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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Missed Deadlines Dismissed Appeals Understanding Timely Docket Fee Payment in Philippine Courts
Learn how the Supreme Court treats late docket fee payments in appeals and when liberal application of procedural rules may save a case.
Philippine VAT Zero-Rating for Services: The "Doing Business Outside the Philippines" Requirement
Supreme Court clarifies VAT zero-rating for services requires the recipient to be doing business outside the Philippines, not just payment in foreign currency.
Dation in Payment and Perfected Contracts of Sale Under Philippine Law
When is a deposit earnest money? This case explains when a contract of sale is perfected and why a bank's qualified acceptance was only a counter-offer.
Breach of Trust: A Lawyer's Duty to Client Property in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court suspends lawyers who took a client's car as payment, explaining the fiduciary duty over client property.
Lost Deals: Why a Vague "Yes" Isn't Enough to Seal a Property Sale in the Philippines
A buyer's "conforme" to a seller's price without agreeing on payment terms is only a counter-offer. Learn from Villanueva v. PNB.
Setting the Critical Date for Electric Rate Refunds in the Philippines
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a refund claim over utility charges is barred by prescription, and why the date of payment, not discovery, controls.
Novation and Insurance Claims: Contractual Obligations in Secured Transactions
When a mortgaged car is carnapped, does insurance payment extinguish the loan? The Supreme Court clarifies novation rules.
Loan Repayment Establishing Debt Despite Indirect Payment IN Corporate Subscriptions
Just Compensation in Agrarian Reform: When Valuation Should Be Made
Supreme Court clarifies that just compensation for agrarian reform lands is valued at payment time, not at taking.
Agrarian Justice Delayed: Determining Just Compensation in Land Reform Cases
When should just compensation be valued—at land taking or payment? The Supreme Court clarifies in Meneses v. DAR.
Tax Credit Certificates: Government's Right to Collect Taxes Remains Despite Alleged Fraud
Supreme Court ruling on tax credit certificates, government's right to collect taxes, and contractor payment disputes in Philippine construction contracts.
COA Overpayment Recovery Upheld: Quantum Meruit in Government Contracts
Supreme Court affirms COA's order for a contractor to return overpayments, clarifying quantum meruit and due process in government audit cases.
Breach of Contract Rescission and the Importance of Proving Payment
A buyer who claims full payment must prove it with credible evidence; the Supreme Court explains rescission under Article 1191.
Quitclaims and Retirement Benefits: Protecting Employees From Unfair Waivers
Philippine Supreme Court rules quitclaims cannot waive judgment awards if payment covers only retirement benefits. Learn the safeguards.
Conditional Contracts to Sell: When Buyers' Payment Hinges on Sellers' Prior Mortgage Release
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that in a contract to sell, buyers need not pay until sellers secure mortgage release, and rescission under Article 1191 does not apply.
Extinguishment of Debt by Overpayment and Nullification of Extrajudicial Foreclosure
When overpayment extinguishes a mortgage debt, a foreclosure based on alleged default has no legal basis and may be voided.
Mandamus and Medicare Claims: When Courts Can Compel Payment
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when mandamus can compel SSS to pay Medicare claims despite fraud allegations.
Perfecting Your Appeal: Understanding Docket Fee Payment Requirements in the Philippines
Learn the rules on docket fee payment for appeals in the Philippines, including timing, amount, and consequences of non-payment.
COA Audit Power and Quantum Meruit: Lessons from Lotrim Construction v. COA
The Court upholds COA's power to determine overpayments under quantum meruit, and clarifies procedural bars to belated jurisdictional challenges.
Contract to Sell vs. Contract of Sale: Why Consent on Payment Terms Matters
The Supreme Court clarifies when a property agreement is a contract to sell, not a sale, and why consent on payment terms is decisive.
Probationary Employees and Due Process: Lessons from Philemploy v. Rodriguez
A look at the Supreme Court ruling on probationary employment, due process, and the payment of nominal damages for defective dismissal.
Perfecting a Contract to Sell: Why Payment Terms Matter in Philippine Real Estate Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains why agreeing on price alone does not perfect a contract to sell real property—payment terms are essential.
Just Compensation in Expropriation: Prior Payment and Lienholders' Rights Under RA 8974
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on prior payment of just compensation in expropriation and the rights of lienholders like contractors and suppliers.
Navigating Joint Obligations: How to Avoid Overpayment Pitfalls in Philippine Contracts
Learn how Philippine law treats joint obligations and how to avoid overpayment risks when dealing with multiple debtors or creditors.