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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Minors' Contracts Valid Until Annulled: Land Retention Rights Affirmed in Agrarian Case
Supreme Court rules minors' redemption of land is voidable, not void, affirming retention rights under agrarian reform law.
Contracts and Consent: How Limited Education and Fraudulent Inducement Can Void a Philippine Contract
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how fraud, undue influence, and limited education can invalidate contracts, shifting the burden of proof.
Lessor's Duty to Maintain Peaceful Enjoyment in Lease Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a lessee may suspend rent and what "peaceful enjoyment" means in lease contracts.
Enforceability of Venue Stipulations in Contracts of Adhesion: Piltel v. Tecson
Philippine Supreme Court rules on when venue stipulations in contracts of adhesion bind subscribers, citing Piltel v. Tecson.
Quantum Meruit in Government Contracts: COA Overpayment Recovery Upheld
Supreme Court affirms COA's power to recover overpayments from government contractors under quantum meruit, even in void contracts.
Mutuality of Contracts: No Unilateral Price Escalation Without Clear Basis
Contractors cannot unilaterally raise prices without proof and written authority. The Supreme Court explains mutuality of contracts.
Perfecting Contracts: Why a Clear Notice of Award Is Essential Under Philippine Law
Learn why a clear notice of award is crucial in perfecting government contracts under Philippine procurement law and avoiding disputes.
Co-Ownership and Good Faith: Property Rights Lessons from Tala Realty vs. Banco Filipino
A Supreme Court ruling on lease contracts, good faith, and the limits of property rights under Philippine law.
In Pari Delicto: When Both Parties Are at Fault, Neither Can Sue in Construction Contracts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on in pari delicto in construction contracts where both parties knowingly violated the law, barring recovery.
Solidary Liability Ensuring Wage Compliance In Security Service Contracts
When a security agency underpays guards, the client company can be held jointly and severally liable under the Labor Code.
Voidable Contracts: Spousal Consent and Conjugal Property Sales Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court explains why a husband's sale of conjugal property without the wife's consent is voidable, not void, and how buyers can lose good faith protection.
Airline Liability: The Ticket-Issuing Carrier Responsible for Your Entire Journey
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: ticket-issuing airlines are principals in contracts of carriage and liable for the acts of partner carriers on any segment.
Perfected Contracts and Collateral Sharing Agreements: When a Promise Must Be Kept
The Supreme Court rules on when a collateral sharing agreement is perfected and binding, and why courts cannot compel parties to sign an inexistent contract.
Airline Passenger Rights: When Rerouting Breaches the Contract of Carriage
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when airlines breach carriage contracts by rerouting passengers without consent, and what damages apply.
Sovereign Immunity Contracts With Foreign States AND Waiver OF Immunity
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling in Republic of Indonesia v. Vinzon on foreign sovereign immunity, waiver clauses, and embassy maintenance contracts.
Age Limits and Security of Tenure: Navigating Employment Rights in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies how age limits in service contracts interact with security of tenure and constructive dismissal claims.
Judicial Accountability: Signing Marriage Contracts Without Licenses Is Negligence
Philippine Supreme Court holds judges liable for signing marriage contracts without licenses, ruling it constitutes gross negligence in judicial duties.
Regular Employment vs Fixed-Term Contracts: Protecting Employee Rights in Termination Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a fixed-term contract cannot defeat regular employment status and security of tenure protections.
Land Registration Rights vs Government Reservation: Balancing Private Claims and Public Welfare
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on res judicata in land disputes involving government reconveyance, private contracts, and public interest.
Rent Obligations Remain Lease Contracts Survive Land Ownership Changes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether a change in land ownership cancels a lease contract and excuses unpaid rent.
Regular Employment vs Fixed-Term Contracts: Security of Tenure in Philippine Labor Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when fixed-term employees become regular workers entitled to security of tenure and full backwages.
Circumventing Disqualification Orders Through Consultancy Contracts Warrants Lawyer Suspension
Lawyer suspended for violating court disqualification by serving as "consultant" to government agency while performing employee duties.
Upholding Seafarer Rights: Vessel Use Change Does NOT Void Employment Contracts
Supreme Court rules a vessel's change from overseas to coastwise use does not invalidate a seafarer's employment contract or the manning agent's liability.
When a Sale Is Not an Equitable Mortgage: Lessons from Molina v. Flores
The Supreme Court explains when a deed of sale is a true sale and not an equitable mortgage, and why courts respect written contracts.