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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Quasi-Delict Damages and Court Jurisdiction: Filing in the Right Philippine Court
Learn how Philippine courts determine jurisdiction in quasi-delict damage claims, based on the Supreme Court ruling in Iniego v. Purganan.
When Rape Is Attempted, Not Consummated: The Miranda Case on Penetration
The Supreme Court clarifies when rape is attempted rather than consummated, and how penalties and damages differ under Philippine law.
Breach of Contract and Banks Duty: Damages for Malicious Suspension of Credit Line
A bank that maliciously suspends a credit line breaches its contract and may be liable for damages, as the Supreme Court ruled in Republic Planters Bank v. Montinola.
Telegram Delay Philippine Supreme Court Clarifies Liability FOR Communication Service Failures
Philippine Supreme Court rules on telecom liability for delayed telegram delivery, clarifying breach of contract, quasi-delict, and moral damages.
Abuse of Rights Doctrine When Protecting Your Property Harms Your Neighbor Philippine Jurisprudence
Philippine jurisprudence on the abuse of rights doctrine: when protecting property harms neighbors, courts may award damages under Article 21.
Bank Negligence and Dishonored Checks: When Is a Bank Liable?
A bank’s failure to credit a deposit can make it liable for damages when checks are dishonored. Lessons from Prudential Bank v. Lim.
Moral Damages Count in Determining Court Jurisdiction in Quasi-Delict Cases
The Supreme Court rules that moral damages claims are part of the jurisdictional amount in quasi-delict cases for physical injuries.
Banks' Duty of Care: Liability for Unauthorized Withdrawals and Moral Damages
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on bank liability for unauthorized withdrawals, gross negligence, and awards of moral and exemplary damages.
When Banks Breach Fiduciary Duty: Liability for Unauthorized Withdrawals
Supreme Court ruling on bank liability for unauthorized withdrawals by employees, moral damages, and the fiduciary duty of banks to depositors.
Eminent Domain and Timeliness: When Property Owners Lose the Right to Claim Damages Against the Government
A Supreme Court ruling explains why property owners who win dismissal of an expropriation case must still act promptly to claim damages.
Dismissed Counterclaims and Deposit Withdrawal After Failed Expropriation
When expropriation fails, can property owners still recover damages? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on compulsory counterclaims and deposit withdrawal.
Equitable Reduction of Penalties When Courts Can Adjust Contractual Damages in the Philippines
Philippine courts can reduce contractual penalties and liquidated damages when they are unconscionable or when the obligation was partly performed.
Breach of Contract: When Failure to Deliver Justifies Rescission and Damages
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a party's substantial breach of a reciprocal contract entitles the injured party to rescind and claim damages.
NLRC vs Regular Courts: Where to File Damages Claims in Dismissal Cases
Learn when illegal dismissal damages claims belong to the NLRC labor arbiter, not regular courts, under Article 217 of the Labor Code.
Fatal Flaw Dismissal FOR Failure TO Specify Damages Claimed
A misjoined party plaintiff's failure to sign the verification and certification against forum-shopping is not a ground to dismiss the complaint.
Passport Loss Liability: Negligence and Damages in LBC Express v. Ado
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on carrier liability for lost passport, damages rules, and proof requirements in LBC Express v. Ado.
Due Process in Dismissal: Nominal Damages for Procedural Violations in Philippine Labor Law
Learn when Philippine courts award nominal damages, not backwages, for procedural due process violations in employee dismissal cases.
Civil Liability Arising From Crime: Preserving the Right to Indemnification
A crime victim's reserved civil action for damages ex delicto survives even after the quasi-delict claim prescribes, the Supreme Court rules.
Due Process in Employment Termination: Balancing Employer Authority and Employee Rights in Dismissal Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the two-notice rule and hearing requirement in dismissal cases, and the nominal damages for procedural lapses.
Retrenchment and Due Process: Balancing Business Needs and Employee Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies retrenchment rules, due process, and damages in Clarion Printing House v. NLRC.
Substantial Justice Prevails Dismissal Based ON Technicality Overturned IN Procedural Rules Dispute
The Supreme Court clarifies the rule on dismissals without due process, awarding nominal damages instead of reinstatement.
Due Process in Termination: Employer's Duty to Give Notice and Hearing
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that dismissal without notice and hearing, even with just cause, results in nominal damages.
Reckless Imprudence and Damages in Vehicular Homicide: Key Rules from Nueva España
The Supreme Court clarifies reckless imprudence liability, proof of damages, and employer subsidiary liability in vehicular homicide cases.
Road Repair Responsibility When Negligence Leads to Liability
When road diggings lack warning devices, local governments may be liable for damages. The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on negligence, moral damages, and gross negligence.