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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Delsan Transport v. American Home Assurance: Common Carrier Liability and Delivery of Goods
Explaining Delsan Transport v. American Home Assurance on common carrier extraordinary diligence, delivery of goods, and liability for spillage.
When Court Orders Are Enforced: Liability of Judges and Sheriffs in Demolition Cases
Explaining when judges and sheriffs can be held administratively liable for enforcing writs of demolition, based on a 2006 Supreme Court ruling.
Hospitals' Cost-Cutting Measures vs Patient Rights: The Manila Doctors Hospital Case
Supreme Court ruling on when hospitals may remove non-essential facilities from patient rooms without incurring liability for damages.
Credit Card Liability: Gross Negligence and Moral Damages in the Philippines
When can a credit card issuer be liable for moral damages? The Supreme Court explains gross negligence in Bankard v. Feliciano.
Contempt of Court: Ensuring Due Process and Avoiding Abuse of Judicial Authority
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when judges may issue arrest warrants in preliminary investigations and why good faith shields them from administrative liability.
Documentary Stamp Tax on Foreign Exchange Sales: Who Pays
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on documentary stamp tax liability for foreign exchange sales to the Central Bank.
Common Carrier Liability in the Philippines: Breach of Contract of Carriage Explained
Philippine common carriers face a presumption of negligence when passengers are injured or killed. Learn the rules and how to rebut them.
Lessor Liability for Lease Violations: Trespass in Fact vs Trespass in Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a lessor is liable for third-party disturbances of a lessee's possession, distinguishing trespass in fact from trespass in law.
Bouncing Checks Liability Without the Original Check: Key Lessons from Arceo v. People
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains when a person can be held liable under BP 22 even if the original check is lost or missing.
Liability for Flood Damage: Private vs Public Drainage Systems
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a lessor is liable for flood damage—distinguishing private drainage maintenance from public sewer responsibility.
Breach of Trust: Understanding Estafa and Criminal Liability in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court defines estafa by misappropriation under Article 315 of the Revised Penal Code and what it means for your liability.
Bouncing Checks and Criminal Intent: Upholding Strict Liability Under BP 22
The Supreme Court affirms that BP 22 punishes the mere issuance of a bouncing check, regardless of intent or purpose.
Tugboat Owner's Negligence in Ensuring Seaworthiness Makes It Liable for Barge Damage
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on tugboat owner's liability for barge damage due to failure to ensure vessel seaworthiness and diligence in towage contracts.
Forestry Laws: Driver Liability and Knowledge in Illegal Logging Cases
Supreme Court ruling on truck driver liability for transporting undocumented lumber under the Revised Forestry Code, and how knowledge and conspiracy are proven.
Protecting OFW Wages: Unauthorized Contract Alterations and Employer Liability
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on OFW salary reductions, unauthorized contract changes, and solidary employer liability under RA 8042.
Restitution Does Not Erase Administrative Liability for Court Fund Shortages
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: returning missing court funds does not erase administrative liability for gross dishonesty by court personnel.
Surety's Liability Survives Death of Principal Debtor: Stronghold Insurance v. Republic-Asahi
The Supreme Court rules that a surety's solidary liability under a performance bond is not extinguished by the death of the principal debtor.
Breach of Warranty vs Waiver: Marine Insurance Policy Disputes in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies breach of warranty, waiver, and insurer liability in marine insurance disputes under the Insurance Code.
Employer Liability When an Employee's Crime Becomes the Company's Debt
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on employer subsidiary liability for crimes committed by employees, and when companies must answer for employee misconduct.
Falsification of Documents: Proving Intent and Damage in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on notarial falsification, forgery evidence, and lawyer liability in Lingan v. Calubaquib.
Successor Liability in Philippine Labor Law: When Is a Company Responsible for Another's Debts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a company becomes liable for another firm's labor debts under successor liability rules.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When Can a Company Be Sued Under Its Trade Name?
A single proprietorship can be sued under its trade name, but the owner remains personally liable. This article explains the rules on trade names and corporate liability.
When a Lawyer's Negligence Leads to Suspension: The Adecer v. Akut Case
A lawyer who misses the deadline for filing a client's petition for probation faces administrative liability, even if the client was also negligent.
Limited Liability in Maritime Law: When Can a Shipowner Avoid Full Damages
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when the limited liability doctrine applies to shipowners and when they must pay full damages for lost cargo.