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.
Rape of Persons with Intellectual Disability: Consent and Criminal Liability in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies that sexual intercourse with a person with intellectual disability constitutes rape, as they cannot give valid consent.
Extinguishment of Criminal Liability: Death of the Accused Before Final Judgment
The Supreme Court clarifies that an accused's death before final judgment extinguishes criminal liability and the civil liability ex delicto, citing Article 89 of the RPC.
Employer Liability for Vehicle Accidents: When Is an Employee Acting Within the Scope of Employment?
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when employers are liable for vehicle accidents caused by employees acting outside their assigned tasks.
Death of Accused Pending Appeal Extinguishes Criminal Liability: People v. Layag
The Supreme Court explains how an accused's death before final conviction extinguishes criminal liability and what happens to civil claims.
Corporate Officer Liability: When Directors Can Be Held Personally Liable for Corporate Debts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when corporate officers may be held personally liable for corporate debts and labor awards.
When Are Public Officials Liable for Disallowed Expenses: Good Faith vs. Accountability
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when public officials face liability for disallowed expenses, balancing public accountability with good faith performance.
When a Spouse's Consent Is Missing: Void Mortgages and Conjugal Liability
A mortgage on conjugal property without the other spouse's consent is void, but the loan itself may still bind the family.
Discernment Requirement for Minors: Key Lessons from Dorado v. People
Supreme Court clarifies that discernment, not intent, determines criminal liability of minors aged 15-18 under RA 9344.
Good Faith in Arrests: When Police Mistaken Identity Is Not Grave Misconduct
The Supreme Court clarifies when a police officer's good-faith mistake in executing an arrest warrant shields them from administrative liability for grave misconduct.
School Liability for Student Safety in Off-Campus Activities: The St. Luke's Case
The Supreme Court holds schools liable for student safety in required off-campus activities, ruling on negligence and contractual obligations.
Cargo Loss Liability: When Bad Weather Is Not a "Peril of the Sea"
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when bad weather excuses a common carrier from cargo loss, defining "storm" and "peril of the sea."
Upholding Due Process in Dismissals: The Four-Fold Test and Employer Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies the four-fold test for employer-employee relationships and the need for due process in dismissals.
Solidary Liability in Subdivision Sales: AFP Retirement System v. Sanvictores
Supreme Court holds co-sellers jointly liable under Contract to Sell, explaining solidary obligations and apparent authority under Philippine law.
Specific Denial: How Philippine Courts Determine Liability in Contractual Obligations
The Supreme Court clarifies when a third-party complaint may be denied and how contractual liability for delivering clean title is determined.
Solidary Liability in Real Estate Contracts: Understanding Co-Sellers' Obligations
When do co-sellers remain liable after foreclosure? The Supreme Court clarifies deficiency obligations, payment application, and solidary liability.
Estafa Acquittal and Civil Liability: Distinguishing Ex Delicto From Ex Contractu
When an estafa acquittal rests on a contract, civil liability ex delicto cannot be awarded; the creditor must file a separate civil action.
Bouncing Checks and Due Process: Notice of Dishonor as a Shield Against Liability
The Supreme Court acquits a B.P. 22 accused because the prosecution failed to prove she received the notice of dishonor.
Breach of Trust Accountability for Delayed Remittance of Court Funds
Court personnel who delay remitting collected funds face administrative liability, even after full restitution and retirement.
Corporate Liability When a School President's Actions Bind the Institution
When does a school president's act bind the corporation? The Supreme Court explains apparent authority and corporate liability in Georg v. Holy Trinity College.
Extinguishment of Criminal Liability: Death Before Final Judgment in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when death extinguishes criminal and civil liability, applying Article 89 of the Revised Penal Code.
Maritime Law Shipowner Liability and Seafarers Death Benefits: Insurance and Solidary Obligations Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies shipowner liability, POEA-SEC death benefits, insurance proceeds, and solidary obligations in Phil-Nippon Kyoei v. Gudelosao.
Banks' Duty of Utmost Diligence: Liability for Forged Manager's Checks
When a bank clears a counterfeit manager's check bearing its own officers' forged signatures, it bears the loss—not the depositor.
Personal Liability of Public Officials for Unauthorized Legal Services: The Oñate Case
When are public officials personally liable for unauthorized legal services? The Supreme Court clarifies in Oñate v. COA.
Syndicated Estafa and Corporate Liability: When Public Solicitation Pierces the Veil
Supreme Court clarifies when a corporation's real estate sales to the public trigger syndicated estafa liability under P.D. 1689.