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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Appeal Bond for Labor-Only Contractors: Solidary Liability and NLRC Appeals
When must a labor-only contractor post an appeal bond? The Supreme Court clarifies solidary liability and appeal perfection rules.
When Court Errors Are Not Misconduct: Judicial Discretion vs. Administrative Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies when a judge's errors in issuing TROs are judicial matters, not grounds for administrative discipline.
Breach of Public Trust When Negligence in Procurement Leads to Graft Conviction
Supreme Court affirms graft conviction of DOH supply officer for gross inexcusable negligence in anomalous drug purchases, clarifying liability under RA 3019.
Accountability in Public Office: Mayor's Liability for Negligent Fund Disbursement
A mayor's approval of an unappropriated price escalation payment led to malversation and graft convictions, underscoring public officers' duty of diligence.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: Jurisdiction First, Liability Later
Supreme Court clarifies that courts must first acquire jurisdiction over a corporation before applying the piercing the corporate veil doctrine to hold owners liable.
Accountability and the Limits of Official Discretion When Granting a Permit Becomes a Crime
A mayor's conviction for issuing a cockpit permit to a prohibited party clarifies how official discretion meets criminal liability under the Anti-Graft Law.
Solidary Liability in Labor Standards: Protecting Employee Wage Claims
When a contractor fails to pay wages, the principal employer can be held solidarily liable. The Supreme Court clarifies the rules.
Adultery and Administrative Liability: When a Court Employee's Private Misconduct Becomes a Career Issue
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a married court employee's illicit affair constitutes gross immorality and administrative liability.
Trust Receipts and Criminal Liability: When a Loan Becomes Estafa Under PD 115
The Supreme Court clarifies when a trust receipt transaction creates criminal liability for estafa, not just civil liability, under PD 115.
Trust Receipts and Estafa: Upholding Criminal Liability for Breach of Trust
Supreme Court clarifies that failure to turn over goods or proceeds under trust receipts is estafa under PD 115, not mere civil liability.
Corporate Officers Cannot Hide Behind Corporate Veil in Customs Fraud Cases
Supreme Court ruling on corporate officer liability for customs fraud through misdeclaration and undervaluation of imported goods.
Assignment Deeds and Third-Party Liability: When a Conforme Signature Does Not Bind
A developer's conforme signature on a deed of assignment does not make it liable for the assignor's loan obligations.
Corporate Officers Criminally Liable for Customs Fraud: Fernandez v. People
Corporate officers cannot hide behind a corporation to escape criminal liability for customs fraud, the Supreme Court ruled in Fernandez v. People.
Upholding Judicial Integrity: Tardiness and Disobedience in the Judiciary
Court personnel who are habitually tardy and ignore directives face administrative liability under the Revised Rule 140.
Trust Receipts and Estafa: Why a Payment Agreement Does Not Erase Criminal Liability
The Supreme Court ruled that a new payment schedule cannot erase criminal liability for trust receipt violations, which are malum prohibitum.
Direct Contracting in Government Procurement: When Exemptions Lead to Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies when direct contracting in government procurement is allowed and when it leads to administrative liability for public officers.
Falsification of Public Documents and Anti-Graft Liability: The Maasin River Quarrying Case
A vice mayor's conviction for falsifying Sangguniang Bayan minutes and violating the Anti-Graft Law, explaining the legal principles involved.
Disallowed Expenses Local Officials Must Refund Illegally Received Funds
Supreme Court rules local officials must refund disallowed EME funds, clarifying good faith does not excuse liability.
Death Abates Criminal Liability: Supreme Court Clarifies Extinguishment of Penalties and Civil Obligations
When an accused dies before final conviction, criminal liability and civil liability ex delicto are extinguished. The Supreme Court explains the rule and its exceptions.
Death of Accused Before Final Judgment Extinguishes Criminal Liability
When an accused dies before final judgment, criminal liability and civil liability ex delicto are extinguished. Learn the rule and exceptions.
Employer Vicarious Liability: When A Driver's Negligence Makes The Employer Liable
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies employer vicarious liability under Article 2180 when a driver's negligence causes injury.
Liability for Forged Checks When Collecting Banks Bear the Loss
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on collecting bank liability for forged endorsements, negligence standards, and the fictitious payee rule.
Tax Amnesty Limits: Withholding Tax Liabilities and Corporate Officer Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies that tax amnesty under RA 9480 does not cover withholding tax liabilities, and corporate officers may still face prosecution.
Who Pays When a Check's Payee Is Faked? Collecting Bank's Liability for Forged Endorsements
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a collecting bank must return funds paid out on checks with forged endorsements to an impostor.