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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Conspiracy and Intent: How Philippine Courts Establish Criminal Liability
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies how conspiracy and intent establish criminal liability, and why charging documents must state every qualifying circumstance.
Robbery With Homicide: Proving Conspiracy and Liability of All Participants
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on robbery with homicide, conspiracy liability, and the penalty of reclusion perpetua when no aggravating circumstances exist.
Liability in Travel Booking Errors: Defining Agency and Responsibility
When a travel booking fails, who pays? The Supreme Court clarifies agency rules and liability for unconfirmed flights.
Illegal Dismissal Liability: Government Entity vs Individual Officials
Supreme Court clarifies when government, not individual officials, must pay back wages of illegally dismissed employees.
Employers' Subsidiary Liability and Due Process in Criminal Proceedings
When can an employer be held subsidiarily liable for an employee's crime? The Supreme Court explains the due process requirements.
Treachery and Criminal Intent: How Philippine Courts Establish Murder Liability
The Supreme Court explains how treachery and intent to kill are proven in murder cases, using the conviction of Maximo Hernandez as an example.
Intoxication and Criminal Liability: Lessons from People v. Acaya
The Supreme Court clarifies how intoxication affects criminal liability, treachery, and penalties in a Philippine homicide case.
Bank Liability for Negligence in Protecting Depositors in Foreign Currency Transactions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on bank liability for negligence in foreign currency deposit withdrawals and the duty to protect depositors.
Bank Negligence in Clearing Checks: When Depositors Escape Liability
Supreme Court rules banks must follow clearing rules before allowing withdrawals, holding BPI liable for its own negligence in counterfeit check case.
State Immunity vs Personal Liability: Defining the Limits of Official Authority
The Supreme Court clarifies when public officials can be sued personally despite state immunity, using the Lansang v. Court of Appeals case.
When Can a Judge Be Held Liable for Granting Bail: Key Lessons from Goodman v. De la Victoria
A judge who grants bail without a real hearing may face administrative liability. Learn the rules from a Supreme Court ruling.
Conspiracy and Individual Liability in the Rodel Quijon Murder Case
A look at how the Supreme Court applied conspiracy rules to hold a non-stabbing participant liable for murder in People v. Tolibas.
Accountability in Overseas Job Promises: Illegal Recruitment and Estafa Defined
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies illegal recruitment in large scale and estafa liability for fake overseas job offers.
Preliminary Attachment and Corporate Officer Liability in Fraud-Based Collection Cases
Learn when Philippine courts allow preliminary attachment for fraud and when corporate officers face personal liability in collection suits.
Treachery in Concerted Attacks: Establishing Liability in Group Violence
How Philippine courts determine criminal liability when multiple persons attack a victim, using the Alberto Blanco murder case as a guide.
Wage Order Obligations: Contractor and Principal Liability in Security Service Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when security agencies can recover wage order increases from principals under solidary liability rules.
Overtaking at a Curve: Determining Negligence and Liability in Vehicular Accidents
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on overtaking at curves, negligence presumption, and common carrier liability for passenger deaths.
Overtaking at a Curve and Common Carrier Liability: Mallari v. Court of Appeals
A jeepney driver's reckless overtaking at a curve makes both driver and owner liable for a passenger's death.
When Official Duty Shields a Lawyer from Personal Liability for Conflict Claims
Explaining when government lawyers cannot be held personally liable for alleged conflicts of interest under the Anti-Graft law.
Judicial Overreach Defining Jurisdictional Boundaries IN Marriage Solemnization
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies judges' authority in marriage solemnization, ruling on jurisdiction limits and administrative liability.
Disqualification for Terrorism, Direct Participation, and Spousal Liability in Elections
A wife-candidate can be disqualified for election terrorism committed by her husband when evidence shows her direct participation or acquiescence.
Official Duty vs Personal Liability: Defining Immunity in Defamation Cases
Can a diplomat or international organization worker claim immunity for defamation? The Supreme Court clarifies when official duty ends and personal liability begins.
Negligence Liability of Cargo Surveyors: Duty of Care in Handling Liquid Bulk Cargo
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on surveyor negligence in liquid cargo discharge, explaining the standard of care and liability for unsupervised pumping operations.
Treachery Unveiled: Criminal Liability in Sudden Armed Attacks
How the Supreme Court distinguished treachery from mere sudden attacks, and why alibi fails against positive identification by eyewitnesses.