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.
Bail and Conspiracy: Delineating Liability in Plunder Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies how conspiracy affects bail in plunder cases, ruling that an accused is liable only for predicate acts he allegedly committed.
Flood Damage Liability: Who Pays When Nature and Development Collide
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on developer liability for flood damage when surrounding developments and government inaction cause the flooding.
Clerk of Court Liability for Lost Evidence: Custody Duties Explained
When a clerk of court loses evidence in his custody, the Supreme Court clarifies administrative liability for unauthorized transfers.
Successor Liability: BI Case Dismissed for Lack of Substitution of Public Officer
Learn when a case against a public officer must be dismissed for failure to substitute a successor under Rule 3, Section 17.
Administrative vs Criminal Liability: Why Dismissal of One Does Not Dismiss the Other
A single act can trigger both administrative and criminal cases. The Supreme Court explains why dismissal of one does not automatically end the other.
When the Bureau of Customs Loses Seized Goods: Liability and Tax Duties in AGFHA v. CTA
The Supreme Court held the Bureau of Customs liable for a lost shipment but allowed duties and taxes to be deducted from the amount it must pay the owner.
Court Employees Must Pay Just Debts: Ethical Standards for Judiciary Personnel
Court employees who willfully fail to pay just debts face administrative liability, even after settling obligations. Learn from a 2007 Supreme Court ruling.
Willful Failure to Pay Just Debt: Court Employee Discipline and Public Trust
A Supreme Court ruling explains why court employees face administrative liability for unpaid debts, even after full settlement.
Due Process in Dismissal: Written Notice and Hearing Requirements Explained
A look at the Supreme Court's ruling on procedural due process in employee dismissal and the limits of personal liability for corporate officers.
Untimely Appeal and Finality of Administrative Decisions: Lessons from Atty. Uy v. Villanueva
The Supreme Court rules on finality of administrative decisions, exhaustion of remedies, and employer liability in labor disputes.
Dismissal Disputes: Protecting Depositors From Illegal Dismissal Claims in Corporate Crises
The Supreme Court shields depositors who temporarily manage a distressed bank from personal liability for illegal dismissal claims, clarifying employer-employee relationships.
Joint vs Solidary Obligations: What the Supreme Court Says About Liability in Contracts
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when multiple debtors are only jointly liable, not solidarily liable, under Philippine contract law.
When Strikes Defy Orders: Consequences for Union Officers in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on illegal strikes, union officer liability, and penalties for defying labor secretary orders.
Employer's Liability for Diligence in Employee Supervision After a Vehicular Accident
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on employer liability and the standard of diligence required in supervising employees after a vehicular accident.
Employer Liability for Employee Negligence: When Courts Can Intervene in Reorganization
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on employer liability for employee negligence, jurisdictional amounts in damage suits, and contributory negligence.
Accountability in the Judiciary: When Judges and Court Staff Fail in Their Duties
A Supreme Court ruling on administrative liability of judges, clerks of court, and stenographers for delayed decisions and neglected duties.
Upholding Decorum: False Accusations Among Court Employees and Administrative Liability
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies how courts treat unproven accusations among judiciary employees and what happens when grave charges are not backed by evidence.
Medical Negligence and Res Ipsa Loquitur: Liability in Surgical Procedures
How the Supreme Court applied res ipsa loquitur to hold a surgeon liable for a patient's unexplained burn during childbirth.
When Acquittal Doesnt Always Clear THE Debt Civil Liability AND Bouncing Checks
An acquittal in a bouncing checks case does not automatically erase civil liability. Learn the rule from Samson Ching v. Nicdao.
Piercing the Sole Proprietorship Veil: Personal Liability for Business Debts in Illegal Dismissal Cases
Learn when Philippine courts hold sole proprietors personally liable for business debts, including illegal dismissal claims, and how to protect personal assets.
Liability IN Kidnapping Examining THE Importance OF Positive Identification AND DUE Process
Personal Liability of Corporate Directors: Due Process and Bad Faith Standards
When can corporate directors be held personally liable for labor debts? The Supreme Court clarifies due process and bad faith requirements.
Employer Liability for Employee Death in the Philippines Even in Fortuitous Events
Philippine employers may be liable for employee death caused by fortuitous events under Article 1711 of the Civil Code, as explained in Candano Shipping Lines v. Sugata-on.
Lost Goods in Customs Custody: Government Liability and Revival of Judgments
A guide to government liability for lost goods in customs custody, revival of judgments, and legal interest rules under Philippine law.