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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Earnest Money Misconceptions When A Deposit Doesnt Guarantee A Sale
The Supreme Court clarifies that earnest money only binds a seller after a contract of sale is perfected—not before consent is given.
Earnest Money and Perfected Sales: When Payment Cannot Bind a Reluctant Seller
The Supreme Court explains when earnest money cannot create a binding contract of sale, protecting property owners from irregular payment schemes.
Seafarer Death Benefits After Contract Termination: What Employers Must Know
Supreme Court clarifies when death benefits apply under POEA contract—death must occur during employment term, not after pre-termination.
Venue Stipulations and Contract Validity: When a Forgery Claim Overrides an Exclusive Venue Clause
The Supreme Court rules that a complaint assailing a contract's validity—like forgery—is not bound by its exclusive venue stipulation.
Breach of Contract and Trust: Obligations in Film Licensing Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a licensee may reject films and whether licensors owe fees to third-party owners in licensing deals.
Rescission of Contracts in Philippine Law: The Wellex v. U-Land Case
Learn how Philippine courts handle rescission of contracts through the Wellex v. U-Land case, including fraud, breach, and restitution obligations.
Delivery Disputes When Actions Speak Louder Than Words in Sales Contracts
When a buyer acts like the goods are theirs, Philippine law may treat that as acceptance—even if delivery paperwork is imperfect.
Breach of Contract in Letter of Credit Transactions: Proving Liability in Court
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on what a bank must prove to establish liability in letter of credit transactions, and why pleadings matter.
Security of Tenure: Regular Employment and Illegal Dismissal in Fixed-Term Contracts
When does a fixed-term employee become regular? The Supreme Court clarifies security of tenure, illegal dismissal, and employer burden of proof.
Cashier's Checks and Contractual Disputes: Bank Obligations and Purchaser Rights in Philippine Law
When can a purchaser stop payment on a manager's or cashier's check? The Supreme Court explains in Chiok v. Metrobank.
Contractor Liability for Substandard Electrical Installations: Mackay v. Caswells
When can a contractor be held liable for defective work? The Supreme Court clarifies contractor obligations under Article 1715 of the Civil Code.
Interpreting Health Care Contracts THE Standard OF Approved Charges IN Foreign Emergency Care
Substandard Work Contractor Liable FOR Rectification Costs Despite Acquittal IN Estafa Case
A contractor acquitted of estafa can still be civilly liable for defective work. The Supreme Court explains rectification costs under the Civil Code.
Forged Signatures and Void Contracts: Protecting Property Rights in the Philippines
When is a deed of sale actually a mortgage? The Supreme Court explains equitable mortgage, forged signatures, and pactum commissorium.
Rescission OF Contract Upholding Landowner Rights Against BAD Faith Purchasers
Unjust Enrichment When A Failed Contract Requires Restitution
When a promised subcontract falls through, can the money paid be recovered? The Supreme Court explains unjust enrichment and restitution.
Work-Related Injury Death After Contract Compensable Claim
Supreme Court rules death benefits are payable when a seafarer's work-related injury causes death after contract termination due to medical repatriation.
Maceda Law Rights of Installment Buyers in Real Estate Contracts
The Supreme Court explains how the Maceda Law protects installment buyers, including the required cash surrender value before contract cancellation.
Independent Contractor vs Employee: Employer Duties in Labor Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a contractor is legitimate, not labor-only, and who bears employer responsibilities in illegal dismissal cases.
Attorneys Fees and Ethical Boundaries: When Interest Stipulations Fail in Philippine Loan Contracts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on written interest stipulations, unconscionable rates, and borrower protections under Civil Code Article 1956.
Regular vs Project Employment: Security of Tenure in Service Contracts
When does a worker become regular despite project-based contracts? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on security of tenure.
Ownership in Reclamation Projects: Defining Completion and Compensation
Supreme Court clarifies when ownership of improvements transfers in reclamation contracts, ruling on COA disallowance and compensation rights.
Government Contracts Upholding Competitive Bidding In Public Private Joint Ventures
Supreme Court ruling on SM Land vs BCDA: government agencies cannot unilaterally abort a competitive challenge under NEDA JV Guidelines.
Surety Bond Liability Survives Minor Contract Changes, High Court Rules
Supreme Court clarifies when contract modifications release a surety from liability—and when they do not.