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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
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.
The High Cost of Homicide: Establishing Liability in Robbery With Homicide Cases
A look at how Philippine courts convict in robbery with homicide, from proving intent to the price of damages.
Burden of Proof in Quasi-Delict Claims: Proving Negligence in Vehicular Accidents
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling on negligence, quasi-delict liability, and evidentiary standards in a vehicular accident insurance subrogation case.
Navigating Water Rights: Upholding Property Rights Amidst Natural Easements
The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of natural water easements and property rights in this dispute over subdivision flooding and liability.
Surety Bonds Liability Extends Until Case Termination Despite NON Renewal
A surety bond stays effective until a case is finally terminated, even without renewal. Learn the rule from Enriquez v. Mercantile Insurance.
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.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: Individual Liability for Corporate Fraud
When can directors be personally liable for corporate fraud? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on piercing the corporate veil.
Conspiracy in Robbery With Homicide: Eyewitness Testimony and Joint Liability
A look at how conspiracy and credible eyewitness testimony secured a robbery with homicide conviction, and what this means for criminal liability.
Plunder, Bail, and Preliminary Attachment: Key Rulings from the Revilla Case
The Supreme Court clarifies bail standards, conspiracy liability, and preliminary attachment in plunder cases under RA 7080.
Investment House Liability When Financial Intermediaries Fail
When a Philippine investment house places client funds with a borrower that fails, who bears the loss? The Supreme Court clarifies liability in Abacus v. Tabujara.
When Sudden Attacks Don't Always Mean Treachery: Reassessing Criminal Liability in Homicide Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when a sudden attack constitutes treachery in murder cases, and why self-defense claims fail without proof of unlawful aggression.
Revoking a Surety Agreement: Proving Timely Notice and Release from Liability
A surety who sends a timely revocation letter by registered mail can escape liability—provided the notice is properly proven and received.
Regular Employment vs Contractual Work: Defining Employer-Employee Relationships in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts determine regular employment, labor-only contracting, and employer liability using the Coca-Cola bottlers case.
Deception Beyond the Contract: Criminal Liability for Diverting Investments Without Consent
When an investment agent diverts funds to another company without the investor's consent, criminal liability may arise under Article 318 of the Revised Penal Code.
Extraordinary Diligence: Carrier Liability for Misdelivered Goods
When a courier delivers to the wrong person, the shipment is legally "lost." The Supreme Court explains carrier liability and the limits of air waybill exemptions.
Graft and Corruption: Public Officials' Liability and the Limits of Good Faith Reliance
When can public officials be held liable for graft despite claiming good faith reliance on subordinates? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits.
Reassessing Criminal Liability From Murder to Homicide Based on Evidence of Intent and Treachery
The Supreme Court clarifies when a killing is murder or homicide, requiring proof of treachery and intent beyond reasonable doubt.
Probable Cause and Graft Liability When a Governor's Request Shapes Public Bidding
Supreme Court ruling on graft liability of DPWH-ARMM officials for irregularities in infrastructure projects, including premature contractor mobilization.
BOC Hold-Order Does Not Excuse Consignee From Paying Arrastre Storage Fees
Supreme Court rules a Bureau of Customs Hold-Order does not transfer liability for storage fees from the consignee to the BOC.
Judicial Discretion vs Legal Mandates: Balancing Urgency and Procedure in TRO Extensions
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge's administrative liability clarifies the strict limits of 72-hour TRO extensions and the proper handling of weekend bail applications.
Aider and Abettor Establishing Criminal Liability in Rape Cases Through Conspiracy
Philippine Supreme Court rules that a person who aids a rape by holding the victim's legs is equally guilty through conspiracy.
Exploitation of Minors: Upholding the Anti-Trafficking Law in the Philippines
The Supreme Court affirms life imprisonment for trafficking a minor into prostitution, clarifying that a child's consent or voluntary act does not negate liability under RA 9208.
Protecting Children Moral Ascendancy AND Criminal Liability FOR Sexual Abuse IN THE Philippines
The Supreme Court affirms robbery with rape conviction, clarifying out-of-court identification rules and damages for sexual abuse victims.
Judicial Efficiency vs Personal Hardship: Striking a Balance in Administrative Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies when personal hardships can and cannot excuse a judge's delay in deciding cases, imposing a P15,000 fine for gross inefficiency.