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.
Accomplice Liability in Kidnapping: Intent and the Scope of Criminal Participation
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a person becomes an accomplice, not a conspirator, in kidnapping for ransom cases.
Debt Default by Public Servants: Upholding Ethical Standards in Government Employment
Court rules on public servants' willful failure to pay just debts, clarifying administrative liability under civil service rules.
Solidary Liability of Co-Principals in Agency: Agent May Collect Full Commission From Any Principal
When co-owners appoint an agent for a common transaction, they are solidarily liable. The agent can collect the full commission from any one of them.
Treachery Unproven Conviction Reduced In Shooting Due To Lack Of Evidence Of Planned Attack
Supreme Court ruling explains when treachery applies in shooting cases and why lack of proof of a planned attack reduces criminal liability.
Shipowner Liability for Captain's Negligence in Time Charters: San Miguel v. Heirs of Inguito
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a shipowner—not the charterer—is liable for a captain's negligence at sea.
The Sanity Presumption Determining Criminal Liability in the Philippines
Philippine law presumes every person sane. This case explains when insanity can exempt an accused from criminal liability.
Self-Defense vs. Treachery: How Courts Decide Criminal Liability in Assault Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains when self-defense fails and treachery qualifies a killing as murder, with practical guidance.
Common Carrier Liability for Cargo Damage: Proving Negligence and Claims
Learn how Philippine law presumes common carriers negligent for cargo damage, and how to prove or rebut claims.
Insanity Defense and Proper Penalty for Parricide: People v. Robiños
The Supreme Court explains when insanity excuses criminal liability and why parricide without aggravating circumstances merits reclusion perpetua, not death.
Speedy Trial Rights and Judicial Discretion: Lessons from a Judge's Administrative Liability
A judge's motu proprio dismissal of a criminal case for delay was ruled grave abuse of discretion, clarifying speedy trial limits.
Reclassifying Criminal Liability From Murder TO Homicide Based ON Insufficient Proof OF Treachery AND Premeditation
Revisiting Criminal Liability Distinguishing Homicide From Murder Amidst Claims Of Treachery
The Supreme Court clarifies when treachery and evident premeditation must be proven to elevate homicide to murder.
Corporate Authority vs Surety: When Board Resolutions and Personal Guarantees Collide
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on corporate authority, board resolutions, and surety liability in a discounting transaction.
Treachery and Self-Defense: Defining the Boundaries of Criminal Liability in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when treachery qualifies killing as murder and when self-defense fails, in People v. Enfectana.
Judges' Marriage Solemnization: Territorial Limits and License Requirements
A judge who solemnizes a marriage outside his court's jurisdiction or without a marriage license faces administrative liability, as this case shows.
When A Brawl Turns Deadly Reassessing Criminal Liability In Homicide Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a deadly brawl shifts criminal liability, and the limits of self-defense claims.
Treachery AND Conspiracy Establishing Liability IN Group Violence
When a Final Judgment Limits Liability: Execution Cannot Add Interest
A writ of execution must strictly follow the final judgment. Adding interest not decreed by the court is void.
Execution of Judgment: Liability Limited to the Dispositive Portion of the Court Decision
A writ of execution must conform to the dispositive portion of a final judgment. Learn from Solidbank v. Court of Appeals.
Conspiracy and Treachery: How Group Violence Determines Criminal Liability
Learn how Philippine courts apply conspiracy and treachery in group attacks, using a Supreme Court murder case as a guide.
Conspiracy and Criminal Liability: Intent and Participation in Homicide Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on conspiracy, intent, and participation in homicide—what the Manlansing case teaches about criminal liability.
Fortuitous Events and Carrier Liability: Navigating the Perils of the Sea
When a vessel sinks in a storm, is the carrier liable? The Supreme Court explains the rules on fortuitous events.
Reevaluating Criminal Liability When Lack OF Treachery Reduces Murder TO Homicide
Restitution Does Not Erase Administrative Liability for Dishonesty in Public Service
Supreme Court ruling: a government employee who returns missing funds can still be dismissed for dishonesty. Learn the rule and its practical impact.