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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Estafa Corporate Liability vs Personal Liability in Loan Agreements
When is a corporate officer personally liable for estafa in a loan deal? The Supreme Court clarifies the line between criminal fraud and civil debt.
Mastermind Liability When Inducement Leads to Robbery and Carnapping
When a mastermind induces others to commit robbery and carnapping, Philippine law holds them fully liable for all consequences.
Bank Manager's Acquittal in Graft Case Does Not Erase Civil Liability for Negligence
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that acquittal in a criminal graft case does not automatically absolve a bank manager from civil liability for negligence.
Sheriffs Must Follow Execution Procedures Exactly or Face Administrative Liability
A sheriff who skipped the demand step before garnishing and levying property was suspended for simple misconduct by the Supreme Court.
Judicial Accountability Balancing Discretion AND Duty IN Search Warrant Issuance
A Supreme Court ruling on administrative liability clarifies the balance between judicial discretion in search warrants and accountability for neglect.
Conditional Settlement Protecting Seafarers Rights In Maritime Death Benefit Claims
Supreme Court rules a one-sided conditional settlement of a seafarer's death benefit claim cannot erase the employer's liability.
Partnership vs Estafa: When a Partner's Misappropriation Becomes a Crime
The Supreme Court clarifies when a partner's failure to account for funds crosses from civil liability to criminal estafa under Philippine law.
Contractual Negligence: Defining the Scope of Liability in Service Agreements
A Supreme Court ruling on surety bonds clarifies when a contractor's breach triggers full liability, and how compensation applies.
When Banks Can Refuse Payment: B.P. 22 and Bank Closure in Cu v. SB Corp.
Supreme Court ruling on B.P. 22 liability when a bank is closed by the Monetary Board and placed under PDIC receivership.
Vicarious Liability: When Employers Are Liable for Employee Torts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when employers are vicariously liable for employee torts under Article 2180, and how due diligence in selection and supervision can defeat liability.
Court Employees' Misappropriation of Funds: Administrative Liability and Penalties
Explore the Supreme Court's ruling on court employees found guilty of dishonesty and grave misconduct for misappropriating judiciary funds.
Inheritance Limits: Heirs' Liability in Property Disputes Clarified
The Supreme Court rules that heirs impleaded in property cases are liable only up to their inherited shares, not beyond.
Death Abates Criminal Liability: What Happens When the Accused Dies Before Final Judgment
When an accused dies before final judgment, criminal liability is extinguished. Learn the rule and its limits under Philippine law.
Traffic Violations and Negligence: When Driving on the Wrong Lane Determines Liability in Collisions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how traffic violations like wrong-lane driving establish negligence and liability in vehicle collisions.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: Director Liability in Investment Fraud Cases
When can directors be personally liable for corporate fraud? The Supreme Court's ruling in Virata v. Ng Wee provides clear guidance.
Telegraphic Transfers and Bank Liability: Understanding the Limits of Negligence
The Supreme Court clarifies when a bank's duty ends in telegraphic transfers and why courts cannot rule on unpleaded negligence claims.
Liability FOR Damages When A Winning Party Isnt Always Liable
Court Personnel’s Failure to Pay Just Debts: Administrative Liability Explained
Court employees who borrow from lawyers with pending cases and fail to pay face administrative sanctions. Learn the rules.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: Employers' Liability for Unremitted SSS Contributions
Supreme Court clarifies that corporations cannot hide behind separate personality to escape liability for unremitted SSS contributions.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: Employer Liability for SSS Contributions Despite Officers' Acquittal
A corporation cannot escape SSS contribution liability merely because its officers were acquitted in the criminal case. The Supreme Court explains why.
Death of Accused Extinguishes Criminal Liability and Abates Criminal Action
Supreme Court clarifies that an accused's death extinguishes criminal liability and abates the criminal action, citing the Revised Penal Code.
Protecting the Vulnerable: Upholding Conviction in Child Sexual Abuse Cases in the Philippines
The Supreme Court affirms the conviction of a man for two counts of rape, clarifying conspiracy liability and the weight given to a minor victim's credible testimony.
Check Fraud Liability: When a Drawee Bank Can Recover From a Collecting Bank
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a drawee bank can avoid liability for unauthorized check payments and how drawers can recover directly from negligent collecting banks.
Estafa and Civil Liability: When Acquittal Doesnt Guarantee Freedom From Civil Claims
Explore the distinction between criminal acquittal and civil liability in estafa cases, and how banks can be held accountable.