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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The Boundaries of Conspiracy: Examining Intent in Frustrated Homicide Cases in the Philippines
How Philippine courts determine conspiracy in frustrated homicide, using the Salvatierra case to explain shared intent and liability.
Conspiracy, Intent, and Frustrated Homicide: Lessons from Salvatierra v. People
The Supreme Court clarifies conspiracy and frustrated homicide in Salvatierra v. People, explaining when accomplices share liability for a crime.
Negligence and the Burden of Proof: Establishing Liability for Damages in Property Disputes
A fire crossed from a factory to a farm, but without proof of negligence, the property owner could not recover damages. The Supreme Court explains the burden of proof in civil cases.
Surety Agreements Upholding Continuous Liability Despite Credit Card Upgrades
Surety's Continuing Liability: Upholding Obligations Despite Credit Card Upgrades
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains why a surety stays liable for a credit cardholder's debts even after the card is upgraded to a higher credit limit.
Navigating Bank Liability Diligence Standards IN Foreign Exchange Transactions
Bank Liability in Foreign Exchange Transactions: The Reyes v. Far East Bank Standard
When are banks liable for dishonored foreign exchange drafts? The Supreme Court clarifies the diligence standard in Reyes v. Far East Bank.
Sheriff's Dereliction of Duty: Strict Rules on Execution Writs and Due Process
A sheriff's failure to follow execution procedures and return deadlines results in administrative liability, as shown in this administrative case.
Accomplice Liability in Murder: Distinguishing Conspiracy From Spontaneous Action
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a person present at a crime becomes liable as a co-principal versus a mere accomplice.
Accountability for Group Violence: Assessing Liability and Intent in Philippine Law
How Philippine courts assign criminal liability when multiple persons conspire to commit murder, and when aggravating circumstances apply.
Fraudulent Promises Establishing Liability for Illegal Recruitment and Estafa
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when false promises of overseas employment constitute both illegal recruitment and estafa.
Treachery and Conspiracy in Group Violence: Robbery With Homicide Liability
How Philippine courts establish liability for robbery with homicide in group attacks, explained through a landmark Supreme Court case.
Mental Capacity and Criminal Liability: Understanding the Estrada Insanity Test
The Supreme Court explains when insanity exempts from criminal liability and clarifies the Estrada test for mental competency.
Liability in Highway Robbery: Conspiracy and Identifying Perpetrators
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on conspiracy in highway robbery, eyewitness identification, and liability of accused under PD 532.
Bouncing Checks and Broken Promises: Understanding Novation and Criminal Liability in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when issuing bouncing checks constitutes estafa despite existing contracts and business history between parties.
Electricity Pilferage: When Tampering With Utility Meters Is Proven and Who Bears Liability
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on electricity pilferage, tampering evidence, and liability of consumers for unregistered consumption in utility services.
Self-Defense vs. Accidental Killing: Proving Treachery in Philippine Homicide Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a sudden stabbing from behind constitutes treachery, elevating homicide to murder, and when intoxication mitigates liability.
Justice for All: How Conspiracy Elevates Liability in Group Violence Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on murder, treachery, and dying declarations—what it means for group violence liability.
Registered Vehicle Owner’s Liability for Accidents: Aguilar v. Commercial Savings Bank
Philippine law holds the registered vehicle owner primarily liable for accidents, even if another person was driving. Learn the rule and its practical impact.
Distinguishing Complex Crimes From Multiple Offenses: The Importance of Individual Acts in Criminal Liability
When several distinct acts cause multiple deaths, separate crimes arise, not a complex crime. The Supreme Court clarifies in People v. Latupan.
Unlawful Termination Employer Liability AND Employee Rights IN Dismissal Cases
Conspiracy and Intent: How Philippine Courts Establish Criminal Liability
A Supreme Court ruling on conspiracy and evident premeditation in murder, explaining how joint purpose and intent establish liability.
Intent to Gain in Carnapping and Liability Through Criminal Conspiracy
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on intent to gain in carnapping, conspiracy liability, and penalties under the Anti-Carnapping Act.
Accountability for All: Conspiracy in Carnapping with Homicide
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on conspiracy in carnapping with homicide, explaining how circumstantial evidence can prove joint criminal liability.