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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Prescription of Claims in Maritime Employment: Time Limits and Legal Recourse
When POEA contracts expire, seafarers may fall under Labor Code rules. Learn how Delos Santos v. Jebsen Maritime clarifies rights.
Oral Loan Agreements in the Philippines: When a Verbal Promise Is Legally Binding
Oral loan agreements can be enforceable in the Philippines. Learn the rules, evidence needed, and key Supreme Court ruling on verbal contracts.
Price Escalation Clauses in Government Contracts: When Renegotiation Timing Matters
Supreme Court ruling on Creser Precision Systems clarifies how often price escalation can take effect under Philippine government contracts.
Ejectment Actions and Contracts to Sell: Clarifying Possession Rights in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a buyer under a contract to sell may be ejected, and the duties of banks purchasing properties.
Parol Evidence Rule Bars Verbal Conditions on Written Contracts: Allied Banking v. Cheng Yong
Supreme Court clarifies that clear written contracts cannot be varied by verbal stipulations, applying the parol evidence rule to loan and mortgage agreements.
Financial Leasing Agreements Are Valid Contracts Despite Lessee Default
Supreme Court affirms that financial leasing agreements are genuine contracts; defaulting lessees remain bound by their terms and obligations.
Advance Payments and Government Contracts: Fiscal Responsibility in Infrastructure Projects
Supreme Court ruling on advance payments in government infrastructure contracts and the limits under PD 1594 and PD 1445.
Mutuality of Contracts: When One-Sided Termination Clauses in Employment Contracts Are Void
The Supreme Court explains when a termination clause that leaves dismissal to one party's sole judgment violates the mutuality principle under Article 1308 of the Civil Code.
Voidable Contracts When a Husband's Consent Is Crucial in Conjugal Property Sales
When a wife sells conjugal property without her husband's consent, the sale is voidable—but only if he acts to annul it in time.
Venue Stipulations in Contracts: Limits on Exclusive Venue Clauses
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when exclusive venue stipulations in contracts apply, and when they cannot restrict access to courts.
Agent Liability in Insurance Contracts: The Pandiman Philippines Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when an insurance agent can be held liable for claims, and who bears responsibility for overseas workers' death benefits.
Contractual Obligations Mutuality AND Modification IN Commission Disputes
Learn how the Supreme Court applied the mutuality of contracts principle in a commission dispute, protecting a manager's right to earned franchise fees.
Voiding Contracts With Indigenous Peoples Prior Approval IS Mandatory
Supreme Court clarifies that contracts with indigenous peoples require prior government approval or they are void, protecting ancestral lands.
Letters of Credit and Construction Contracts: Defining Liability in Tripartite Agreements
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a bank is liable under a tripartite letter of credit agreement in construction financing.
Perfecting Contracts: Consent and the Statute of Frauds in Share Sales
A Supreme Court ruling explains when letters become a binding share sale contract and what the Statute of Frauds requires.
When Silence Speaks: Implied Contracts and the Burden of Proof in Business Deals
The Supreme Court clarifies that implied contracts require clear evidence, not mere suspicion, in disputes over business transactions.
When Election Rules Override Commercial Contracts: The Chavez v. COMELEC Precedent
Can election rules force removal of product endorsements featuring a candidate? The Supreme Court says yes, explaining why.
Illegal Dismissal and Retirement Age: When Expiring Contracts Mask Unlawful Termination
Supreme Court clarifies when a "contract expiration" is really illegal dismissal, and why early retirement requires an employee's explicit consent.
Actual Occupancy vs Possession in SSS Housing: Contract Terms Govern
Supreme Court clarifies that "actual occupancy" differs from "possession" in SSS housing contracts, allowing rescission for breach.
Upholding Notarized Contracts Overcoming Forgery Claims In Property Sales
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on notarized deeds, forgery claims, and expert testimony in property sales.
Unilateral Interest Rate Hikes: Mutuality of Contracts Prevails in Loan Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court rules banks cannot unilaterally raise interest rates without borrower consent, citing mutuality of contracts principle.
Fixed-Term Seafarers' Contracts: Illegal Dismissal and Compensation Standards
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that seafarers are contractual employees governed by POEA contracts, not regular employees under the Labor Code.
Protecting Marital Property: Understanding Consent Requirements in Real Estate Sales
The Supreme Court clarifies when spousal consent is required for real estate sales and the difference between contracts to sell and deeds of sale.
Fixed-Term Contracts vs Regular Employment: What Employers and Workers Must Know
A Supreme Court ruling explains when fixed-term employment is valid and how it differs from regular employment under Philippine labor law.