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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When Public Duty and Private Conduct Collide: A Judge’s Venue Ruling Upheld
The Supreme Court affirms a judge’s dismissal of a case for improper venue, clarifying exclusive venue stipulations in loan contracts.
Mortgage Foreclosure: Why Stipulated Notice Requirements Matter in Real Estate Contracts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on extrajudicial foreclosure: stipulated notice requirements in mortgage contracts are mandatory and enforceable.
Substandard Deliveries in Government Contracts: When Penalties Apply
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a milling contractor can be held liable for substandard rice deliveries under government contracts.
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.
Fixed-Term vs Regular Employment: Know Your Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains when fixed-term employment contracts are valid and when they violate the security of tenure of regular employees.
Usury Law and Contractual Obligations: Striking the Balance in Loan Agreements
The Supreme Court clarifies how the Usury Law interacts with loan restructuring, refinancing, and the binding force of contracts in DBP v. CA.
Tugboat Owner's Negligence in Ensuring Seaworthiness Makes It Liable for Barge Damage
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on tugboat owner's liability for barge damage due to failure to ensure vessel seaworthiness and diligence in towage contracts.
Unjust Enrichment and Extra Work: When Contractors Get Paid for Necessary Additions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on contractor compensation for necessary extra work, unjust enrichment, and liquidated damages in construction contracts.
When Void Contracts Cannot Support Ejectment: Republic v. La'o
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on void contracts under RA 3019 and their effect on ejectment cases and property rights.
Void Contracts and Ejectment: Property Rights in the Philippines
When a contract is void from the start, it cannot support an ejectment suit. Learn the legal rules from a Philippine Supreme Court case.
Res Judicata and Void Contracts: When a Final Judgment Prevents Relitigation of Land Ownership
A void contract cannot support an ejectment suit. Learn how final judgments on contract validity bar relitigation of ownership.
Seafarer Disability Benefits: Amended POEA Contracts and Entitlements Explained
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when amended POEA disability benefit rates apply to seafarers and how Grade 1 impediments are compensated.
Simulated Contracts in the Philippines: Intent, Validity, and the Valerio Case
Learn how Philippine courts decide simulated contracts by examining party intent, absolute vs. relative simulation, and the Valerio ruling.
Mayor's Authority to Sign Contracts: Local Government Powers Under Philippine Law
Learn when a city mayor can validly sign contracts for the local government, based on a Philippine Supreme Court ruling on market stall leases.
Invalid Lease Agreements: Why Ownership Trumps Unauthorized Contracts in Philippine Property Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on void leases, unauthorized lessors, and why ownership rights prevail in property disputes.
Implied Tenancy in Philippine Agrarian Law: Security of Tenure Beyond Written Contracts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on implied tenancy, forged contracts, and security of tenure for agricultural tenants under RA 1199.
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.
Rescission of Real Estate Sales: Understanding Breach of Contract and Third Party Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on who may sue for rescission of real estate contracts, real party in interest rule, and implied trusts under Article 1448.
Meeting of Minds in Property Sales: Why Price Agreement Is Key in Philippine Contracts
Philippine contract law requires a meeting of minds on price for property sales. Learn from a Supreme Court ruling on consent and judicial ethics.
Construction Arbitration in the Philippines: Securing CIAC Jurisdiction Despite Contractual Clauses
How the Supreme Court affirmed CIAC's exclusive jurisdiction over construction disputes even when contracts name another forum or process.
Conditional Donations in the Philippines: When Can a Donor Revoke a Gift?
Philippine law treats onerous donations as contracts. Learn when a donor can revoke a gift if conditions are unmet, and the prescriptive period that applies.
Agricultural Leasehold Contracts: When Are They Void? Land Ownership and Tenancy Rights Explained
Learn when agricultural leasehold contracts are void under Philippine law, and how land ownership and DARAB jurisdiction affect tenancy rights.
Third-Party Rights in Philippine Contracts: When Can You Enforce an Agreement You Didn’t Sign?
Philippine law generally limits contract enforcement to parties, their assigns, and heirs. Learn the exception under stipulation pour autrui.
Interpreting Contracts When Subsequent Means After THE Agreement
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on contract interpretation: "subsequent administrative orders" means orders issued after the contract's signing date.