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 Acquittal and Civil Liability: Distinguishing Ex Delicto From Ex Contractu
When an estafa acquittal rests on a contract, civil liability ex delicto cannot be awarded; the creditor must file a separate civil action.
Bouncing Checks and Due Process: Notice of Dishonor as a Shield Against Liability
The Supreme Court acquits a B.P. 22 accused because the prosecution failed to prove she received the notice of dishonor.
Breach of Trust Accountability for Delayed Remittance of Court Funds
Court personnel who delay remitting collected funds face administrative liability, even after full restitution and retirement.
Corporate Liability When a School President's Actions Bind the Institution
When does a school president's act bind the corporation? The Supreme Court explains apparent authority and corporate liability in Georg v. Holy Trinity College.
Extinguishment of Criminal Liability: Death Before Final Judgment in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when death extinguishes criminal and civil liability, applying Article 89 of the Revised Penal Code.
Maritime Law Shipowner Liability and Seafarers Death Benefits: Insurance and Solidary Obligations Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies shipowner liability, POEA-SEC death benefits, insurance proceeds, and solidary obligations in Phil-Nippon Kyoei v. Gudelosao.
Banks' Duty of Utmost Diligence: Liability for Forged Manager's Checks
When a bank clears a counterfeit manager's check bearing its own officers' forged signatures, it bears the loss—not the depositor.
Personal Liability of Public Officials for Unauthorized Legal Services: The Oñate Case
When are public officials personally liable for unauthorized legal services? The Supreme Court clarifies in Oñate v. COA.
Syndicated Estafa and Corporate Liability: When Public Solicitation Pierces the Veil
Supreme Court clarifies when a corporation's real estate sales to the public trigger syndicated estafa liability under P.D. 1689.
Clarifying Debt Liability When Personal Obligations Meet Family Debts
Supreme Court clarifies when assuming a parent's debt creates novation and when interest is due under Philippine law.
Due Process in Administrative Proceedings: The Right to Be Heard Before Liability Is Imposed
The Supreme Court reaffirms that administrative due process requires a real opportunity to be heard before liability is imposed, not just a motion for reconsideration.
Breach of Contract and Surety Bonds: When Extensions Don't Discharge a Surety
A contractor's failure to complete works on time triggers liability for breach and its surety's bond, even when extensions are granted.
Negligence on the Road: When Employer Liability Intersects With Employee Conduct
A Supreme Court ruling on bus driver dismissals clarifies negligence as just cause, procedural due process, and the limits of settlement authority.
Accountability for All: Criminal Liability and Kidnapping for Ransom Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on kidnapping for ransom clarifies liability of principals and accomplices under Article 267, RPC.
Reinstatement Salaries After Business Closure: Employer Liability Rules
When a company validly closes, can workers still claim reinstatement salaries from a reversed Labor Arbiter ruling? The Supreme Court explains.
Accountability in Public Service: Defining Misconduct and the Limits of Official Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between grave and simple misconduct for public officials, and the limits of their liability.
Defining Misconduct in Public Service: The Faller Case on Administrative Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between simple and grave misconduct in public service, and when receiving funds without proper documentation becomes an administrative offense.
Death Abates Criminal Liability: Extinguishment of Penalties and Civil Obligations in Philippine Law
Explaining the Supreme Court rule that death extinguishes criminal liability and penalties, and its effect on civil liability in Philippine criminal cases.
Treachery in Criminal Law: Ensuring Justice for Victims of Violent Crimes in the Philippines
When an accused dies pending appeal, criminal liability ends—but civil liability may survive. Learn the rules from a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Estafa Through Falsification: When Deceit and Forged Documents Overlap
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on estafa through falsification of public documents, explaining deceit, forged signatures, and criminal liability.
Breach of Professional Ethics: Lawyers Cannot Exploit Legal Loopholes for Personal or Client Gain
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when judges face administrative liability for delay, bias, and abuse of judicial discretion.
Judicial Accountability When Delay Undermines Justice in the Philippines
The Supreme Court holds judges accountable for undue delay, clarifying the line between judicial discretion and administrative liability.
Bill of Lading and Carrier Liability: When Delivery Without Surrender Is Allowed
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a carrier may release goods without the original bill of lading, and why the seller's unpaid claim lies against the buyer, not the carrier.
Privatization and Labor Rights: When Asset Transfers Create Employer Liability
A look at when government asset privatization creates employer liability and how workers can claim separation benefits.