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 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.
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.
When a Freight Forwarder Becomes a Common Carrier: Liability for Damaged Cargo
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a freight forwarder is treated as a common carrier and held liable for damaged goods under the Civil Code.
Freight Forwarder Liability for Cargo Damage: Proving Negligence in Claims
A freight forwarder acting as a common carrier is presumed negligent when cargo arrives damaged. Learn the legal rules from a 2019 Supreme Court ruling.
Good Faith Prevails Reassessing Liability in Disallowed Government Benefits
A lawyer's good faith in claiming disallowed benefits shields him from liability, but procedural lapses still draw sanctions.
Cargo Hijacking and Liability: Breach of Contract and Subrogation Rules
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on who bears liability when a subcontracted truck carrying insured cargo is hijacked.
Overseas Workers' Money Claims: Labor Arbiter Jurisdiction and Agency Solidary Liability
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies Labor Arbiter jurisdiction over overseas workers' illegal dismissal claims and recruitment agencies' solidary liability.
When Self-Defense Claims Fall Short: The Miranda Case on Unlawful Aggression
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when self-defense fails and how a victim's provocation can still mitigate criminal liability in Philippine law.
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.
Relief From Accountability: Proving Diligence in Handling Public Funds Despite Loss
When can an accountable officer be relieved from liability for lost public funds? The Supreme Court clarifies the standard of diligence in Callang v. COA.
Accomplice Liability: Proving the Degree of Participation in Homicide Cases
When is a person an accomplice rather than a principal in a killing? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on participation and liability.
Treachery's Shadow: Redefining Murder and Homicide in Philippine Law
When does a killing become murder instead of homicide? The Supreme Court clarifies the role of treachery in bail hearings and criminal liability.
Drug Use and Due Process: When a Quashed Search Warrant Does Not Erase Administrative Liability
A sheriff dismissed for drug use despite quashed search warrant—why administrative cases stand apart from criminal cases.
Undue Delay and Insubordination: When Judges Must Answer to the Supreme Court
A judge's failure to resolve motions and obey Court directives leads to administrative liability. Learn the rules and penalties.
Mitigating Judicial Liability: From Gross Ignorance of Law to Violation of Supreme Court Rules
When does a judge's failure to follow Supreme Court rules become gross ignorance of law? The High Court clarifies the distinction.
Formal Offer of Evidence in Tax Cases: Courts Must Consider All Evidence on Record
A taxpayer's admission of transferring shares can establish tax liability even without the BIR's formal offer of evidence.
Judicial Accountability: Strict Adherence to Court-Annexed Mediation Rules
A judge's deviation from mandatory court-annexed mediation rules leads to administrative liability, clarifying the distinction between gross ignorance and rule violations.
Contractor's Solidary Liability and Full Payment Defense in Subcontracting Agreements
When can a contractor be held liable for a subcontractor's unpaid debts? The Supreme Court explains solidary liability and the full payment defense.
Self-Defense and the Degree of Criminal Liability: Distinguishing Homicide From Murder
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a killing is homicide, not murder, and why self-defense must be proven by clear and convincing evidence.
Abuse of Rights When Public Works Infringe on Private Water Connections
When public works projects cut private water lines without notice, abuse of rights under Article 19 can trigger liability for damages.
Bank Liability for Unauthorized Withdrawals: Upholding Fiduciary Duty in Banking Transactions
Philippine Supreme Court holds banks liable for honoring unauthorized withdrawals, reinforcing fiduciary duty and strict compliance with depositor instructions.
Lodging Liability When Hotel Owners Promote Human Trafficking
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on hotel owner liability for promoting trafficking under RA 9208, based on circumstantial evidence.
Graft and Conspiracy: Public Officials' Liability in Disadvantageous Contracts
Explains when public officers and private persons may be held liable for graft under Section 3(g) of RA 3019 for disadvantageous government contracts.
When a Car Purchase Goes Wrong: Establishing Liability in Sales Transactions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a person who receives payment and issues a receipt in a car sale can be held liable as a seller.