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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Plunder and Conspiracy: Defining the Boundaries of Criminal Liability in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies how conspiracy works in plunder cases, and why each accused is liable only for acts they committed.
Employer Liability and Due Diligence in Philippine Road Accidents: Proving Defense Against Damages
Learn how Philippine courts assess employer liability for road accidents caused by employees and the due diligence defense.
Homicide vs Murder: When Lack of Treachery Evidence Lowers Criminal Liability
When prosecution fails to show how an attack began, treachery cannot qualify a killing as murder. The Supreme Court explains.
Conspiracy and Treachery: Examining Criminal Liability in Joint Offenses
Explore how conspiracy and treachery shape criminal liability in joint offenses under Philippine law, with insights from recent jurisprudence.
Breach of Trust and Estafa: Accountability in Jewelry Sales Agreements
When a jewelry seller fails to remit proceeds or return unsold items, criminal liability for estafa may arise despite payment agreements.
Liability FOR Negligence Banks Duty TO Exercise DUE Diligence IN Handling Remittances
Treachery Defined: Unexpected Assault and Criminal Liability in a Stabbing Incident
The Supreme Court explains treachery as an unexpected, sudden attack that leaves a victim defenseless, affirming a murder conviction.
Negligence in Public Office: Defining the Scope of Duty and Responsibility
The Supreme Court clarifies that administrative liability for negligence requires proof that the duty neglected was actually assigned to the public officer.
Surety Liability Survives Loan Extensions Under Continuing Guaranty
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether loan extensions without a surety's consent extinguish liability under a continuing guaranty.
Accountability Despite Absence: Conspiracy and Homicide Liability in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling shows how conspiracy can be inferred from concerted acts, making each participant liable for homicide even if only one is arrested.
Court Personnel Conduct: When Misconduct Warrants Suspension Even Without Criminal Charges
Supreme Court ruling on administrative liability of court employees for misconduct, dishonesty, and conduct unbecoming a public officer.
Religious Ties and Criminal Liability: When Alibi Fails in Murder Cases
Examining conspiracy and accountability in murder, and why alibi and lack of motive cannot overcome positive eyewitness identification.
Diminished Liability When Actions Constitute Homicide Rather Than Murder
When does a killing become homicide, not murder? The Supreme Court explains the limits of treachery in People v. Salva.
Voluntary Surrender as a Mitigating Factor: Reassessing Criminal Liability in Philippine Courts
A Supreme Court ruling explains when voluntary surrender mitigates criminal liability and why treachery must be proven, not presumed.
The Control Test in Illegal Dismissal Cases: De los Santos v. NLRC
How Philippine courts determine the real employer using the control test, and why a labor-only contractor cannot shield a company from liability.
Self Defense AND Conspiracy IN Homicide Analyzing Criminal Liability
Personal Liability in Corporate Obligations When Signing Blurs the Line
When do corporate officers become personally liable for company debts? A Supreme Court ruling on trust receipts and letters of credit provides clear guidance.
Spousal Liability in Estafa: Why Marriage Alone Does Not Prove Guilt
Supreme Court ruling: a husband's mere presence when his wife issued a bouncing check does not prove conspiracy in estafa.
Credit Card Liability Negligence IN Issuing Extension Cards AND Cardholder Responsibility
Good Faith and Emergency Purchases: When Public Officials Escape Graft Liability
Explore how the Supreme Court protected a public official from graft charges, citing good faith and emergency procurement during a blood shortage crisis.
Sheriffs Negligence Duty TO Cancel Redemption Certificate AND Liability FOR Damages
Conspiracy and Liability in Group Rape: Upholding Justice for Victims of Sexual Assault
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on conspiracy in gang rape, holding non-participants liable for all acts committed by co-conspirators.
Abuse of Right Doctrine: Terminating a Contract Without Cause Can Still Trigger Damages
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how terminating a contract without cause can still lead to damages liability under the abuse of right doctrine.
Upholding Contractual Obligations: The Imperative of Timely Performance in Compromise Agreements
A Supreme Court ruling on continuing suretyship, assignment of credit, and trust receipts—clarifying that debtors cannot escape liability through technical defenses.