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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Good Faith Defense: When Public Officials Can Avoid Liability for Disallowed Fund Transfers
The Supreme Court clarifies when good faith shields public officials from personal liability in COA disallowances involving PDAF fund transfers.
Pre-Incorporation Contracts and Personal Liability: Lessons from Hao v. Galang
When does a corporate officer become personally liable for pre-incorporation contracts? The Supreme Court clarifies agency rules in Hao v. Galang.
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.
Government Procurement and Financial Accountability: Lessons from the Talisay City COA Disallowance Case
The Supreme Court upheld COA disallowances against Talisay City officials for procurement violations, clarifying rules on competitive bidding, budget realignment, and personal liability.
B.P. 22 and the Corporate Veil: When Corporate Officers Face Personal Liability
The Supreme Court pierces the corporate veil in B.P. 22 cases, holding officers personally liable for bouncing checks—but only with proper notice of dishonor.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When Company Officers Face Personal Liability
A corporate officer can be held personally liable for labor awards if the judgment is final. Learn the risks and rules.
Good Faith in Government Procurement: Protecting Public Officials From Personal Liability
Learn when good faith shields public officials from refunding disallowed benefits, and when it does not, under Philippine law.
Reliance on Subordinates: When Public Officials Avoid Liability for Disallowed Funds
The Supreme Court clarifies when a public official can invoke the Arias doctrine to avoid personal liability for disallowed government funds.
Estafa Corporate Liability vs Personal Liability in Loan Agreements
When is a corporate officer personally liable for estafa in a loan deal? The Supreme Court clarifies the line between criminal fraud and civil debt.
Good Faith AND Government Liability Protecting Public Officials From Personal Liability IN Disallowed Payments
Checks as Evidence of Personal Liability Despite Corporate Issuance
Supreme Court clarifies when corporate checks can establish personal liability of a corporate officer who signs them.
Personal Liability of Public Officials for Unauthorized Legal Services: The Oñate Case
When are public officials personally liable for unauthorized legal services? The Supreme Court clarifies in Oñate v. COA.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: Limits of Personal Liability for Corporate Acts in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when corporate officers may be held personally liable and why certiorari cannot replace a lost appeal.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When Directors Face Personal Liability for Corporate Debts
The Supreme Court clarifies when corporate directors may be held personally liable for corporate debts, requiring clear and convincing evidence of bad faith or fraud.
Personal Guarantees and Piercing the Corporate Veil: Lessons from Crisologo v. People
When corporate officers sign personal guarantees, they may face personal liability. The Supreme Court clarifies the limits in Crisologo v. People.
Piercing THE Corporate Veil Clarifying Personal Liability IN Trust Receipt Agreements
Diplomatic Immunity vs Personal Accountability: The Limits of Privilege
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on diplomatic immunity, privacy rights, and personal liability for damages under the Civil Code.
Personal Liability of Corporate Officers: When Are They Responsible for Company Debts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when corporate officers and directors can be held personally liable for corporate obligations and debts.
Personal Liability of Public Officials: COA Disallowances and Due Process in Philippine Government Contracts
When can public officials be held personally liable for disallowed government payments? The Supreme Court explains the rules on due process and liability.
Security of Tenure in Government Service: When Reorganization Is a Ruse for Illegal Dismissal
The Supreme Court affirms that sham reorganizations violate security of tenure and that mayors acting in bad faith face personal liability for damages.
When Public Officials Face Personal Liability for Official Acts
Supreme Court clarifies when school officials may be personally sued for damages and why exhaustion of administrative remedies does not apply.
Personal Liability of Corporate Officers: Limits on Altering Final Labor Judgments
When can corporate officers be personally liable in labor cases? The Supreme Court clarifies limits on modifying final judgments.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When Owners Face Personal Liability for Corporate Obligations
Philippine Supreme Court explains when courts may disregard corporate fiction and hold owners personally liable for corporate debts and obligations.
Dismissal Disputes: Protecting Depositors From Illegal Dismissal Claims in Corporate Crises
The Supreme Court shields depositors who temporarily manage a distressed bank from personal liability for illegal dismissal claims, clarifying employer-employee relationships.