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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Estafa Liability and the Need for Pre-Existing Fraudulent Intent in Business Dealings
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that estafa requires false pretenses made before or simultaneously with the fraud, not mere subsequent breach.
Corporate Officer Liability When Signing Loan Documents Leads to Criminal Charges in the Philippines
Learn when signing loan documents as a corporate officer can trigger criminal liability in the Philippines, based on Supreme Court rulings.
When Judges Are Sued for Issuing TROs: The Limits of Administrative Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies when judicial errors in issuing TROs are administrative offenses or mere judicial discretion.
Trust Receipts and Personal Guarantees: When Corporate Officers Are Personally Liable
Corporate officers who sign trust receipts may face personal liability. The Supreme Court clarifies when a signature creates a guarantee.
Gross Ignorance of the Law: When Can a Judge Be Held Liable
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when judges face administrative liability for judicial errors, gross ignorance, and misconduct.
Employer Liability for Illegal Recruitment Despite Agency Licensing
Philippine Supreme Court rules licensed agency's crewing manager can be liable for large scale illegal recruitment.
Labor-Only Contracting in the Philippines: A Landmark Ruling on Employer Liability
When is a contractor merely an agent? Acevedo v. Advanstar clarifies labor-only contracting and who bears liability for workers' claims.
Judicial Conduct: Mitigating Circumstances and the Duty to Prevent Undue Delay
A judge's duty to prevent undue delay in court proceedings, and how mitigating circumstances affect administrative liability under the Code of Judicial Conduct.
Res Ipsa Loquitur in Property Damage: Employer Liability for Employee Negligence
When a car fire destroys property, res ipsa loquitur may shift the burden to defendants. Learn the rule from this Philippine Supreme Court case.
Judicial Accountability: When a Judge's Leniency Becomes Misconduct
Supreme Court clarifies when a judge's liberal grant of postponements and procedural lapses constitute administrative liability, not gross ignorance of law.
When Banks Breach Fiduciary Duty: Liability for Unauthorized Withdrawals
Supreme Court ruling on bank liability for unauthorized withdrawals by employees, moral damages, and the fiduciary duty of banks to depositors.
Banks' Duty of Care: Liability for Unauthorized Withdrawals and Moral Damages
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on bank liability for unauthorized withdrawals, gross negligence, and awards of moral and exemplary damages.
Unearthing Liability When Treasure Hunts Lead to Tort Claims
A treasure hunt that damaged a chapel led to solidary liability for joint tortfeasors under Philippine law. Learn the rules.
Breach of Construction Contract: Liability for Additional Works Beyond Original Scope
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on contractor liability for additional works ordered beyond original construction contract scope.
Quasi-Delict Claims: Proving Negligence in Vehicular Accidents Under Philippine Law
Supreme Court affirms negligence finding in vehicular accident case, clarifying quasi-delict liability and the rule that factual findings bind the Court.
Extraordinary Diligence of Common Carriers: Liability for Cargo Loss in Fortuitous Events
When is a common carrier liable for lost cargo during a storm? The Supreme Court clarifies the rule on extraordinary diligence and fortuitous events.
Self Defense Claims IN Homicide Justification VS Criminal Liability IN THE Philippines
Due Process and Immigration Law: When a Judge’s Procedural Errors Become Gross Ignorance
A judge’s disregard of the three-day notice rule and immigration law results in administrative liability for gross ignorance of the law.
Mortgage Agreements Defining THE Limits OF A Debtors Liability IN Philippine LAW
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on dragnet clauses in mortgages and their effect on a debtor's liability limit.
Bank Negligence and the Duty of Care in Handling Depositor Accounts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on banks' fiduciary duty and liability for unauthorized withdrawals from depositor accounts.
Estafa Through Misappropriation: Liability Even Without Direct Handling of Property
Supreme Court clarifies that estafa under Article 315(1)(b) can arise even when property is received by an employee, not the accused directly.
Surety Bonds Enforcing Liability Despite Procedural Technicalities
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when courts may suspend civil cases for prejudicial questions, and how surety obligations remain enforceable.
Passport Loss Liability: Negligence and Damages in LBC Express v. Ado
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on carrier liability for lost passport, damages rules, and proof requirements in LBC Express v. Ado.
Free Speech vs Defamation: Safeguarding Radio Commentary Through Evidentiary Standards
Philippine jurisprudence balances free speech and defamation in radio commentary, requiring clear evidence before liability attaches to broadcasters.