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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Res Ipsa Loquitur and Surgeon Liability for Anesthesiologist Negligence
When can a surgeon be held liable for an anesthesiologist's negligence? The Supreme Court's ruling in Bontilao v. Gerona clarifies the limits of res ipsa loquitur and the captain-of-the-ship doctrine
Bank Cashier's Liability for Negligence in Approving Fraudulent Deposits
Supreme Court ruling on a government bank cashier's grave misconduct for approving fraudulent second-endorsed check deposits to a personal account.
When Death of the Accused Before Final Judgment Extinguishes Criminal and Civil Liability
Philippine Supreme Court explains how an accused's death before final judgment extinguishes criminal liability and civil liability ex delicto under the Revised Penal Code.
Breach of Construction Contract: Establishing Liability and Damages in Philippine Law
Learn how Philippine courts determine liability and damages in construction contract breaches, including key rules and practical guidance.
Untimely Appeal, Solidary Liability in Joint Ventures, and the Cost of Procedural Lapses
A Supreme Court ruling on the perils of an untimely appeal, solidary liability in joint ventures, and the high cost of procedural lapses in the Philippines.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: Establishing Alter Ego Liability in Philippine Law
When can a court disregard separate corporate personality and hold a subsidiary liable for its parent's debts? The Supreme Court explains.
Robbery with Homicide Conviction Affirmed: The Role of Force, Intimidation, and Conspiracy
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the elements of robbery with homicide, conspiracy liability, and why denial cannot defeat positive identification.
Death of Accused Pending Appeal Extinguishes Criminal and Civil Liability
When an accused dies while appeal is pending, criminal liability and civil liability ex delicto are extinguished under Article 89 of the Revised Penal Code.
Credit Card Approvals: When Delay Is Not Legal Default
Supreme Court explains when a credit card issuer's delay in approving purchases constitutes legal default and liability for damages.
Death of the Accused Pending Appeal: What Happens to Criminal and Civil Liability
When an accused dies pending appeal, criminal liability and civil liability ex delicto are extinguished. Learn the rules from People v. Ayochok.
Guaranty Obligations DBP's Liability Despite Supplier Change
Supreme Court rules on guaranty liability when supplier changes, implied approval, and burden of proof in payment claims.
Dbps Liability Balancing Loan Obligations AND Fiduciary Duties IN Hotel Project Financing
Bank Accountability for Negligence and Damages in Handling Depositor Accounts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on bank liability for teller negligence causing depositor embarrassment and damages.
Acquittal and Civil Liability: When Reasonable Doubt Shields From Damages
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when an acquittal based on reasonable doubt also bars civil liability claims against the accused.
Acquittal in Murder Case and Civil Liability: The Garces v. Hernandez Ruling
When an acquittal rests on weak prosecution evidence, the court may rule that no civil liability arises. Learn the rules.
Unreasonable Delay in Resolving Ejectment Cases: A Judge's Administrative Liability
Supreme Court holds judge liable for undue delay in ejectment case, emphasizing summary proceedings demand speedy resolution.
Employer Liability in Criminal Cases: When Civil Liability Is Only Subsidiary
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when employers are subsidiarily liable for employee crimes, distinguishing quasi-delict from criminal civil liability.
Employer Liability in Criminal Negligence Cases: When Subsidiary, Not Solidary, Liability Applies
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when employers face subsidiary versus solidary liability for employee crimes like reckless imprudence.
When Public Officials Face Personal Liability for Official Acts
Supreme Court clarifies when school officials may be personally sued for damages and why exhaustion of administrative remedies does not apply.
Security of Tenure in Government Service: When Reorganization Is a Ruse for Illegal Dismissal
The Supreme Court affirms that sham reorganizations violate security of tenure and that mayors acting in bad faith face personal liability for damages.
Judicial Conduct: Impartiality and the Appearance of Impropriety
A judge who dismissed a case without independent review and solemnized the accused's son's wedding faces administrative liability.
Breach of Trust: When Banks Overstep Their Authority Over Depositor Accounts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on bank liability for unauthorized deductions from depositor accounts and the fiduciary duty of banks.
Contractor and Subcontractor Liability for Negligence in Cargo Handling
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on liability of contractors and subcontractors for negligence of employees in cargo delivery operations.
Liability for Negligence: Contractual vs Extra-Contractual Obligations in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when negligence gives rise to contractual liability versus quasi-delict, using a damaged cargo case as example.