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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When a Corporate Officer Escapes Civil Liability for a Bounced Check Under BP 22
The Supreme Court clarifies that an acquitted corporate officer cannot be held personally liable for a dishonored corporate check under BP 22.
Death of the Accused and Criminal Liability: The Rodriguez v. Elorde Ruling
When an accused dies before final judgment, criminal liability is extinguished. But civil liability may survive—here's how.
Civil Liability After Criminal Acquittal: What the Llonillo Case Means
Philippine law allows civil liability to survive a criminal acquittal. Learn the rules and the Supreme Court's ruling in Llonillo.
When Tax Assessments Are Not Required: Civil Liability in Philippine Tax Evasion Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a formal BIR tax assessment is not required to hold taxpayers civilly liable in criminal tax evasion cases.
Trust Receipts and Criminal Liability: When a Loan Becomes Estafa Under PD 115
The Supreme Court clarifies when a trust receipt transaction creates criminal liability for estafa, not just civil liability, under PD 115.
Trust Receipts and Estafa: Upholding Criminal Liability for Breach of Trust
Supreme Court clarifies that failure to turn over goods or proceeds under trust receipts is estafa under PD 115, not mere civil liability.
Death of Accused Before Final Judgment Extinguishes Criminal Liability
When an accused dies before final judgment, criminal liability and civil liability ex delicto are extinguished. Learn the rule and exceptions.
Death Abates Criminal Liability: Supreme Court Clarifies Extinguishment of Penalties and Civil Obligations
When an accused dies before final conviction, criminal liability and civil liability ex delicto are extinguished. The Supreme Court explains the rule and its exceptions.
Extinguishment of Criminal Liability: Death of Accused Pending Appeal and Its Implications
Explaining People v. Caloring: how an accused's death pending appeal extinguishes criminal and civil liability, with key procedural lessons.
Accountability Prevails Public Officials Held Civilly Liable Despite Acquittal In Illegal Funds Transfer Case
Acquittal in a criminal case does not erase civil liability. The Supreme Court explains why public officials must still answer for negligent handling of public funds.
Theft vs. Estafa in the Philippines: Key Distinctions and the Horca Case
Theft and estafa differ in possession and deceit. The Horca ruling shows why the distinction matters and how acquittal can still leave civil liability.
Civil Liability in Government Procurement: Negligence and Bad Faith After Bodo v. COA
Explaining Bodo v. COA on civil liability of government officers for disallowed procurement, including quantum meruit reductions.
Understanding Civil Liability in Criminal Cases When Estafa Acquittals Impact Loan Obligations
When an estafa accused is acquitted, can the victim still collect the loan? The Supreme Court explains civil liability ex delicto versus ex contractu.
When Death Extinguishes Criminal Liability: Insights from a Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling explains how an accused's death before final judgment extinguishes criminal and civil liability ex delicto.
The Limits of Certiorari and the Finality of Acquittal in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when an acquittal can still carry civil liability, and the procedural consequences of filing a demurrer to evidence.
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 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.
Protecting the Vulnerable: Upholding Convictions in Statutory Rape Cases
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling on statutory rape convictions and the effect of an accused's death pending appeal on criminal and civil liability.
Death of the Accused Before Final Judgment Extinguishes Criminal Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies that an accused's death pending appeal extinguishes criminal liability and civil liability ex delicto, but not other civil claims.
Death Before Final Judgment Extinguishes Criminal Liability in Philippine Law
When an accused dies before final conviction, criminal liability and civil liability ex delicto are extinguished under the Revised Penal Code.
Subsidiary Liability of Employers: Execution Against Employers for Employees' Civil Delicts
Supreme Court clarifies when employers may be held subsidiarily liable for employees' civil liability arising from criminal acts.
Death Before Final Judgment Extinguishes Criminal Liability: People v. Gallardo
When an accused dies before final conviction, criminal and civil liability ex delicto are extinguished. Learn the rule from People v. Gallardo.
Death of Accused Pending Appeal Extinguishes Criminal Liability in Rape Cases
Supreme Court explains how an accused's death before final conviction extinguishes criminal and civil liability ex delicto, citing Article 89 of the Revised Penal Code.
Procedural Lapses in Filing Fees Do Not Erase Civil Liability in Swindling Cases
Supreme Court clarifies that underpayment of docket fees based on clerk assessment does not bar recovery of damages in estafa cases.