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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Administrative Liability and Business Permits: Lessons from the Kentex Fire Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when local officials may be held liable for issuing business permits without fire safety certificates.
Bank Liability and Jurisdiction in Mortgage Fraud Cases: The Hermosa Savings Bank Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies which court handles claims against a bank under liquidation, and what this means for creditors.
Subrogation and Carrier Liability in Maritime Claims: The C.V. Gaspar Case
How the Supreme Court applied subrogation and extraordinary diligence to hold carriers liable for damaged cargo in maritime transport.
Bank Liability and Depositor Rights: Fiduciary Duties in the Philippines
The Supreme Court affirms that banks owe depositors extraordinary diligence, and a bank cannot escape liability for its employees' unauthorized acts.
Government Contract Disputes: Documentation and Due Process in Graft Cases
A Supreme Court ruling on graft liability shows why documentation and due process are critical in government procurement and contract implementation.
Seafarer Rights and Agency Duties: The Corpuz Case on POEA Contract Substitution
A Supreme Court ruling on seafarer disability claims, the 3-day medical exam rule, and agency liability for contract substitution.
When Mayors Face Criminal Liability for Unremitted GSIS Contributions
Supreme Court clarifies when municipal mayors can be held criminally liable for failure to remit GSIS premium contributions under RA 8291.
Understanding the Legal Duties of Public Officials in Remitting GSIS Contributions
A mayor's duty to remit GSIS premiums explained through a Supreme Court ruling on criminal liability for non-remittance.
Quasi-Delict Liability in Vehicular Accidents: When the Supreme Court Declines to Revisit Facts
A look at a 2026 Supreme Court ruling on quasi-delict liability, negligence, and why factual findings of lower courts are often left undisturbed.
Presidential Approval and Legal Compliance in Corporate Incentives: PSALM v. COA
Learn from PSALM v. COA why presidential approval is mandatory for GOCC incentives and how bad faith affects liability for disallowed benefits.
Navigating Liability in Government Housing Loan Disbursements: Insights from a Landmark COA Ruling
Learn how the Supreme Court rules on COA disallowances, good faith defenses, and liability for government employees who received disallowed benefits.
Understanding the Limits of Government Agency Compensation: The Lumauan vs COA Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when government employees must return disallowed allowances, explaining the rules on COLA integration and liability.
Undue Delay in Case Decisions: A Judge's Administrative Liability
The Supreme Court holds a retired judge liable for undue delay in deciding cases, underscoring the mandatory 90-day period and its consequences.
Safeguarding Notarial Seals: A Lesson from a Philippine Supreme Court Case
What happens when a notary's seal is used without authorization? A Supreme Court ruling on a lawyer's administrative liability.
Notarial Seal Misuse: Supreme Court Ruling on Lawyer Accountability in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that lawyers cannot escape liability when their notarial seal is misused, even if signatures are forged.
Notary Liability: Safeguarding the Notarial Seal Under Philippine Law
A lawyer's failure to safeguard his notarial seal led to suspension and disqualification. Learn the duties of notaries under the 2004 Rules.
Civil Liability After Acquittal: Preponderance of Evidence in Philippine Law
An acquittal does not automatically erase civil liability. Learn how preponderance of evidence applies in Philippine law.
Understanding Trust and Misappropriation in Philippine Estafa Cases: Key Lessons from a Landmark Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies estafa under Article 315(1)(b), explaining trust receipt obligations, demand requirements, and why partial payment does not erase criminal liability.
Understanding Separation Benefits and Liability Insights From a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when employee benefits are lawful, who bears liability for unauthorized disbursements, and the limits of board authority.
Understanding Good Faith in Government Contract Disputes When Public Officers Are Excused From Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies when public officers may be excused from liability in government contract disputes involving disallowed disbursements.
Understanding Accomplice Liability in Philippine Homicide Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when a person becomes an accomplice rather than a principal in homicide, and how civil liability is apportioned.
Court Employee Liability for Unauthorized Pamphlet Distribution: A.M. No. 2019-11-SC
A Supreme Court employee was held liable for conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service for facilitating unauthorized pamphlet distribution to justices' offices. Learn the rules.
Bank Manager Discretion and Personal Liability: Insights from Philippine Banking Law
When can a bank manager be personally liable for losses? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of managerial discretion and solidary liability.
Power Supply Contracts: Liability for Fluctuations and Damages
A look at Meralco v. AAA Cryogenics on liability for power fluctuations, proof of damages, and temperate damages in supply contracts.