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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Local Tax Assessments After Corporate Restructuring: Who Pays?
Supreme Court rules on who bears local business tax liability when a government corporation's operations transfer by law to another entity.
When Judges Are Sued for Judicial Acts: The Limits of Administrative Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies when judges may be held administratively liable for erroneous orders, and when complaints are harassment.
Liability for Negligence: The High Cost of Low-Hanging Wires
A Supreme Court ruling holds an electric cooperative liable for a fatal motorcycle accident caused by low-hanging wires, applying the doctrine of res ipsa loquitur.
SEC Fraud Liability: When Projected Completion Dates Are Not Untrue Statements
Supreme Court clarifies that forward-looking statements in SEC registration filings are not automatically fraudulent misrepresentations under the Securities Regulation Code.
Cyber Libel and Retroactivity: When Facebook Posts Escape Criminal Liability
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling that pre-2012 Facebook posts cannot be prosecuted as cyber libel under the Revised Penal Code.
Reviving Accountability: Condonation Doctrine and Preventive Suspension in Philippine Governance
Supreme Court clarifies the condonation doctrine and preventive suspension rules for public officers facing administrative and criminal liability.
Condonation Doctrine: Limits on Administrative Liability for Re-elected Officials
The Supreme Court clarifies the condonation doctrine's scope, applying it only to elected officials re-elected before April 12, 2016.
Copyright Assignment and Forgery: What the Supreme Court Ruled
A forged Deed of Assignment does not transfer copyright ownership, and using the work anyway can lead to infringement liability.
Financial Support and VAWC Intent: What Denial of Support Really Requires
The Supreme Court clarifies that criminal liability for denial of financial support under VAWC requires willful intent to cause anguish, not mere failure to provide.
Investment Prudence and SSS Officials' Liability in Stock Purchase Decisions
Supreme Court clarifies when SSS officials may be held liable for investment decisions, applying the prudent man standard under the SSS Law.
Forged Signatures and Municipal Liability: Just Compensation for Illegally Constructed Roads
When a municipality builds a road on private land based on a forged deed, the owner may be entitled to just compensation rather than removal of the road.
Discernment in Juvenile Justice: Key Lessons from CICL XXX vs. People
Understand how Philippine courts determine a minor's discernment and criminal liability, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in CICL XXX vs. People.
Illegal Dismissal: Employer Liability After a Prolonged Business Suspension
When a business suspension exceeds six months, employers must validly terminate or recall workers. Learn the rules from a 2023 Supreme Court ruling.
Unlawful Termination Employer Liability FOR Extended Business Suspension AND Retrenchment Requirements
When a business suspension exceeds six months and retrenchment rules are ignored, employers face illegal dismissal liability. Learn the rules.
Cable TV and Copyright: When Retransmission Becomes Infringement
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on cable operators' liability for copyright infringement through videoke channel retransmission.
Public Officer Liability: Good Faith Defense in Anti-Graft Cases
Supreme Court acquits PPA terminal manager in Section 3(e) case, clarifying the limits of criminal liability for public officers acting in good faith.
Safeguarding Public Officials Acquittal Based on Reasonable Doubt in Anti-Graft Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a PPA terminal manager of graft, clarifying the limits of criminal liability for public officials in anti-graft cases.
Breach of Public Trust: Dishonesty and Neglect in Handling Court Funds
Supreme Court rules on liability of government officers for disallowed funds, emphasizing good faith and diligence in public service.
Breach of Public Trust: Accountability for Mismanagement of Court Funds in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling on a clerk of court's liability for fund mismanagement, tampered receipts, and delayed deposits.
Accountability in Public Office: Non-Remittance of GSIS Contributions and the Boundaries of Criminal Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies when public officials face criminal liability for unremitted GSIS contributions, distinguishing violations of RA 8291 from graft under RA 3019.
Good Faith Is Not Enough: PBAC Member's Liability for Skipping Bidding Rules
A provincial engineer's claim of good faith failed to excuse him from administrative liability for approving direct procurement without required safeguards.
Financial Support and VAWC: Defining the Boundaries of Criminal Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies that mere failure to provide financial support is not enough for criminal liability under RA 9262.
Bank Negligence and Fiduciary Duty: PNBS Responsibility to Depositors
When banks fail depositors, liability follows. This case clarifies the fiduciary duty and negligence standards for Philippine banks.
Accountability for False Promises: Illegal Recruitment and Estafa Conviction Analyzed
The Supreme Court affirms conviction for illegal recruitment in large scale and estafa, clarifying liability for false promises of overseas employment.