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.
Who's the Boss? Determining Employer Liability in Labor-Only Contracting
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a principal employer becomes solidarily liable with a labor-only contractor for workers' claims.
Railroad Negligence: Defining the Scope of Duty and Liability at Railroad Crossings
Philippine National Railways v. Brunty clarifies railroad crossing safety duties, contributory negligence, and damage awards under Philippine tort law.
Falsification of Public Documents: When Collective Signatures Do Not Equal Collective Guilt
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies individual criminal liability for falsification of public documents in collective decision-making bodies like the PBAC.
Solidary Liability of Recruitment Agencies for Illegal Dismissal of Overseas Workers
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when local recruitment agencies remain solidarily liable for illegal dismissal of overseas Filipino workers.
When a Zero Tax Bill Still Means Exemption: PAL’s Franchise Tax Win Explained
The Supreme Court ruled that PAL’s franchise tax option exempts it from all other taxes, even when its chosen tax liability is zero.
Negligence and Quasi-Delict: When Overtaking on the Shoulder Makes You Liable
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies negligence and vicarious liability of vehicle owners in traffic accidents under Philippine law.
Surveyor Negligence and Contractual Breach: When Professionals Are Liable for Damages
A surveyor's negligent placement of boundary monuments led to a fence encroaching on a right of way. The Court explains liability for breach of contract.
Employer Liability for Negligent Employee: Quasi-Delict vs Subsidiary Liability
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when employers face direct liability for employee negligence under Article 2180, Civil Code, distinct from subsidiary criminal liability.
Civil Liability After Acquittal: When Does a Defendant Still Owe?
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when an acquittal in BP 22 cases still leaves the defendant civilly liable.
Accountability in Public Office: Canvassers' Duty of Care in Elections
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on election canvassers' liability for certifying padded votes, and the ethical duties of lawyers in public service.
The Limits of Administrative Authority: Personal Misconduct vs Official Duties
When does a judge's personal relationship become an administrative liability? The Supreme Court clarifies the line between personal conduct and official duty in this ruling on judicial delay.
Altered Checks and Bank Liability: Material Alterations Under the Negotiable Instruments Law
Explaining when a check alteration is material under the NIL, and the liability of drawee banks for returning altered checks.
Ombudsman Authority and Administrative Liability: The Barillo Case on Dishonesty in Public Service
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling on administrative liability for dishonesty in public service, citing the Barillo case and its implications.
Solidary Liability of Overseas Employment Agencies in Illegal Dismissal Claims
When can a Philippine recruitment agency be held solidarily liable with a foreign employer for illegal dismissal? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits.
Situs of Service Determines Income Tax Liability for Nonresident Aliens in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court rules that for nonresident aliens, income tax depends on where services are actually rendered, not where the payor resides.
Reckless Imprudence and Civil Liability: How a Plea Bargain Affects Damages Beyond the Criminal Penalty
A plea to a lesser offense does not erase civil liability for the death caused by reckless imprudence, as heirs may still recover full damages.
Official Duty vs Criminal Liability: Defining Boundaries in Government Transactions
The Supreme Court clarifies when public officials face criminal liability for anomalous government transactions despite claims of mere ministerial duty.
Delsan Transport v. American Home Assurance: Common Carrier Liability and Delivery of Goods
Explaining Delsan Transport v. American Home Assurance on common carrier extraordinary diligence, delivery of goods, and liability for spillage.
Hospitals' Cost-Cutting Measures vs Patient Rights: The Manila Doctors Hospital Case
Supreme Court ruling on when hospitals may remove non-essential facilities from patient rooms without incurring liability for damages.
When Court Orders Are Enforced: Liability of Judges and Sheriffs in Demolition Cases
Explaining when judges and sheriffs can be held administratively liable for enforcing writs of demolition, based on a 2006 Supreme Court ruling.
Credit Card Liability: Gross Negligence and Moral Damages in the Philippines
When can a credit card issuer be liable for moral damages? The Supreme Court explains gross negligence in Bankard v. Feliciano.
Documentary Stamp Tax on Foreign Exchange Sales: Who Pays
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on documentary stamp tax liability for foreign exchange sales to the Central Bank.
Contempt of Court: Ensuring Due Process and Avoiding Abuse of Judicial Authority
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when judges may issue arrest warrants in preliminary investigations and why good faith shields them from administrative liability.
Common Carrier Liability in the Philippines: Breach of Contract of Carriage Explained
Philippine common carriers face a presumption of negligence when passengers are injured or killed. Learn the rules and how to rebut them.