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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Summary Judgment Denied: Genuine Issues of Authority and Liability Must Be Resolved at Trial
When can a party get summary judgment? The Supreme Court explains why genuine issues of fact—like authority to sue and liability—require a full trial.
Rape and Incest: The Importance of Specific Allegations in Rape Cases With Incestuous Elements
In People v. Antonio, the Supreme Court affirmed three rape convictions, clarified conspiracy versus accomplice liability, and restated the damages owed to a rape victim.
When Judges Face Harassment Suits: The TRO Rules and Judicial Independence
Supreme Court dismisses administrative case against two RTC judges over TRO issuance, clarifying when judicial errors become disciplinary liability.
Collective Liability and Conspiracy in Criminal Actions: People v. Aquino
When does mere presence or participation in a transaction amount to criminal conspiracy? The Supreme Court clarifies in People v. Aquino.
Demurrer to Evidence Reversed on Appeal: When the Court Must Decide on the Plaintiff's Evidence
Learn the consequences when a demurrer to evidence is reversed on appeal and how judicial admissions can establish liability.
Accountability in Conspiracy: Establishing Homicide Liability in Philippine Law
How Philippine courts infer conspiracy from concerted acts, and why each conspirator is liable for the crimes committed by the group.
Accountability in Concerted Criminal Acts: Establishing Conspiracy and Liability
A look at how Philippine courts infer conspiracy from concerted acts and hold each conspirator liable for the crimes committed.
Rape Conviction of 82-Year-Old Upheld: Age, Impotency, and Credibility Examined
The Supreme Court affirms an octogenarian's rape conviction, ruling that old age and alleged impotency do not automatically negate criminal liability.
Lost Court Exhibits: When Court Personnel Are Held Liable
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on sheriff's liability for lost firearms held as court exhibits, explaining duties of clerks of court.
Conspiracy in Philippine Criminal Law: Establishing Shared Criminal Intent
Explaining conspiracy in Philippine criminal law through People v. Flora, where the Supreme Court clarified the limits of co-conspirator liability.
When Delayed Justice Becomes Administrative Liability: The Case of Judge Aquino
The Supreme Court fined a judge P5,000 for failing to decide cases within the reglementary period, reaffirming that delayed justice is denied justice.
Judicial Misconduct: Understanding Gross Ignorance of the Law in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a judge's legal errors become administrative liability for gross ignorance of the law.
Shipowner's Limited Liability Rule in Philippine Maritime Law Explained
The Supreme Court explains the limited liability rule for shipowners in the Philippines, clarifying how the doctrine applies when vessels sink.
Corporate Officer Liability When Can a Company Executive Be Held Personally Responsible
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when corporate officers can be held personally liable for company obligations and acts.
Amended Complaints and Officer Liability in Corporate Disputes
When can a plaintiff amend a complaint to seek new relief? When are corporate officers personally liable? The Supreme Court clarifies.
Treachery and Voluntary Surrender: Navigating Criminal Liability in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains how treachery qualifies murder and voluntary surrender mitigates liability, using Rivera v. Court of Appeals.
When Judges Face Administrative Complaints: Lessons from Tallado v. Racoma and Dating
The Supreme Court dismissed administrative complaints against two RTC judges, clarifying that errors in judicial discretion are not grounds for administrative liability.
Can Administrative Dismissal Extinguish Criminal Liability? A Philippine Case Study
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that dismissal of administrative charges does not extinguish criminal liability under Article 89 of the RPC.
Liability in Group Crime: How Conspiracy Establishes Individual Guilt
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on conspiracy in group crimes, individual liability, and why treachery failed in People v. Ladit.
Conspiracy and Treachery: How Courts Determine Liability in Group Violence
Philippine Supreme Court explains when conspiracy makes all attackers liable and why warning shots negate treachery in group killings.
Conspiracy and Liability: When Presence at the Scene Makes You Guilty of Murder in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how conspiracy in murder can be proven by concerted acts, not just a prior agreement.
Joint vs Solidary Liability: The Limits of Final Judgments in Philippine Labor Law
A final labor judgment binds parties to its exact terms. Learn why the Supreme Court ruled that joint liability cannot be converted to solidary after finality.
Conspiracy AND Liability Establishing Collective Guilt IN Murder Cases
Sheriffs' Duty to Execute Writs Promptly: Lessons from Casaje v. Gatbalite
A sheriff's delay in executing final judgments draws administrative liability. The Supreme Court explains the duty of prompt enforcement.