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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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.
Conspiracy and Intent: When Multiple Assaults Do Not Prove Discernment in Minors
The Supreme Court clarifies that intent to kill and conspiracy do not automatically prove a minor's discernment, requiring separate proof for criminal liability.
Conspiracy and Overt Acts in Group Offenses: What Philippine Law Requires
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that mere presence at a crime scene does not establish conspiracy; an overt act is required for criminal liability.
Conspiracy and Superior Strength in Group Attacks: Murder Liability Explained
When a group attacks one victim, conspiracy and abuse of superior strength can elevate the crime to murder. Learn the rules.
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.
From Murder TO Homicide THE Crucial Role OF Treachery IN Criminal Liability
Coddler or Co-Conspirator: The Fine Line of Liability in Drug Manufacturing Conspiracies
Supreme Court clarifies when a police officer becomes a co-conspirator, not just a coddler, in drug manufacturing under RA 9165.
Trust Receipts Law: Corporate Officers' Liability and Due Diligence in Criminal Demurrers
When a demurrer to evidence is granted in a trust receipts case, private complainants may still question the civil aspect via certiorari.
Conspiracy and Intent in Robbery with Homicide: Liability and Due Process
The Supreme Court clarifies conspiracy, intent to rob, and due process in robbery with homicide convictions.
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.
Guarantee vs Suretyship: How Waiving Excussion Changes Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies when a "guarantee" becomes a suretyship, and why a rehabilitation stay order does not protect a surety.
From Murder to Homicide: The Crucial Role of Treachery in Criminal Liability
The Supreme Court explains when a killing is murder or homicide, focusing on treachery and its elements.
Employer Liability and Proving Negligence in Employee Conduct: The Ondevilla Case
The Supreme Court clarifies employer liability rules, constructive dismissal, and retirement age in Ondevilla v. Colegio de San Juan de Letran.
Clerks of Court and Financial Mismanagement: Consequences of Breaching Fiduciary Duties
Supreme Court rules on clerk of court's liability for fund shortages, delayed remittances, and breach of financial duties in the judiciary.
Accountability for Accomplices: Conspiracy in Carnapping with Homicide
How the Supreme Court held four accused liable for carnapping with homicide through conspiracy, and what this means for accomplice liability.
Court Personnel Liability: When Moonlighting Becomes Simple Misconduct
A sheriff's money lending business during office hours constitutes simple misconduct. Learn the rules on court personnel conduct and penalties.
Arson and Homicide: How the Primary Motive Determines Criminal Liability
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a death during a fire is absorbed by arson or punished separately, based on the offender's main objective.
Resignation VS Reinstatement When CAN A Government Employee Reverse Course
Can a government employee escape administrative liability by resigning or transferring? The Supreme Court clarifies the rule in a recent ruling.
Promoting Prostitution vs Trafficking: Liability Under the Anti-Trafficking Act
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between trafficking in persons and acts that promote trafficking under RA 9208.
Condonation Doctrine and Nepotism: A Mayor's Administrative Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies when the condonation doctrine applies and holds a mayor liable for nepotism in water district appointments.
Falsified Documents and Fraud: How Courts Determine Liability in Complex Crimes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how courts determine liability when falsified documents and fraud are alleged, using a forged deed of sale case.
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.
Packaging Errors and Liability: Who Pays When Contract Manufacturing Goes Wrong
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on who bears liability for defective packaging in contract manufacturing agreements, explained in plain language.
IPRA Does Not Shield Indigenous Peoples From Criminal Prosecution
The Supreme Court clarifies that the Indigenous Peoples' Rights Act cannot be used to evade criminal liability or strip courts of jurisdiction over criminal cases.