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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Stockholders' Right to Inspect Corporate Records: When Refusal Becomes a Crime
Explore the Supreme Court ruling on stockholders' inspection rights, prejudicial questions, and criminal liability for refusing access to corporate books.
Carrier Liability for Cargo Damage During Unloading: The Wallem Doctrine
When is a shipping carrier liable for cargo damaged during unloading? The Supreme Court clarifies the rule on carrier responsibility and arrastre operator liability.
Kidnapping for Ransom with Homicide: Accountability and Admissibility of Confessions
Supreme Court affirms conviction for kidnapping for ransom with homicide, clarifying conspiracy liability and rules on extra-judicial confessions.
Solidary Liability in Labor Standards: Protecting Workers Beyond Direct Employment
Learn how Philippine courts hold employers and contractors jointly liable for labor standard violations, protecting workers beyond direct employment relationships.
Defining the Employer: Coca-Cola's Control Over Contracted Salesmen
When is a contractor a labor-only contractor? The Supreme Court clarifies employer liability and control over contracted salesmen.
Deceptive Recruitment Liability FOR Illegal Recruitment AND Estafa
Learn how a fake overseas job scheme triggered both illegal recruitment and estafa charges, and the penalties imposed.
The 24-Hour Rule in Cargo Claims: Carrier Liability Under Philippine Shipping Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the 24-hour claim rule under the Code of Commerce for damaged cargo and its effect on carrier liability.
Quasi-Delict Liability in Vehicular Accidents: What the Supreme Court Ruling Means
Learn how the Supreme Court applied quasi-delict rules in a vehicular accident case, clarifying negligence, vicarious liability, and damages.
Attorney-Client Relationship and Disbarment: When Personal Transactions Do Not Trigger Professional Liability
Supreme Court clarifies that free legal advice incidental to personal dealings does not establish attorney-client relationship for disbarment purposes.
When Acquittal Extinguishes Civil Liability: Understanding Reckless Imprudence Cases
Learn how acquittal in reckless imprudence cases affects civil liability, based on Philippine Supreme Court rulings and key legal principles.
Liability FOR Abduction When Absence OF Proof Limits Criminal Responsibility IN Philippine LAW
Breach of Preliminary Attachment: Officials Liable for Undue Injury Under RA 3019
Supreme Court rules local officials who released retention money despite a writ of preliminary attachment face criminal liability under RA 3019.
When a Judge Oversteps: Acting Without Authority and Denying Due Process
A judge who acts without authority as pairing judge and cites a party in contempt without hearing faces administrative liability.
Continuing Surety Agreements: When a Surety Stays Liable Despite Principal Default
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on continuing surety agreements and a surety's joint and several liability despite the principal debtor's default.
Beyond Labels: Substance Prevails Over Form in Determining Legal Actions
A judge's procedural lapses in bail hearings show how courts look beyond labels to substance in determining legal liability.
When Death Ends Administrative Liability: The Patag Case on Sheriffs and Due Process
A sheriff died while facing administrative charges. The Supreme Court dismissed the case, explaining why death abates administrative liability.
Conspiracy and Treachery: Guilt Without Direct Action in People v. Bohol
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on conspiracy, treachery, and murder liability for an accused who did not directly kill.
Treachery IN Group Attacks Establishing Liability IN Murder Cases
Shareholder Inspection Rights and the Good Faith Defense Under Section 74
The Supreme Court clarifies when a corporation may refuse a shareholder's demand to inspect books without facing criminal liability.
Excavation Liability: When a Landowner Can Shift Blame to the Contractor
The Supreme Court clarifies when a landowner can escape liability for excavation damage to a neighbor's building, and when the contractor alone must pay.
Vicarious Liability and Public Officials: When Is a Mayor Responsible for Employee Negligence
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a mayor can be held liable for a driver's negligence under Article 2180 of the Civil Code.
Accountability in the Judiciary: Judges and Court Personnel Held Liable for Neglect of Duty and Undue Delay
The Supreme Court ruled that judges and court personnel face administrative liability for undue delay and neglect of duty, even after retirement.
Accountability for Illegal Logging: Possession, Liability, and Penalties Under PD 705
A look at how the Supreme Court upheld a conviction for illegal possession of lumber, clarifying liability and penalties under PD 705.
Breach of Contract and Bad Faith: Airlines' Liability for Downgraded Seats
Philippine Airlines held liable for downgrading a passenger's business class seat to economy, with the Supreme Court affirming damages for breach of contract in bad faith.