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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Accidental Harm vs Self-Defense: When Can You Claim Innocence in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when accident or self-defense excuses criminal liability, and why switching defenses on appeal fails.
When Retired Judges Decide Cases: Why Those Rulings Are Void
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that decisions rendered or promulgated after a judge's retirement are null and void, with administrative liability.
Carrier's Improper Stowage Overrides Fortuitous Event Defense in Cargo Loss Case
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on carrier liability when improper stowage, not weather, causes cargo loss at sea.
Piercing THE Corporate Veil Establishing Individual Liability IN Financial Transactions
Liability for Unfounded Accusations: Upholding Personal Dignity in Theft Investigations
When a theft suspect is publicly accused without proof, Philippine law on human relations may award moral damages.
Supreme Court Upholds Quasi-Delict Liability in Vehicular Accident Case
SC affirms negligence ruling against driver and owner in vehicular accident, applying quasi-delict rules and rejecting factual re-examination.
Negligence in Highway Collisions: Bus Operator, Truck Owner, and Insurer Liabilities
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on negligence in a bus-truck collision, covering common carrier liability, truck owner responsibility, and insurer obligations.
Enforcing Time Limits: Carrier Liability Hinges on Timely Notice of Cargo Damage
Timely written notice of cargo damage is a condition precedent to suing a carrier. The Supreme Court explains why in Federal Express v. American Home Assurance.
Security OF Tenure Landowners Liability FOR Unlawful Tenant Ejectment
Forged Signatures and Bank Liability: Protecting Depositors in Check Transactions
When a bank pays out on a forged check, who bears the loss? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on bank liability under Philippine law.
Deceptive Promises Estafa Conviction Despite Victims Naivete In Travel Agent Scam
Philippine Supreme Court affirms estafa conviction of fake travel agent, ruling that victims' gullibility does not absolve fraudsters of criminal liability.
Judiciary Employee Conduct: Moral Standards Apply Even After Spousal Forgiveness
Supreme Court rules spousal forgiveness cannot erase administrative liability for a court employee's immoral conduct.
Interlocutory vs Final Orders: When Can You Appeal in Civil Liability Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between interlocutory and final orders in civil liability cases, and when execution may issue.
Liability for Security Guard Actions: Clarifying Employer Responsibility in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a business is liable for a security guard's wrongful acts and when the security agency bears responsibility.
Worthless Checks Valid Debt BP 22 Applies Despite Payee Discrepancies
Supreme Court affirms BP 22 convictions for worthless checks, ruling that payee discrepancies do not negate liability for issuing bouncing checks.
Bouncing Checks and Corporate Liability: Understanding BP 22 in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies that under BP 22, the reason for issuing a bouncing check is immaterial to criminal liability. Learn the rules.
Reelection Does Not Erase Criminal Liability for Prior Misconduct
Philippine Supreme Court ruling that reelection condones only administrative liability, not criminal charges under the Anti-Graft law.
Guilt by Association: Circumstantial Evidence and Flight in Philippine Criminal Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how circumstantial evidence and flight can establish criminal liability, explained in plain language.
Reliability of Poseur Buyer Testimony in Drug Sale Convictions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a single poseur buyer's testimony suffices to convict in illegal drug sale cases.
Traffic Violations and Negligence: When a Bus Driver's Overtaking Causes Liability
A bus driver who overtakes despite an oncoming car is negligent. Employers must prove diligence in supervision to avoid liability.
Police Officer Convicted in Drug Sale: When Law Enforcers Face Aggravated Liability
A police officer's conviction for selling shabu shows how conspiracy works and why his uniform did not shield him from liability.
Conspiracy vs Mere Presence: When Bystanders Escape Murder Liability
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that mere presence at a crime scene does not prove conspiracy in murder cases, acquitting three accused.
Subrogation and a Foreign Insurer's Capacity to Sue in Philippine Courts
Explaining when a foreign insurer can sue in Philippine courts as a subrogee, and carrier liability for damaged cargo.
Bank Liability for Forged Checks: Protecting Depositor Rights Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on bank liability for forged checks, depositor rights, and negligence in the banking relationship.