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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Court Employee's Rape Charge Leads to Administrative Liability Despite Acquittal
Supreme Court rules criminal acquittal does not bar administrative liability; court employee fined P400,000 for conduct tainting judiciary.
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.
Who Can Appeal a Criminal Acquittal? Private Complainants, the OSG, and the Civil Aspect
Explaining why a private complainant cannot appeal a criminal acquittal alone, and when the OSG must act.
Who Can Appeal a Criminal Acquittal? The Rule on Private Complainants
Private complainants cannot appeal a criminal acquittal except for the civil aspect. Learn the rule from Cu v. Ventura.
Estafa and Civil Liability: When Acquittal Doesnt Guarantee Freedom From Civil Claims
Explore the distinction between criminal acquittal and civil liability in estafa cases, and how banks can be held accountable.
Loss of Confidence as Just Cause: Employee Dismissal Despite Criminal Acquittal
Can an employer fire an employee acquitted of theft? Yes, if substantial evidence supports loss of confidence. Learn the rule.
When Can You Intervene in a Philippine Case? Cayanan v. North Star Analysis
Learn when courts allow intervention in Philippine cases through Cayanan v. North Star, and how civil liability survives criminal acquittal.
When Does the Appeal Clock Start for Offended Parties in Criminal Acquittals?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when the 15-day appeal period begins for private offended parties appealing the civil aspect of an acquittal.
Agrarian Disputes: Why Regular Courts Yield to DARAB in Tenancy Cases
A criminal acquittal does not let regular courts award civil damages tied to an agrarian dispute—DARAB holds exclusive jurisdiction.
When Can You Dismiss an Employee for Misconduct: Loss of Trust and Confidence Explained
Learn when Philippine employers can validly dismiss employees for loss of trust and confidence, and why criminal acquittal doesn't bar termination.