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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Caveat Venditor: Housing Developers Bear Responsibility for Hidden Defects
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on developer liability for hidden structural defects under Civil Code warranty and PD 957.
Conspiracy and Probable Cause in Corporate Criminal Cases: The Ient v. Tullett Prebon Ruling
Supreme Court clarifies when conspiracy and probable cause establish criminal liability for corporate officers under the Corporation Code.
When Courts Reject Negligence Claims: The Quasi-Delict Standard in Vehicular Accidents
The Supreme Court affirms that factual findings on negligence in quasi-delict cases bind appellate review, clarifying driver liability under Philippine law.
Surety’s Liability: The Extent and Limits Under Philippine Law
Understand the scope of a surety’s obligations in the Philippines, including liability limits, defenses, and key legal principles.
Illegal Dismissal and Corporate Liability: The People's Security, Inc. Case
Supreme Court clarifies illegal dismissal rules, abandonment defense, and when corporate officers may be held personally liable.
Due Process and Corporate Liability: When Can a Corporate Officer Be Held Personally Liable
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when corporate officers can be held personally liable for labor judgments and why due process matters.
Parent Company Liability for Employee Benefits in Labor Disputes
When can a parent company be held solidarily liable for its subsidiary's unpaid employee benefits? The Supreme Court explains.
Illegal Recruitment and Estafa: Liability for Promising Overseas Work
The Supreme Court affirmed convictions for illegal recruitment in large scale and estafa where accused spouses promised overseas jobs without a POEA license.
Solidary Liability of Recruitment Agencies Survives Accreditation Transfer
A recruitment agency remains solidarily liable with the foreign principal for overseas workers' claims even after transferring accreditation to another agency.
Rape of Persons with Intellectual Disability: Consent and Criminal Liability in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies that sexual intercourse with a person with intellectual disability constitutes rape, as they cannot give valid consent.
Employer Liability for Vehicle Accidents: When Is an Employee Acting Within the Scope of Employment?
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when employers are liable for vehicle accidents caused by employees acting outside their assigned tasks.
Death of Accused Pending Appeal Extinguishes Criminal Liability: People v. Layag
The Supreme Court explains how an accused's death before final conviction extinguishes criminal liability and what happens to civil claims.
Extinguishment of Criminal Liability: Death of the Accused Before Final Judgment
The Supreme Court clarifies that an accused's death before final judgment extinguishes criminal liability and the civil liability ex delicto, citing Article 89 of the RPC.
Corporate Officer Liability: When Directors Can Be Held Personally Liable for Corporate Debts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when corporate officers may be held personally liable for corporate debts and labor awards.
When Are Public Officials Liable for Disallowed Expenses: Good Faith vs. Accountability
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when public officials face liability for disallowed expenses, balancing public accountability with good faith performance.
When a Spouse's Consent Is Missing: Void Mortgages and Conjugal Liability
A mortgage on conjugal property without the other spouse's consent is void, but the loan itself may still bind the family.
Discernment Requirement for Minors: Key Lessons from Dorado v. People
Supreme Court clarifies that discernment, not intent, determines criminal liability of minors aged 15-18 under RA 9344.
School Liability for Student Safety in Off-Campus Activities: The St. Luke's Case
The Supreme Court holds schools liable for student safety in required off-campus activities, ruling on negligence and contractual obligations.
Good Faith in Arrests: When Police Mistaken Identity Is Not Grave Misconduct
The Supreme Court clarifies when a police officer's good-faith mistake in executing an arrest warrant shields them from administrative liability for grave misconduct.
Cargo Loss Liability: When Bad Weather Is Not a "Peril of the Sea"
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when bad weather excuses a common carrier from cargo loss, defining "storm" and "peril of the sea."
Upholding Due Process in Dismissals: The Four-Fold Test and Employer Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies the four-fold test for employer-employee relationships and the need for due process in dismissals.
Solidary Liability in Real Estate Contracts: Understanding Co-Sellers' Obligations
When do co-sellers remain liable after foreclosure? The Supreme Court clarifies deficiency obligations, payment application, and solidary liability.
Solidary Liability in Subdivision Sales: AFP Retirement System v. Sanvictores
Supreme Court holds co-sellers jointly liable under Contract to Sell, explaining solidary obligations and apparent authority under Philippine law.
Specific Denial: How Philippine Courts Determine Liability in Contractual Obligations
The Supreme Court clarifies when a third-party complaint may be denied and how contractual liability for delivering clean title is determined.