging in contract manufacturing agreements, explained in plain language.
IPRA Does Not Shield Indigenous Peoples From Criminal Prosecution
The Supreme Court clarifies that the Indigenous Peoples' Rights Act cannot be used to evade criminal liability or strip courts of jurisdiction over criminal cases.
Death Before Final Judgment Extinguishes Criminal Liability: People v. Gallardo
When an accused dies before final conviction, criminal and civil liability ex delicto are extinguished. Learn the rule from People v. Gallardo.
Death of Accused Pending Appeal Extinguishes Criminal Liability in Rape Cases
Supreme Court explains how an accused's death before final conviction extinguishes criminal and civil liability ex delicto, citing Article 89 of the Revised Penal Code.
When a Freight Forwarder Becomes a Common Carrier: Liability for Damaged Cargo
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a freight forwarder is treated as a common carrier and held liable for damaged goods under the Civil Code.
Freight Forwarder Liability for Cargo Damage: Proving Negligence in Claims
A freight forwarder acting as a common carrier is presumed negligent when cargo arrives damaged. Learn the legal rules from a 2019 Supreme Court ruling.
Good Faith Prevails Reassessing Liability in Disallowed Government Benefits
A lawyer's good faith in claiming disallowed benefits shields him from liability, but procedural lapses still draw sanctions.
Overseas Workers' Money Claims: Labor Arbiter Jurisdiction and Agency Solidary Liability
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies Labor Arbiter jurisdiction over overseas workers' illegal dismissal claims and recruitment agencies' solidary liability.
Cargo Hijacking and Liability: Breach of Contract and Subrogation Rules
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on who bears liability when a subcontracted truck carrying insured cargo is hijacked.
When Self-Defense Claims Fall Short: The Miranda Case on Unlawful Aggression
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when self-defense fails and how a victim's provocation can still mitigate criminal liability in Philippine law.
Good Faith in Government Procurement: Protecting Public Officials From Personal Liability
Learn when good faith shields public officials from refunding disallowed benefits, and when it does not, under Philippine law.
Relief From Accountability: Proving Diligence in Handling Public Funds Despite Loss
When can an accountable officer be relieved from liability for lost public funds? The Supreme Court clarifies the standard of diligence in Callang v. COA.
Accomplice Liability: Proving the Degree of Participation in Homicide Cases
When is a person an accomplice rather than a principal in a killing? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on participation and liability.
Treachery's Shadow: Redefining Murder and Homicide in Philippine Law
When does a killing become murder instead of homicide? The Supreme Court clarifies the role of treachery in bail hearings and criminal liability.
Drug Use and Due Process: When a Quashed Search Warrant Does Not Erase Administrative Liability
A sheriff dismissed for drug use despite quashed search warrant—why administrative cases stand apart from criminal cases.
Undue Delay and Insubordination: When Judges Must Answer to the Supreme Court
A judge's failure to resolve motions and obey Court directives leads to administrative liability. Learn the rules and penalties.