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.
Contractor Liability for Substandard Electrical Installations: Mackay v. Caswells
When can a contractor be held liable for defective work? The Supreme Court clarifies contractor obligations under Article 1715 of the Civil Code.
Public Officials' Liability for Negligence in Handling Public Funds: The Luspo Doctrine
Supreme Court ruling on public officials' liability for negligence in disbursing public funds, explaining accountable officer duties and bad faith requirements.
Civil Liability Despite Acquittal: Estafa and BP 22 in Philippine Law
Acquittal in estafa does not erase civil liability if it arises from a separate source, like being an accommodation party to a bounced check.
Execution Pending Appeal and Surety Liability: The Imminent Danger of Insolvency Standard
When can a judgment be executed before appeal is final? The Supreme Court clarifies the "good reasons" standard and a surety's exposure on an injunction bond.
Execution Pending Appeal and Surety Liability: Lessons from Centennial Guarantee v. Universal Motors
Explaining when Philippine courts allow execution pending appeal and how a surety's liability on an injunction bond is limited.
Death of Accused Pending Appeal Extinguishes Criminal Liability in Rape Case
Supreme Court explains how an accused's death before final judgment extinguishes criminal and civil liability ex delicto.
Treachery in Jailhouse Killings: Conspiracy and Criminal Liability Explained
How the Supreme Court applied treachery and conspiracy to convict inmates who murdered jail guards and carnapped a vehicle during a prison break.
Theft and Dishonesty in Public Service: Consequences for Retirement Benefits and Re-Employment
Supreme Court rules on theft, dishonesty in public service, and how retirement does not erase administrative liability or preserve benefits.
Notarizing Outside Commission Territory: A Lawyer's Administrative Liability
A notary public who notarizes outside his commissioned territory commits malpractice and falsehood, facing suspension and disqualification.
Altered Checks and Bank Liability: Who Pays the Price of Forgery
When a bank clears an altered check, who bears the loss? The Supreme Court clarifies liability rules in Areza v. Express Savings Bank.
Kidnapping for Ransom: Supreme Court Affirms Conviction and Apportions Liability Between Principal and Accompl
The Supreme Court clarifies the line between principal and accomplice in kidnapping for ransom, and how damages are shared.
The Weight of Silence: Accomplice Liability in Kidnapping for Ransom
When does silence and serving food make someone an accomplice to kidnapping for ransom? The Supreme Court explains.
Surety Bond Liability Survives Minor Contract Changes, High Court Rules
Supreme Court clarifies when contract modifications release a surety from liability—and when they do not.
Medical Negligence and the Standard of Care: Physician Liability in Homicide Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when a doctor's failure to operate constitutes reckless imprudence resulting in homicide, and when it does not.
Upholding Judicial Integrity: Court Personnel's Duty to Avoid Impropriety
Philippine court personnel must avoid even the appearance of impropriety, inside and outside the workplace, or face administrative liability.
Proving Wage Payment: Employer's Burden and the Cost of Missing Records
Employers must prove wage payment with payroll records. Missing records can defeat defenses and lead to liability for money claims.
Vehicle Accidents and Utility Posts: Liability Under Philippine Law
Learn how Philippine courts determine liability when a vehicle damages utility infrastructure, including negligence, vicarious liability, and damages.
Condonation and Concubinage: Understanding Marital Forgiveness in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies how condonation affects criminal liability for concubinage under the Revised Penal Code, and what spouses should know.
Court Employee Accountability: Inefficiency and Incompetence in Judicial Service
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on court interpreter's administrative liability for inefficiency, incompetence, and failure to perform official duties.
Solidary Liability in Illegal Recruitment: The Reach of Conspiracy
When conspiracy is shown in large-scale illegal recruitment, each accused is both criminally and civilly liable, solidarily for all amounts collected from victims.
Registered Owner Liability and Damages in Vehicular Accidents: Mendoza v. Gomez
A look at Mendoza v. Gomez on registered owner vicarious liability, proof of damages, and when moral damages are not recoverable.
Registered Vehicle Owners and Vicarious Liability: Negligence and Damages in Philippine Law
Learn when a registered vehicle owner is liable for a driver's negligence, and which damages Philippine courts may award.
Damaged Goods Liability: Arrastre Negligence and Insurer Subrogation Rights
Explaining when arrastre operators are liable for damaged cargo, how insurers gain subrogation rights, and what evidence suffices in Philippine law.
Writ of Possession as Ministerial Duty: Court Ruling on Judicial Discretion and Liability
Supreme Court clarifies writ of possession is a ministerial duty, and judges who defer it may face administrative liability.