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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Airline Breach of Contract of Carriage: Nominal Damages for Flight Disruptions
When do flight disruptions give rise to nominal damages? The Supreme Court clarifies airline and travel agent liability for breach of contract of carriage.
When Retirement Ends Judicial Accountability: The Andaya Doctrine on Administrative Cases
The Supreme Court explains when a judge's retirement bars administrative liability for acts committed while in office.
When a Deceased Defendant Is Named in a Collection Case: Jurisdiction and Solidary Liability Rules
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies what happens when a defendant dies before a collection suit is filed, and how solidary obligations affect the case.
Probationary Employment: Employers Must Communicate Standards for Regularization
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on probationary employment: employers must inform workers of regularization standards at hiring or risk illegal dismissal liability.
Civil Liability in BP 22 Cases: The Importance of Explicit Findings in Acquittal
An acquittal in a BP 22 case does not automatically extinguish civil liability. The Court explains when it does.
Challenging Buy-Bust Operations: Upholding Regularity and Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt in Drug Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when buy-bust operations are valid, how to rebut the presumption of police regularity, and limits of drug paraphernalia liability.
Acquittal Does Not Erase Civil Liability: B.P. 22 Case Clarifies Separate Civil Aspect
An acquittal in a B.P. 22 case does not automatically extinguish civil liability. The Supreme Court explains when civil claims survive.
Accountability in Homicide: Liability Beyond the Mortal Blow
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that a co-assailant in a fatal mauling can be convicted of homicide even without delivering the fatal blow.
Overseas Dreams, Local Schemes: Illegal Recruitment in Large Scale and Economic Sabotage
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on large-scale illegal recruitment, syndicate liability, and penalties for overseas employment fraud.
Quitclaims and Labor Rights: Can Waivers Extinguish Employer Liability?
When can a quitclaim bar an employee's labor claims? The Supreme Court explains solidary liability and valid waivers in Vigilla v. PCCr.
Quitclaims and Labor Rights: Can Waivers Extinguish Employer Liability
When can a quitclaim bar an employee's labor claims? The Supreme Court explains solidary liability and waiver validity.
Court Personnel Neglect of Duty: When Delayed Case Records Trigger Administrative Liability
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on simple neglect of duty by court personnel who delayed transmitting appeal records, with penalties explained.
Upholding Decorum: Judicial Employees Reprimanded for Discourteous Conduct
Explore the Supreme Court ruling on administrative liability for discourteous conduct by judicial employees and its implications.
Burden of Proof in Cargo Shortage Claims: When Arrastre Operators Escape Liability
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling on cargo shortage claims, the burden of proof, and when arrastre operators may avoid liability.
Trust Receipt vs. Loan: When a Security Agreement Becomes a Debt
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a trust receipt arrangement is actually a loan, affecting liability and criminal exposure.
Bank Officer Liability for Fraudulent Export Transactions: The Dy Case
When can a bank officer be held solidarily liable for fraud? The Supreme Court explains conspiracy and approval of irregular transactions.
Bank Officer Liability for Fraudulent Export Transactions: The Dy Case
Supreme Court ruling on bank officer liability for approving fraudulent export transactions with non-negotiable bills of lading.
Extinguishment OF Criminal Liability Death Before Final Judgment AND THE Privileged Mitigating Circumstance OF Minority
Demand Letters as Evidence in Lease Disputes: Castro v. Palenzuela
A lessee's own evidence can cap rental liability. Learn the rule from Castro v. Palenzuela.
Judicial Immunity: When CAN Judges Be Held Liable for Their Decisions?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the limits of judicial immunity and when judges may face administrative liability for their rulings.
Parking Liability When Negligence Doesn't Extend to the Property Owner
When a car is stolen from a paid parking lot, who pays? The Supreme Court explains when the property owner escapes liability.
When Can Conjugal Assets Be Seized to Pay a Spouse's Criminal Liability?
The Supreme Court explains when conjugal partnership properties may be levied to satisfy civil indemnities arising from a spouse's criminal conviction.
Prolonged Layoff Equals Constructive Dismissal Employer Liability FOR Separation PAY
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when prolonged layoff becomes constructive dismissal, entitling employees to separation pay and backwages.
Accommodation Party Liability: Personal Checks for Corporate Debt
When a corporate officer issues personal checks for a company loan, they may be personally liable as an accommodation party under Philippine law.