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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Negligence in Public Office: Defining the Scope of Duty and Responsibility
The Supreme Court clarifies that administrative liability for negligence requires proof that the duty neglected was actually assigned to the public officer.
Surety Liability Survives Loan Extensions Under Continuing Guaranty
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether loan extensions without a surety's consent extinguish liability under a continuing guaranty.
Accountability Despite Absence: Conspiracy and Homicide Liability in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling shows how conspiracy can be inferred from concerted acts, making each participant liable for homicide even if only one is arrested.
Court Personnel Conduct: When Misconduct Warrants Suspension Even Without Criminal Charges
Supreme Court ruling on administrative liability of court employees for misconduct, dishonesty, and conduct unbecoming a public officer.
Religious Ties and Criminal Liability: When Alibi Fails in Murder Cases
Examining conspiracy and accountability in murder, and why alibi and lack of motive cannot overcome positive eyewitness identification.
Diminished Liability When Actions Constitute Homicide Rather Than Murder
When does a killing become homicide, not murder? The Supreme Court explains the limits of treachery in People v. Salva.
Voluntary Surrender as a Mitigating Factor: Reassessing Criminal Liability in Philippine Courts
A Supreme Court ruling explains when voluntary surrender mitigates criminal liability and why treachery must be proven, not presumed.
The Control Test in Illegal Dismissal Cases: De los Santos v. NLRC
How Philippine courts determine the real employer using the control test, and why a labor-only contractor cannot shield a company from liability.
Self Defense AND Conspiracy IN Homicide Analyzing Criminal Liability
Personal Liability in Corporate Obligations When Signing Blurs the Line
When do corporate officers become personally liable for company debts? A Supreme Court ruling on trust receipts and letters of credit provides clear guidance.
Spousal Liability in Estafa: Why Marriage Alone Does Not Prove Guilt
Supreme Court ruling: a husband's mere presence when his wife issued a bouncing check does not prove conspiracy in estafa.
Good Faith and Emergency Purchases: When Public Officials Escape Graft Liability
Explore how the Supreme Court protected a public official from graft charges, citing good faith and emergency procurement during a blood shortage crisis.
Credit Card Liability Negligence IN Issuing Extension Cards AND Cardholder Responsibility
Sheriffs Negligence Duty TO Cancel Redemption Certificate AND Liability FOR Damages
Conspiracy and Liability in Group Rape: Upholding Justice for Victims of Sexual Assault
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on conspiracy in gang rape, holding non-participants liable for all acts committed by co-conspirators.
Abuse of Right Doctrine: Terminating a Contract Without Cause Can Still Trigger Damages
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how terminating a contract without cause can still lead to damages liability under the abuse of right doctrine.
Upholding Contractual Obligations: The Imperative of Timely Performance in Compromise Agreements
A Supreme Court ruling on continuing suretyship, assignment of credit, and trust receipts—clarifying that debtors cannot escape liability through technical defenses.
Dispositive Portion Prevails Solidary Liability Must Be Explicit
When a decision's body and fallo conflict, the dispositive portion prevails. Solidary liability must be expressly stated.
Due Process Prevails: Joint vs Solidary Liability and the Fallo Rule
Learn how the Supreme Court protected a debtor from over-execution by applying the rule that the dispositive portion of a judgment prevails.
Lessor’s Liability for Defects and Repairs: Key Lessons from De Ysasi v. Arceo
Learn when Philippine lessors are liable for property defects and repairs, and why lessee inspection matters under De Ysasi v. Arceo.
Negligence and Evidence: How Philippine Courts Determine Liability in Quasi-Delict Cases
Learn how Philippine courts weigh evidence in quasi-delict cases, using Supreme Transliner v. Brazal to explain negligence and liability rules.
Liability IN Robbery With Homicide THE Intent TO ROB Governs THE Outcome
Bouncing Checks AND Criminal Liability Strict Enforcement OF BP 22
Treachery and Conspiracy in Group Violence: Defining Liability Under Philippine Law
How the Supreme Court applied treachery and conspiracy to hold two accused liable for murder in a group stabbing incident.