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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Sheriffs Overreach: Defining the Boundaries of Official Duty and Ethical Conduct
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a sheriff's actions exceed official duty, imposing administrative liability for abuse of authority.
Diminished Liability Distinguishing Homicide From Murder Based ON Proof OF Superior Strength
The Supreme Court explains when the qualifying circumstance of abuse of superior strength applies—and when it does not.
Attorney's Fees in Contingency Agreements: Calculating the Right Base and Who Pays
The Supreme Court clarifies how to compute contingency fees and who bears liability for attorney's fees in settled cases.
Death of Accused Pending Appeal Extinguishes Criminal and Civil Liability Ex Delicto
When an accused dies before final judgment, criminal liability and civil liability ex delicto are extinguished. Learn the rule and its exceptions.
When Death Extinguishes Criminal Liability: The Antido Case
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling that an accused's death before final conviction extinguishes criminal and civil liability ex delicto.
Upholding Integrity in Notarial Duties: The Consequences of Negligence
Notaries must strictly comply with their duties under the Notarial Law; negligence can lead to administrative liability and loss of commission.
Employer Liability: Ownership of Premises Does Not Make One an Employer
Supreme Court clarifies that owning a building or premises does not automatically create an employer-employee relationship, reversing a labor ruling against a property owner.
Breach of Contract and Estafa: Developer Liability for Unfulfilled Property Sale
When a developer fails to deliver titles after full payment, both civil and criminal remedies may apply. The Supreme Court clarifies when estafa and P.D. 957 violations arise.
Notarial Duty and Administrative Liability: Upholding Integrity in Court Services
A branch clerk of court was suspended for notarizing documents without following the 2004 Rules on Notarial Practice. Learn the rules and risks.
Contractor Relationships and the Test for Employer Liability in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the control test for employer liability in contractor relationships, and the duties of lawyers and notaries.
When a Crime Becomes More Than the Sum of Its Parts: Complex Crimes in Philippine Law
A drug case acquittal shows how the Supreme Court treats procedural lapses in buy-bust operations, and what that means for criminal liability in the Philippines.
Official Inaction and Anti-Graft Law: When Delay Becomes Discrimination
Court personnel who leak confidential office documents to embarrass colleagues face administrative liability, even if complainants withdraw their cases.
Employer Liability in Labor-Only Contracting: Allied Banking Corp. v. Calumpang
When a bank's janitorial contractor is a labor-only contractor, the bank becomes the true employer—liable for illegal dismissal claims.
Corporate Dissolution Directors As Trustees and Guarantor Liability After Corporate Revocation
Explains Reyes v. Bancom: corporate revocation doesn't abate suits, directors act as trustees, and guarantors remain liable.
Corporate Liability vs Individual Responsibility: Clarifying Boundaries in Contractual Obligations
Supreme Court clarifies when a bank-assignee of receivables becomes liable to condominium buyers, distinguishing joint from solidary liability.
UCPB Liability as Assignee in Real Estate Development: What Buyers Should Know
Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a bank-assignee of receivables becomes liable to condominium buyers for a developer's failure to complete a project.
Insanity Plea Under Scrutiny: The Fine Line Between Confusion and Criminal Responsibility
The Supreme Court clarifies when confusion amounts to insanity exempting an accused from criminal liability, and when it does not.
Eyewitness Reliability and Positive Identification in Murder Cases
Learn how Philippine courts assess eyewitness reliability and positive identification in murder cases, and when an accused's death extinguishes criminal liability.
Extinguishment of Criminal Liability: How Death Before Final Judgment Impacts Guilt and Civil Obligations
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies how an accused's death before final judgment extinguishes criminal liability and affects civil damages.
Conspiracy in Rape Cases: Expanding Liability Beyond the Accused's Own Act
The Supreme Court explains how conspiracy in rape cases makes each accused liable for all acts committed by their co-conspirators.
Upholding Judicial Integrity: A Judge's Failure to Comply With Court Directives and Its Consequences
A Supreme Court decision shows how a judge's repeated failure to obey audit directives and decide cases on time led to administrative liability and serious sanctions.
Insanity Defense AND Criminal Liability Establishing THE Burden OF Proof
Electrical Utility Liability: Negligence in Infrastructure Management
When an electric utility's haphazardly relocated posts and wires cause a fire, the utility—not the property owner—bears liability for damages.
Insanity Defense Clear Proof Required For Exemption From Criminal Liability In The Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that the insanity defense requires clear and convincing proof of cognitive impairment at the time of the crime.