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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Trust Receipts and Criminal Liability: When a Loan Becomes Estafa Under PD 115
The Supreme Court clarifies when a trust receipt transaction creates criminal liability for estafa, not just civil liability, under PD 115.
Corporate Officers Criminally Liable for Customs Fraud: Fernandez v. People
Corporate officers cannot hide behind a corporation to escape criminal liability for customs fraud, the Supreme Court ruled in Fernandez v. People.
Upholding Judicial Integrity: Tardiness and Disobedience in the Judiciary
Court personnel who are habitually tardy and ignore directives face administrative liability under the Revised Rule 140.
Trust Receipts and Estafa: Why a Payment Agreement Does Not Erase Criminal Liability
The Supreme Court ruled that a new payment schedule cannot erase criminal liability for trust receipt violations, which are malum prohibitum.
Direct Contracting in Government Procurement: When Exemptions Lead to Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies when direct contracting in government procurement is allowed and when it leads to administrative liability for public officers.
Falsification of Public Documents and Anti-Graft Liability: The Maasin River Quarrying Case
A vice mayor's conviction for falsifying Sangguniang Bayan minutes and violating the Anti-Graft Law, explaining the legal principles involved.
Disallowed Expenses Local Officials Must Refund Illegally Received Funds
Supreme Court rules local officials must refund disallowed EME funds, clarifying good faith does not excuse liability.
Death of Accused Before Final Judgment Extinguishes Criminal Liability
When an accused dies before final judgment, criminal liability and civil liability ex delicto are extinguished. Learn the rule and exceptions.
Death Abates Criminal Liability: Supreme Court Clarifies Extinguishment of Penalties and Civil Obligations
When an accused dies before final conviction, criminal liability and civil liability ex delicto are extinguished. The Supreme Court explains the rule and its exceptions.
Employer Vicarious Liability: When A Driver's Negligence Makes The Employer Liable
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies employer vicarious liability under Article 2180 when a driver's negligence causes injury.
Who Pays When a Check's Payee Is Faked? Collecting Bank's Liability for Forged Endorsements
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a collecting bank must return funds paid out on checks with forged endorsements to an impostor.
Unwarranted Benefit: Dissecting Graft and Conspiracy in Optical Media Regulation
The Supreme Court clarifies conspiracy and graft liability under RA 3019 in a case involving released pirated DVDs from OMB custody.
Liability for Forged Checks When Collecting Banks Bear the Loss
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on collecting bank liability for forged endorsements, negligence standards, and the fictitious payee rule.
Tax Amnesty Limits: Withholding Tax Liabilities and Corporate Officer Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies that tax amnesty under RA 9480 does not cover withholding tax liabilities, and corporate officers may still face prosecution.
Extinguishment of Criminal Liability: Death of Accused Pending Appeal and Its Implications
Explaining People v. Caloring: how an accused's death pending appeal extinguishes criminal and civil liability, with key procedural lessons.
Due Process in Administrative Cases: No Liability Without Formal Charges
Supreme Court rules a government employee cannot be held administratively liable without a formal charge, reaffirming due process in civil service cases.
Due Process Prevails: Informations Clarity Protects Against Unfair Conviction
The Supreme Court rules that administrative liability requires a formal charge, protecting public employees from unfair conviction based on delay alone.
Corporate Dissolution and Property Rights: Clarifying Successor Liability in Land Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when dissolved corporations and their officers can be held liable for delivering property titles in subdivision disputes.
Graft and Conspiracy: When Private Individuals Become Publicly Liable
Explore the Supreme Court ruling on splitting government contracts and conspiracy liability in procurement under RA 9184.
Retirement as Evasion: When Public Officials Still Face Administrative Charges
Can a retired public official still face administrative charges? The Supreme Court clarifies when voluntary retirement is considered an evasion of liability.
Diminution of Benefits: Government Employee Compensation and PCSO Board Authority
SC ruling on PCSO allowances disallowed by COA: board authority limits, non-diminution of benefits, and officer liability explained.
Accountability Prevails Public Officials Held Civilly Liable Despite Acquittal In Illegal Funds Transfer Case
Acquittal in a criminal case does not erase civil liability. The Supreme Court explains why public officials must still answer for negligent handling of public funds.
Upholding Fiscal Responsibility: The Limits of PCSO's Authority in Granting Employee Benefits
The Supreme Court affirms COA's disallowance of PCSO employee benefits, clarifying limits on board authority and liability rules.
Good Faith as a Shield: Accountability in Governance for Disallowed Transactions
When can good faith protect public officers from liability for disallowed transactions? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on accountability in governance.