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.
Supreme Court Fines Judge for Undue Delay in Unlawful Detainer Case
Learn when a judge's delay in holding preliminary conference becomes administrative liability, from a 2012 Supreme Court ruling.
Private vs Common Carrier: Who Bears Cargo Loss Under Insurance Policies
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a carrier is private or common, and how "other insurance" clauses affect liability for lost cargo.
Civil Liability Survives Acquittal: Understanding the Limits of Reasonable Doubt in Philippine Law
An acquittal in a criminal case does not automatically erase civil liability. Learn how Philippine courts apply different standards of proof.
Unauthorized Practice of Law and Judicial Ethics: Lessons from Ciocon-Reer v. Lubao
The Supreme Court clarifies when judges face administrative liability and penalizes a non-lawyer for unauthorized practice of law.
Retirement Benefits and Voluntary Resignation: Clarifying Eligibility Under Philippine Law
Can resignation save retirement benefits after administrative liability? The Supreme Court clarifies forfeiture rules for public officers.
Resignation Does Not Erase Dishonesty: Rojas v. Mina on Court Employees' Liability
The Supreme Court held that a court employee's resignation does not extinguish administrative liability for stealing and encashing checks payable to judges.
Demolition Without Due Notice: The Limits of Official Action and Graft Prosecution
A look at when demolition without notice crosses the line into criminal liability, and the legal safeguards against official overreach.
Bank Not Liable for Branch Manager's Unauthorized Guarantee: UCPB v. Planters Products
Supreme Court rules banks are not bound by branch managers' unauthorized guarantees, protecting banks from liability in connivance schemes.
Labor-Only Contracting: When the Principal Employer Faces Solidary Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies when a principal employer becomes solidarily liable for the claims of workers hired through a labor-only contractor.
Piercing THE Corporate Veil Defining Liability IN Business Closure Scenarios
Limits of Obedience: When Can a Clerk of Court Be Held Liable for Dereliction of Duty
Explore when a clerk of court faces administrative liability for dereliction of duty, including the limits of obedience to superiors and the standard of diligence required.
When an Accused Dies Pending Appeal: Extinguishment of Criminal and Pecuniary Liability
A Supreme Court ruling explains how the death of an accused during appeal extinguishes criminal liability and, in drug cases, the fine as well.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails Safeguarding Rights IN Drug Possession Cases
Death pending appeal extinguishes criminal liability in drug cases. The Supreme Court clarifies the effect of an accused's death on convictions.
Death Abates Criminal and Civil Liability: Understanding Extinguishment of Penalties in Philippine Law
When an accused dies pending appeal, both criminal liability and civil liability ex delicto are extinguished under Article 89 of the Revised Penal Code.
Surety's Liability Under Performance Bonds: Philippine Charter Insurance v. Petroleum Distributors
When a performance bond covers a building contract, a surety's liability includes liquidated damages. This case explains the rules.
Estafa Liability of Lawyers for Falsified Loan Documents Under Philippine Law
When can a lawyer be held liable for estafa for signing off on falsified loan documents? The Supreme Court explains in Cruz v. Gonzalez.
Upholding Integrity: Consequences of Misconduct for Court Employees in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on grave misconduct by court employees, explaining penalties, ethical standards, and why resignation does not erase liability.
When Is a Bus Company Liable for Accidents? Employer Liability in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on bus company liability for driver negligence, damages, and employer responsibility under civil law.
Bouncing Checks and Civil Liability: Why You Can't Sue Separately for a BP 22 Violation in the Philippines
Learn why a bounced check can lead to estafa prosecution, not just BP 22, and what this means for your civil remedies.
When Judges Ignore Court Directives: Administrative Consequences in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court rulings show judges who disregard court directives face administrative liability, including fines, suspension, or dismissal from service.
Supreme Court on Quasi-Delict Negligence in Vehicular Accidents: Subrogation and Vicarious Liability
The Supreme Court affirms insurer's subrogation claim, ruling on negligence, proximate cause, and vicarious liability in a vehicular accident case.
Moral Integrity in Public Service: Court Employee Sanctioned for Immoral Conduct
Court interpreter fined P50,000 for illicit affair with married man. Resignation does not erase administrative liability in the judiciary.
Accountability in Public Office: Understanding Malversation of Public Funds in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains the elements of malversation of public funds and why restitution does not erase criminal liability for accountable officers.
Personal Liability of Corporate Officers: When Are They Responsible for Company Debts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when corporate officers and directors can be held personally liable for corporate obligations and debts.