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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Rape Conviction of 82-Year-Old Upheld: Age, Impotency, and Credibility Examined
The Supreme Court affirms an octogenarian's rape conviction, ruling that old age and alleged impotency do not automatically negate criminal liability.
Lost Court Exhibits: When Court Personnel Are Held Liable
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on sheriff's liability for lost firearms held as court exhibits, explaining duties of clerks of court.
Conspiracy in Philippine Criminal Law: Establishing Shared Criminal Intent
Explaining conspiracy in Philippine criminal law through People v. Flora, where the Supreme Court clarified the limits of co-conspirator liability.
When Delayed Justice Becomes Administrative Liability: The Case of Judge Aquino
The Supreme Court fined a judge P5,000 for failing to decide cases within the reglementary period, reaffirming that delayed justice is denied justice.
Judicial Misconduct: Understanding Gross Ignorance of the Law in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a judge's legal errors become administrative liability for gross ignorance of the law.
Shipowner's Limited Liability Rule in Philippine Maritime Law Explained
The Supreme Court explains the limited liability rule for shipowners in the Philippines, clarifying how the doctrine applies when vessels sink.
Treachery and Voluntary Surrender: Navigating Criminal Liability in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains how treachery qualifies murder and voluntary surrender mitigates liability, using Rivera v. Court of Appeals.
Corporate Officer Liability When Can a Company Executive Be Held Personally Responsible
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when corporate officers can be held personally liable for company obligations and acts.
Amended Complaints and Officer Liability in Corporate Disputes
When can a plaintiff amend a complaint to seek new relief? When are corporate officers personally liable? The Supreme Court clarifies.
When Judges Face Administrative Complaints: Lessons from Tallado v. Racoma and Dating
The Supreme Court dismissed administrative complaints against two RTC judges, clarifying that errors in judicial discretion are not grounds for administrative liability.
Can Administrative Dismissal Extinguish Criminal Liability? A Philippine Case Study
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that dismissal of administrative charges does not extinguish criminal liability under Article 89 of the RPC.
Liability in Group Crime: How Conspiracy Establishes Individual Guilt
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on conspiracy in group crimes, individual liability, and why treachery failed in People v. Ladit.
Conspiracy and Liability: When Presence at the Scene Makes You Guilty of Murder in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how conspiracy in murder can be proven by concerted acts, not just a prior agreement.
Conspiracy and Treachery: How Courts Determine Liability in Group Violence
Philippine Supreme Court explains when conspiracy makes all attackers liable and why warning shots negate treachery in group killings.
Joint vs Solidary Liability: The Limits of Final Judgments in Philippine Labor Law
A final labor judgment binds parties to its exact terms. Learn why the Supreme Court ruled that joint liability cannot be converted to solidary after finality.
Sheriff’s Duty of Custody: Liability for Negligent Loss of Seized Property
Philippine Supreme Court holds sheriff liable for dereliction of duty when a vehicle under custodia legis was lost due to unsafe storage.
Sheriffs' Duty to Execute Writs Promptly: Lessons from Casaje v. Gatbalite
A sheriff's delay in executing final judgments draws administrative liability. The Supreme Court explains the duty of prompt enforcement.
Conspiracy AND Liability Establishing Collective Guilt IN Murder Cases
Illegal Dismissal in the Philippines: Why Unauthenticated Evidence and Lack of Due Process Can Cost Employers
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies illegal dismissal rules: retirement age, CBA benefits, and employer liability in Ondevilla v. Colegio de San Juan de Letran.
Bouncing Checks and Criminal Liability: Why Account Sufficiency Matters
Philippine Supreme Court explains when issuing a check against a closed account becomes a crime under BP 22, and why account sufficiency at issuance is key.
Conspiracy and Homicide: How Group Violence Establishes Criminal Liability
The Supreme Court explains how conspiracy in group violence makes every participant liable for murder, even without inflicting the fatal wound.
Vicarious Liability: Choosing Between Criminal and Civil Actions in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when an employer can be held liable for employee negligence and the rule against double recovery.
Conspiracy and Intent: How Philippine Courts Establish Criminal Liability
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies how conspiracy and intent establish criminal liability, and why charging documents must state every qualifying circumstance.
Robbery With Homicide: Proving Conspiracy and Liability of All Participants
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on robbery with homicide, conspiracy liability, and the penalty of reclusion perpetua when no aggravating circumstances exist.