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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Accountability Behind Bars: Holding Court Cashiers Liable for Fund Shortages
Court clerks and cashiers face administrative liability for delayed remittance of fiduciary funds, even after full restitution, as shown in this 2010 ruling.
From Double Murder to Arson: How Intent Shapes Criminal Liability in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains when setting fire to a house is murder or arson, and why intent determines the crime.
Liability for Dishonored Checks: Clarifying Banks' Duty of Care and the Impact of Incorrect Marking
The Supreme Court clarifies when banks are liable for dishonoring checks, distinguishing DAIF from DAUD and explaining damages.
Court Personnel Misconduct: When Private Dealings Taint the Judiciary
A legal researcher's private transaction led to administrative liability. The Supreme Court explains why court employees must be beyond reproach in personal dealings.
Love Conquers All: Marriage Extinguishes Rape Conviction Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court absolves a convicted rapist after marrying the victim, citing provisions of the Revised Penal Code on marriage as extinguishing criminal liability.
Default Orders and Due Process: Protecting Contractors' Rights in Construction Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on default orders, due process, and corporate officer liability in construction payment disputes.
Seafarers Disability: Work-Related Aggravation and Employer Liability
Supreme Court ruling on seafarer's colon cancer compensability, work-related aggravation, and employer liability for total disability benefits.
Higher Standard of Care for Gun Store Owners: Pacis v. Morales
Gun store owners owe a higher duty of care. The Supreme Court explains liability for accidental shootings under quasi-delict rules.
Gun Store Owners' Negligence Liability for Accidental Shooting Ruled by Supreme Court
Supreme Court holds gun store owner liable for negligence after defective firearm left loaded in unlocked drawer causes fatal accidental shooting.
Treachery and Self-Defense: Examining the Boundaries of Criminal Liability in Philippine Law
A look at how Philippine courts weigh self-defense claims and treachery, and why the burden of proof matters in criminal cases.
Command Responsibility and the Writ of Amparo: Clarifying the Scope of Protection
The Supreme Court clarifies that command responsibility has little bearing in amparo proceedings, which determine accountability, not criminal liability.
Employers' Liability for Employee Negligence: Diligence in Selection and Supervision
Philippine Hawk Corp. v. Lee explains when employers are liable for employee negligence and how to prove diligence in selection and supervision.
Employer Liability for Employee Negligence: Proving Due Diligence in Philippine Law
When can an employer be held liable for an employee's negligence? The Supreme Court explains the due diligence defense in Philippine Hawk v. Lee.
Delayed Remittance of Court Funds: When a Clerk of Court Faces Administrative Liability
A clerk of court kept court funds for nearly a year. The Supreme Court explains why delay alone is gross neglect of duty.
Loss of Confidence and Employer Liability: Philippine Hawk v. Tan Lee
Philippine Hawk v. Tan Lee clarifies employer liability for employee negligence, loss of confidence, and damages in quasi-delict cases under Philippine law.
Affinity Survives Death But Not Falsification: Estafa and Article 332
The Supreme Court rules on whether a son-in-law can invoke the Article 332 exemption from criminal liability for estafa after his wife's death.
Arrastre Operator's Duty of Care: Liability for Lost Cargo After Delivery
When is an arrastre operator liable for lost cargo? The Supreme Court clarifies the duty of care and limits of liability in Asian Terminals v. Daehan.
Illegal Recruitment and Estafa: Distinguishing Roles and Defining Accountability
When do employees of an illegal recruiter face criminal liability? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on conspiracy, syndicate, and penalties.
Resignation Does Not Shield Court Personnel From Administrative Liability for Dishonesty
Court aide's resignation did not erase administrative liability for stealing a judge's money; forfeiture and disqualification still imposed.
Fair Election Practices: Candidates Responsible for Donated Political Ads
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on candidate liability for donated political advertisements under the Fair Elections Act and COMELEC rules.
Selling Subdivision Lots Without A License Hlurb Authority AND Criminal Liability Under PD 957
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that selling subdivision lots without an HLURB license is a crime, and a later license does not erase liability.
Selling Subdivision Lots Without a License: Criminal Liability Under P.D. 957
Selling subdivision lots without an HLURB license is a crime. A later license does not erase liability, explains the Supreme Court.
VAT Liability of Pawnshops: Clarifying Tax Obligations and Documentary Stamp Tax Implications
The Supreme Court clarifies when pawnshops are VAT-liable and confirms documentary stamp tax on pawn tickets, with relief from surcharges in good faith.
Judicial Efficiency and Ethical Conduct: Lessons from a Judge's Administrative Liability
The Supreme Court reminds judges that delay in deciding cases is gross inefficiency and a breach of judicial and professional ethics.