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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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.
Familial Abuse of Power When Parental Authority Becomes Criminal Liability
Explore the legal boundaries of parental authority, when discipline crosses into criminal liability, and the Supreme Court's guidance on familial abuse.
PAGCOR Tax Ruling Clarifies Income Tax, VAT, and Fringe Benefit Liability
Supreme Court ruling clarifies PAGCOR's tax liability: 5% franchise tax on gaming income, income tax on related services, and FBT obligations.
PAGCOR Tax Liabilities Clarifying Income and VAT Exemptions Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies PAGCOR's tax liability: 5% franchise tax on gaming income, income tax on related services, and VAT exemption.
Chain of Custody and Damages: Lessons from the Sprite Bottle Case
A Supreme Court ruling on product liability, chain of custody of evidence, and when moral and exemplary damages may be awarded in quasi-delict cases.
Estate vs Individual Liability: Who Can Be Sued in Debt Recovery Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when an estate can be sued and the limits of dismissing cases against individual defendants.
Diminished Liability Understanding Homicide Conviction In Spontaneous Altercations
The Supreme Court explains when spontaneous fights reduce homicide liability, and when treachery still qualifies murder despite provocation.
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.
Timely Claims and Limited Liability: Arrastre Operator Obligations in Cargo Damage Cases
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when cargo damage claims against arrastre operators are timely filed and how liability limits apply.
Syndicated Estafa Liability and Investor Protection Under Philippine Law
Supreme Court affirms syndicated estafa conviction under PD 1689, clarifying liability of corporate officers and investor protection.
Supreme Court Ruling on Government Procurement and Public Officer Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies when a public officer's procurement violations constitute gross neglect of duty rather than grave misconduct.
Mental Health at Sea: Employer Liability for a Seafarer's Bipolar Disorder
A Supreme Court ruling on when a seafarer's bipolar disorder is compensable under the POEA contract and what employers must prove to avoid liability.
Accountability for Acts: Criminal Liability in Robbery with Homicide
The Supreme Court clarifies when each participant in a robbery becomes liable for homicide committed on the occasion of the robbery.
When Approving Loans Doesnt Equal Liability Protecting Officials From Unfair Disallowances
Estafa AND Corporate Liability When Does Breach OF Contract Become A Crime
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.
Mastermind Liability When Inducement Leads to Robbery and Carnapping
When a mastermind induces others to commit robbery and carnapping, Philippine law holds them fully liable for all consequences.
Bank Manager's Acquittal in Graft Case Does Not Erase Civil Liability for Negligence
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that acquittal in a criminal graft case does not automatically absolve a bank manager from civil liability for negligence.
Sheriffs Must Follow Execution Procedures Exactly or Face Administrative Liability
A sheriff who skipped the demand step before garnishing and levying property was suspended for simple misconduct by the Supreme Court.
Judicial Accountability Balancing Discretion AND Duty IN Search Warrant Issuance
A Supreme Court ruling on administrative liability clarifies the balance between judicial discretion in search warrants and accountability for neglect.
Conditional Settlement Protecting Seafarers Rights In Maritime Death Benefit Claims
Supreme Court rules a one-sided conditional settlement of a seafarer's death benefit claim cannot erase the employer's liability.
Partnership vs Estafa: When a Partner's Misappropriation Becomes a Crime
The Supreme Court clarifies when a partner's failure to account for funds crosses from civil liability to criminal estafa under Philippine law.
Contractual Negligence: Defining the Scope of Liability in Service Agreements
A Supreme Court ruling on surety bonds clarifies when a contractor's breach triggers full liability, and how compensation applies.
When Banks Can Refuse Payment: B.P. 22 and Bank Closure in Cu v. SB Corp.
Supreme Court ruling on B.P. 22 liability when a bank is closed by the Monetary Board and placed under PDIC receivership.