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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Navigating Liability in Government Housing Loan Disbursements: Insights from a Landmark COA Ruling
Learn how the Supreme Court rules on COA disallowances, good faith defenses, and liability for government employees who received disallowed benefits.
Undue Delay in Case Decisions: A Judge's Administrative Liability
The Supreme Court holds a retired judge liable for undue delay in deciding cases, underscoring the mandatory 90-day period and its consequences.
Notarial Seal Misuse: Supreme Court Ruling on Lawyer Accountability in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that lawyers cannot escape liability when their notarial seal is misused, even if signatures are forged.
Safeguarding Notarial Seals: A Lesson from a Philippine Supreme Court Case
What happens when a notary's seal is used without authorization? A Supreme Court ruling on a lawyer's administrative liability.
Notary Liability: Safeguarding the Notarial Seal Under Philippine Law
A lawyer's failure to safeguard his notarial seal led to suspension and disqualification. Learn the duties of notaries under the 2004 Rules.
Understanding Trust and Misappropriation in Philippine Estafa Cases: Key Lessons from a Landmark Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies estafa under Article 315(1)(b), explaining trust receipt obligations, demand requirements, and why partial payment does not erase criminal liability.
Civil Liability After Acquittal: Preponderance of Evidence in Philippine Law
An acquittal does not automatically erase civil liability. Learn how preponderance of evidence applies in Philippine law.
Understanding Good Faith in Government Contract Disputes When Public Officers Are Excused From Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies when public officers may be excused from liability in government contract disputes involving disallowed disbursements.
Angeles v. COA: Diligence in Handling Government Funds
The Supreme Court cleared a municipal treasurer of liability for payroll money stolen in a violent robbery, ruling that the absence of a security escort is not negligence.
Understanding Separation Benefits and Liability Insights From a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when employee benefits are lawful, who bears liability for unauthorized disbursements, and the limits of board authority.
Understanding Accomplice Liability in Philippine Homicide Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when a person becomes an accomplice rather than a principal in homicide, and how civil liability is apportioned.
Court Employee Liability for Unauthorized Pamphlet Distribution: A.M. No. 2019-11-SC
A Supreme Court employee was held liable for conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service for facilitating unauthorized pamphlet distribution to justices' offices. Learn the rules.
Bank Manager Discretion and Personal Liability: Insights from Philippine Banking Law
When can a bank manager be personally liable for losses? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of managerial discretion and solidary liability.
Power Supply Contracts: Liability for Fluctuations and Damages
A look at Meralco v. AAA Cryogenics on liability for power fluctuations, proof of damages, and temperate damages in supply contracts.
Understanding the COA's Role in Government Contracts: Insights from a Landmark Dairy Farm Case
A look at how the Supreme Court defined the Commission on Audit's power to disallow irregular government contracts and the liability of public officers.
Judicial Misconduct and the Consequences of Soliciting Bribes: A Landmark Ruling on Integrity in the Philippin
The Supreme Court's ruling in OCA v. Amor clarifies that resignation does not erase administrative liability for judicial misconduct like bribery.
Administrative Liability in Philippine Public Service: Duty, Misconduct, and the Safekeeping of Court Evidence
The Supreme Court clarifies the line between simple and gross neglect of duty, and grave misconduct, in the dismissal of two court employees over missing drug evidence.
Administrative and Criminal Liability: Prescription and Speedy Disposition Lessons from Perez v. Sandiganbayan
The Supreme Court clarifies prescription and speedy disposition rules in graft cases, balancing public accountability with the accused's rights.
Protecting the Vulnerable: Upholding Convictions in Statutory Rape Cases
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling on statutory rape convictions and the effect of an accused's death pending appeal on criminal and civil liability.
Understanding the Extinguishment of Criminal Liability Upon Death: Insights From a Landmark Supreme Court Ruli
When an accused dies pending appeal, criminal liability is extinguished. Learn the rules from a landmark Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
Understanding Misconduct and Neglect in Court Administration: A Guide for Clerks and Judicial Staff
Learn how a clerk of court's discourtesy to the Chief Justice led to administrative liability, and what court personnel should avoid.
Garnishment and Legal Compensation in Banking: The BPI v. Central Bank Case
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on bank liability, garnishment, and clearing house operations in BPI v. Central Bank.
When Following Orders Is Not Gross Neglect: A Lawyer’s Guide to Administrative Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies when a lawyer following superior directives in implementing Ombudsman orders is not guilty of gross neglect of duty.
When Bank Fraud Is Not the Bank's Fault: BPI v. Central Bank and the Limits of Employer Liability
The Supreme Court explains when a government bank is liable for employee fraud, and the limits of employer liability under Article 2180.