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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Ownership vs Possession: When an Accused Can File a Separate Civil Action for Quasi-Delict
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when an accused in a criminal case may file a separate civil action for quasi-delict without committing forum-shopping.
When a Civil Case Can Proceed Independently of a Criminal Case
Philippine Supreme Court explains when an independent civil action for fraud may proceed without reservation, even without a non-forum shopping certificate.
Independent Civil Actions Under the Civil Code: No Reservation Needed, Even With a Pending Criminal Case
The Supreme Court clarifies that civil claims based on the Civil Code may proceed independently of criminal cases, with no prior reservation required.
Family Compromise Rule Does Not Apply to Estate Settlement Proceedings
Supreme Court clarifies that Article 222's family compromise requirement applies only to ordinary civil actions, not special proceedings like estate settlement.
Employer Liability in Philippine Negligence Cases: Independent Civil Actions for Damages
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies employer liability for employee negligence and the right to file independent civil actions for damages.
Sandiganbayan Jurisdiction Over Special Civil Actions: The Abbot Ruling
When can the Sandiganbayan hear certiorari and prohibition petitions? The Supreme Court clarifies its expanded jurisdiction under RA 7975.
When a Civil Case Does Not Suspend Criminal Estafa Proceedings
The Supreme Court clarifies when a civil action for nullity of trust receipts is not a prejudicial question that suspends criminal estafa cases.
Trust Receipts and Estafa: Why a Civil Case Does Not Stop Criminal Prosecution
A pending civil action to nullify trust receipts is not a prejudicial question that bars criminal prosecution for estafa under Philippine law.
Vicarious Liability: Choosing Between Criminal and Civil Actions in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when an employer can be held liable for employee negligence and the rule against double recovery.
Reservation of Rights in Quasi-Delict Cases: Protecting Your Civil Claim in the Philippines
Learn when you must reserve your right to file an independent civil action for quasi-delict under Article 2176 of the Civil Code.
Prejudicial Question Doctrine: When Civil Cases Halt Criminal Proceedings in the Philippines
Understand the prejudicial question doctrine in Philippine criminal procedure, including when courts may suspend criminal cases pending civil actions.
Can an Accused File a Counterclaim in a Criminal Case? The Rule in Cabaero
Explains when accused may file counterclaims in criminal cases, citing Cabaero v. Cantos and the rule on implied civil actions.
Counterclaims in Criminal Cases: When Can the Accused Seek Damages?
The Supreme Court in Cabaero v. Cantos clarifies when an accused may file a counterclaim for damages in a criminal case, and when a separate civil action is required.
Death of Accused Before Final Judgment: Civil Liability Extinguished Under Bayotas Doctrine
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that death of accused before final judgment extinguishes criminal and civil liability ex delicto, but separate civil action may survive.