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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
Labor-Only Contracting: Employee Rights and Employer Obligations in the Philippines
Philippine Airlines v. Ligan explains labor-only contracting rules, when workers become regular employees, and employer liability under Philippine law.
Pawnshop Liability Fortuitous Events Negligence AND Insurance Obligations IN Pledge Agreements
When a pawned item is lost to robbery, who bears the loss? The Supreme Court clarifies pawnshop liability, fortuitous events, and insurance duties.
Bouncing Checks Acquittal: When Lack of Notice of Dishonor Leads to Acquittal and Reduced Civil Liability
SC acquits in B.P. 22 case for lack of proof of notice of dishonor, but reduces unconscionable 10% monthly interest to 12% per annum.
Clerk of Court Liability for Lost Court Records: The Limits of Due Diligence
When court records go missing, who bears responsibility? The Supreme Court clarifies that clerks of court cannot blame subordinates for lost case files.
The Binding Effect of Silence When Silence Implies Consent in Debt Collection
Silence can bind a debtor. This case explains when failure to object to a statement of account amounts to an admission of liability.
Employer's Vicarious Liability for Employee Negligence in Quasi-Delict Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on employer liability for driver negligence under quasi-delict, explained in plain language.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When Owners Face Personal Liability for Corporate Obligations
Philippine Supreme Court explains when courts may disregard corporate fiction and hold owners personally liable for corporate debts and obligations.
Full Restitution No Defense in Malversation: Perez v. People Explained
Full restitution does not erase criminal liability for malversation of public funds. Learn the elements, defenses, and penalties under Article 217.
Health Care Agreements: Insurers Must Prove Pre-Existing Conditions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on who bears the burden of proving pre-existing conditions in health care agreements, and insurer liability for damages.
Hospital Liability for Consultant Doctors: The Doctrine of Apparent Authority
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on hospital liability for consultant physicians' negligence under apparent authority and corporate negligence doctrines.
Court Employee Dismissed for Gross Misconduct Over Bribe Demand
In Malabanan v. Metrillo, the Supreme Court held that resigning and a complainant's desistance do not bar administrative liability for gross misconduct.
Misconduct and Retirement Benefits: Grounds for Employee Dismissal in the Philippines
Court clerk’s gross misconduct leads to forfeited retirement benefits, explaining dismissal grounds and why resignation doesn't erase liability.
Burden of Proof: Uncorroborated Testimony Insufficient to Establish Liability in Damages Claim
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why a plaintiff's sole, uncorroborated testimony cannot establish liability in a damages claim.
Lease Agreements: VAT Liability and Inflation Adjustments Clarified
Supreme Court clarifies when lessors may pass on VAT and adjust rent for inflation under lease contracts.
Negligence in a U-Turn Collision: Quasi-Delict Liability Under Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies negligence and vicarious liability in a U-turn collision, applying Articles 2176 and 2180 of the Civil Code.
Taking the Law Into One's Own Hands: When Recovery Attempts Lead to Legal Liability
A clerk of court's angry outburst over cut bamboos shows how self-help recovery can trigger administrative liability despite retirement.
Bank Negligence and Fiduciary Duty in Handling Foreign Currency Deposits
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on bank liability for negligence in handling foreign currency time deposit pretermination and fiduciary duty.
Protecting Consumers: Illegal Disconnection and Utility Company Liability
Supreme Court ruling on Meralco's liability for illegal disconnection without notice, and the limits of differential billing claims.
Drunk Passenger Altercation Establishing Liability in Cases of Murder and Physical Injuries
SC ruling on liability when a drunk passenger's altercation turns deadly, covering treachery, conspiracy, and proper penalties.
Negligence in Notarial Duties: Attorney Liability and Public Trust
A lawyer-notary who fails to record notarized documents in the notarial register faces suspension and revocation of commission.
Union Fund Mismanagement: Substantiation Required for Special Assessments
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on union officers' liability for unsubstantiated special assessments and litigation expenses.
Fire Damage Liability and Res Ipsa Loquitur in Philippine Lease Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on lessee liability for fire damage, res ipsa loquitur, and temperate damages in lease disputes.
Judicial Accountability: Timely Resolution of Cases and Compliance with Court Directives
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge's administrative liability for delayed case resolution and non-compliance with court directives, with practical lessons.
Cashier's Check as Bank's Primary Obligation: Holder in Due Course Rights
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on cashier's checks, holder in due course status, and bank liability explained in plain language.