Legal Insights

Lessor Liability for Lease Violations: Trespass in Fact vs Trespass in Law

Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a lessor is liable for third-party disturbances of a lessee's possession, distinguishing trespass in fact from trespass in law.

Bouncing Checks Liability Without the Original Check: Key Lessons from Arceo v. People

Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains when a person can be held liable under BP 22 even if the original check is lost or missing.

Breach of Trust: Understanding Estafa and Criminal Liability in the Philippines

Learn how the Supreme Court defines estafa by misappropriation under Article 315 of the Revised Penal Code and what it means for your liability.

Liability for Flood Damage: Private vs Public Drainage Systems

Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a lessor is liable for flood damage—distinguishing private drainage maintenance from public sewer responsibility.

Bouncing Checks and Criminal Intent: Upholding Strict Liability Under BP 22

The Supreme Court affirms that BP 22 punishes the mere issuance of a bouncing check, regardless of intent or purpose.

Tugboat Owner's Negligence in Ensuring Seaworthiness Makes It Liable for Barge Damage

Philippine Supreme Court ruling on tugboat owner's liability for barge damage due to failure to ensure vessel seaworthiness and diligence in towage contracts.

Protecting OFW Wages: Unauthorized Contract Alterations and Employer Liability

Philippine Supreme Court ruling on OFW salary reductions, unauthorized contract changes, and solidary employer liability under RA 8042.

Forestry Laws: Driver Liability and Knowledge in Illegal Logging Cases

Supreme Court ruling on truck driver liability for transporting undocumented lumber under the Revised Forestry Code, and how knowledge and conspiracy are proven.

Restitution Does Not Erase Administrative Liability for Court Fund Shortages

Philippine Supreme Court ruling: returning missing court funds does not erase administrative liability for gross dishonesty by court personnel.

Surety's Liability Survives Death of Principal Debtor: Stronghold Insurance v. Republic-Asahi

The Supreme Court rules that a surety's solidary liability under a performance bond is not extinguished by the death of the principal debtor.

Breach of Warranty vs Waiver: Marine Insurance Policy Disputes in the Philippines

Philippine Supreme Court clarifies breach of warranty, waiver, and insurer liability in marine insurance disputes under the Insurance Code.

Employer Liability When an Employee's Crime Becomes the Company's Debt

Philippine Supreme Court ruling on employer subsidiary liability for crimes committed by employees, and when companies must answer for employee misconduct.

Successor Liability in Philippine Labor Law: When Is a Company Responsible for Another's Debts

Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a company becomes liable for another firm's labor debts under successor liability rules.

Falsification of Documents: Proving Intent and Damage in Philippine Law

Philippine Supreme Court ruling on notarial falsification, forgery evidence, and lawyer liability in Lingan v. Calubaquib.

Piercing the Corporate Veil: When Can a Company Be Sued Under Its Trade Name?

A single proprietorship can be sued under its trade name, but the owner remains personally liable. This article explains the rules on trade names and corporate liability.

When a Lawyer's Negligence Leads to Suspension: The Adecer v. Akut Case

A lawyer who misses the deadline for filing a client's petition for probation faces administrative liability, even if the client was also negligent.

Limited Liability in Maritime Law: When Can a Shipowner Avoid Full Damages

Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when the limited liability doctrine applies to shipowners and when they must pay full damages for lost cargo.

Malversation of Public Funds in the Philippines: When Reimbursement Does Not Erase Liability

Failure to liquidate public funds can lead to malversation conviction even if the amount is later reimbursed. Learn the rules and key lessons from a Supreme Court case.

Reckless Driving and Property Damage: Understanding Liability for Negligence on Philippine Roads

When a bus swerves and damages property, who pays? This case clarifies reckless imprudence, actual damages, and the sudden emergency rule.

Gocc Labor Disputes: Jurisdiction and Corporate Veil in Illegal Dismissal Cases

Learn how Philippine courts decide illegal dismissal cases involving voluntary resignation, burden of proof, and corporate liability.

Construction Defects and Warranty Periods: Know Your Rights and Liabilities After Project Completion

Learn when a contractor's liability for construction defects ends under Philippine law, and what a one-year warranty period really means.

Voluntary Resignation vs Illegal Dismissal: Key Differences and Employer Responsibilities in Philippine Labor

Learn the key differences between voluntary resignation and illegal dismissal in Philippine labor law, and what employers must do to avoid liability.

Filing Administrative Cases Against Judges: When Is a Judge Liable for an Unjust Judgment

Philippine Supreme Court explains when judges face administrative liability for erroneous rulings and the duty to answer complaints.

Bounced Checks and Broken Promises: Understanding Estafa Liability in Philippine Transactions

When do bounced checks create criminal liability for estafa? The Supreme Court clarifies who can be held liable under Article 315.