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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Shareholder Inspection Rights and the Good Faith Defense Under Section 74
The Supreme Court clarifies when a corporation may refuse a shareholder's demand to inspect books without facing criminal liability.
Treachery IN Group Attacks Establishing Liability IN Murder Cases
Excavation Liability: When a Landowner Can Shift Blame to the Contractor
The Supreme Court clarifies when a landowner can escape liability for excavation damage to a neighbor's building, and when the contractor alone must pay.
Vicarious Liability and Public Officials: When Is a Mayor Responsible for Employee Negligence
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a mayor can be held liable for a driver's negligence under Article 2180 of the Civil Code.
Accountability for Illegal Logging: Possession, Liability, and Penalties Under PD 705
A look at how the Supreme Court upheld a conviction for illegal possession of lumber, clarifying liability and penalties under PD 705.
Accountability in the Judiciary: Judges and Court Personnel Held Liable for Neglect of Duty and Undue Delay
The Supreme Court ruled that judges and court personnel face administrative liability for undue delay and neglect of duty, even after retirement.
Independent Contractors vs Regular Employees: Defining the Boundaries of Employer Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies when a principal is not the employer of a contractor's workers, and why the regular employment test does not apply in trilateral arrangements.
Breach of Contract and Bad Faith: Airlines' Liability for Downgraded Seats
Philippine Airlines held liable for downgrading a passenger's business class seat to economy, with the Supreme Court affirming damages for breach of contract in bad faith.
Diminished Liability Distinguishing Homicide From Murder in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when abuse of superior strength fails as a qualifying circumstance, reducing murder to homicide in the Philippines.
Solidary Liability of Recruitment Agencies: Protecting Overseas Workers' Right to Fair Compensation
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on recruitment agencies' solidary liability for overseas workers' unpaid wages and the prescriptive period for money claims.
Registered Vehicle Owners Face Liability Even After Selling the Car
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why registered vehicle owners remain liable for accidents even after selling their car.
Treachery and Unlicensed Firearms Raise Murder Penalty in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how treachery and unlicensed firearms affect murder liability, penalties, and damages.
When Lawyers Issue Bouncing Checks: Administrative Liability Under Philippine Law
A lawyer who issues worthless checks faces suspension even after full payment. Learn the rules from a Supreme Court administrative case.
Judicial Admissions: When a Lawyer's Statement Binds the Client in Lease and Contract Disputes
Supreme Court ruling on judicial admissions, binding statements, and liability in contract disputes involving lost cargo and damages.
When Shipowner Negligence Sinks the Limited Liability Defense in Philippine Maritime Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when shipowners lose the limited liability rule due to actual negligence in cargo loss cases.
When a Counsel's Negligence Endangers Property: Balancing Technical Rules and Substantive Justice
A Supreme Court ruling shows that procedural lapses in an appellant's brief may be excused, but a drugstore's negligent dispensing of medicine still invites liability.
Sheriffs Duty Proper Execution OF Writs AND Consequences OF Neglect
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on a sheriff's administrative liability for simple neglect of duty in executing writs.
Conspiracy and Liability in Rape: Understanding Shared Criminal Intent
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies conspiracy rules in rape cases, explaining when co-accused share criminal liability.
Conspiracy AND Intent Determining Liability IN Criminal Cases
Fictitious Payee Rule and Bank Liability in Check Payments
When is a named payee "fictitious" under Philippine law? The Supreme Court explains who bears the loss when checks are paid without indorsement.
Accomplice Liability in Homicide: Defining the Scope of Criminal Participation in the Philippines
Understand how Philippine courts define accomplice liability in homicide cases, the rules on criminal participation, and what makes a person an accomplice rather than a principal.
Self-Defense or Murder: Treachery and Voluntary Surrender in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a sudden knife attack is treachery, and when voluntary surrender can mitigate murder liability.
Simulated Business Closure Employer Liability FOR Illegal Dismissal
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a simulated business closure constitutes illegal dismissal and employer liability.
Altered Checks and Holder in Due Course Protection Under the Negotiable Instruments Law
Supreme Court ruling on drawee bank liability for altered checks and holder in due course protection under the Negotiable Instruments Law.