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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Independent Contractors vs Regular Employees: Defining the Boundaries of Employer Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies when a principal is not the employer of a contractor's workers, and why the regular employment test does not apply in trilateral arrangements.
Diminished Liability Distinguishing Homicide From Murder in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when abuse of superior strength fails as a qualifying circumstance, reducing murder to homicide in the Philippines.
Registered Vehicle Owners Face Liability Even After Selling the Car
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why registered vehicle owners remain liable for accidents even after selling their car.
Solidary Liability of Recruitment Agencies: Protecting Overseas Workers' Right to Fair Compensation
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on recruitment agencies' solidary liability for overseas workers' unpaid wages and the prescriptive period for money claims.
Treachery and Unlicensed Firearms Raise Murder Penalty in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how treachery and unlicensed firearms affect murder liability, penalties, and damages.
When Lawyers Issue Bouncing Checks: Administrative Liability Under Philippine Law
A lawyer who issues worthless checks faces suspension even after full payment. Learn the rules from a Supreme Court administrative case.
When Shipowner Negligence Sinks the Limited Liability Defense in Philippine Maritime Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when shipowners lose the limited liability rule due to actual negligence in cargo loss cases.
When a Counsel's Negligence Endangers Property: Balancing Technical Rules and Substantive Justice
A Supreme Court ruling shows that procedural lapses in an appellant's brief may be excused, but a drugstore's negligent dispensing of medicine still invites liability.
Judicial Admissions: When a Lawyer's Statement Binds the Client in Lease and Contract Disputes
Supreme Court ruling on judicial admissions, binding statements, and liability in contract disputes involving lost cargo and damages.
Sheriffs Duty Proper Execution OF Writs AND Consequences OF Neglect
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on a sheriff's administrative liability for simple neglect of duty in executing writs.
Conspiracy and Liability in Rape: Understanding Shared Criminal Intent
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies conspiracy rules in rape cases, explaining when co-accused share criminal liability.
Conspiracy AND Intent Determining Liability IN Criminal Cases
Fictitious Payee Rule and Bank Liability in Check Payments
When is a named payee "fictitious" under Philippine law? The Supreme Court explains who bears the loss when checks are paid without indorsement.
Accomplice Liability in Homicide: Defining the Scope of Criminal Participation in the Philippines
Understand how Philippine courts define accomplice liability in homicide cases, the rules on criminal participation, and what makes a person an accomplice rather than a principal.
Self-Defense or Murder: Treachery and Voluntary Surrender in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a sudden knife attack is treachery, and when voluntary surrender can mitigate murder liability.
Simulated Business Closure Employer Liability FOR Illegal Dismissal
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a simulated business closure constitutes illegal dismissal and employer liability.
Altered Checks and Holder in Due Course Protection Under the Negotiable Instruments Law
Supreme Court ruling on drawee bank liability for altered checks and holder in due course protection under the Negotiable Instruments Law.
Subrogation Rights of Insurers: Recourse Against Negligent Carriers for Damaged Goods
When can an insurer sue a negligent carrier after paying a claim? The Supreme Court clarifies subrogation rights and carrier liability.
Right of Way When a Promise Isn't a Guarantee in Property Sales
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a company's promise to extend a contract becomes binding, and the limits of corporate liability.
Finality of Judgment Prevails: Compromise Agreements Do Not Erase Criminal Liability in Estafa Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on estafa: compromise agreements and payment do not extinguish criminal liability once judgment becomes final.
Finality of Judgments, Solidary Liability, and Actual Damages in Cockfighting Disputes
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies the immutability of final judgments and how to compute actual damages in a cockfighting dispute.
Judicial Accountability: Fines for Negligence and Delay in Legal Proceedings
A Supreme Court ruling holds court officers accountable for gross negligence and delay, affirming that retirement does not erase administrative liability.
Shared Maritime Tragedy Determining Liability In Collision At Sea
The MV Doña Paz and MT Vector collision case clarifies liability rules for common carriers and vessel owners in Philippine maritime law.
Implied Consent in Guaranty Agreements: When Silence and Conduct Affirm Liability
When does silence make someone a guarantor? The Supreme Court explains how conduct can imply consent to a guaranty agreement.