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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Contractual Obligations: When Agreed Interest Rates in Land Sales Are Upheld
The Supreme Court upheld a 24% annual interest rate in an installment land sale, ruling that parties are bound by their contract absent any legal prohibition.
Dismissal Due to Illness: Employers Must Secure Medical Certification
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on Manly Express v. Payong clarifies employer obligations when terminating employees due to disease or illness.
Shareholder Rights and Corporate Obligations: How Trust Agreements Affect Corporate Governance
Supreme Court ruling on trust agreements, stock transfer books, and shareholder rights under Philippine corporate law.
Habitual Tardiness in Public Service: Court Holds Family Obligations Not a Valid Excuse
Supreme Court reprimands court stenographer for habitual tardiness, ruling family obligations do not excuse repeated lateness in public service.
Willful Failure to Pay Just Debt: Court Employees and the Duty to Honor Financial Obligations
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that court employees who willfully fail to pay just debts face administrative sanctions, even after full payment.
Equitable Reduction of Penalties When Courts Can Adjust Contractual Damages in the Philippines
Philippine courts can reduce contractual penalties and liquidated damages when they are unconscionable or when the obligation was partly performed.
Implied Lease Renewal vs. Contractual Obligations: Rivera v. Roman
When does continued possession after a lease expires create an implied renewal? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules in Rivera v. Roman.
Upholding Ethical Conduct Public Servants AND THE Obligation TO Pay Just Debts
Court personnel must pay just debts even in private transactions. A stenographer's loan default led to reprimand under Civil Service rules.
HLURB Jurisdiction and Protecting Homebuyers' Rights in Real Estate Disputes
The Supreme Court ruled that the HLURB has exclusive jurisdiction over disputes involving the rights and obligations of buyers and developers under PD 957, even if the developer files the case.
Surety Bonds Enforcing Liability Despite Procedural Technicalities
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when courts may suspend civil cases for prejudicial questions, and how surety obligations remain enforceable.
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.
Breach of Contract vs Employer-Employee Dispute: Defining Jurisdiction in Post-Employment Obligations
Supreme Court clarifies when breach of non-compete clauses falls under regular courts, not labor arbiters.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: Clarifying Liability for Subsidiary Obligations
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a parent corporation may be held liable for its subsidiary's obligations, and when it cannot.
Irrevocable Agency When A Treasure Hunt Creates Binding Obligations
When is an agency coupled with interest irrevocable? A treasure hunt dispute explains the rule and its practical limits.
Promissory Notes and Specific Denial: Upholding Loan Obligations in Philippine Law
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on promissory notes, specific denial requirements, and the best evidence rule in loan recovery cases.
When Floating Status Doesnt Guarantee Separation Pay: Employee Rights and Employer Obligations
Understand when floating status ends in separation pay claims. Learn the JPL Marketing ruling on 13th month pay and service incentive leave.
Unjust Enrichment and Contractual Obligations: Lessons from Limaco v. Shonan Gakuen
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on void land sales, down payment refunds, and unjust enrichment in Limaco v. Shonan Gakuen.
Loan Obligations When Imported Goods Are Defective: Rosario Textile Mills v. Home Bankers
The Supreme Court ruled that a borrower must still pay its loan even if imported goods are defective, and a surety remains liable under a valid agreement.
Corporate Identity and Loan Obligations: Name Change Does Not Excuse Debt Payment
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether a corporate name change or bank identity affects loan obligations and surety liability.
Attorney Accountability Understanding Lawyer Neglect of Duty in the Philippines
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling on lawyer neglect of duty, abandonment of clients, and the ethical obligations of attorneys.
Upholding Contractual Obligations Enforcing Extrajudicial Settlements AND Eviction
Conditional Sales of Land: Upholding Contractual Obligations in Real Estate Transactions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on foreclosure, redemption rights, and the consequences of failing to prosecute a case for injunction.
Burden of Proof in Loan Obligations: Debtor Must Prove Payment Despite Creditor's Claim of Non-Payment
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on who bears the burden of proving payment in loan and mortgage obligations, and when contract rescission is proper.
Mandamus Unveiled: Enforcing Rights vs Contractual Obligations in Property Disputes
Learn when courts versus DARAB resolve property disputes involving CLOAs and agrarian reform lands, based on a 2005 Supreme Court ruling.