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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
Amicable Settlement vs Original Obligation: When Does a Compromise Change the Deal
A compromise that is not perfected does not automatically novate the original debt. Learn when an amicable settlement modifies or extinguishes an obligation.
Prescription IN Contractual Obligations Upholding Rights Within THE Legal Timeline
Contract to Sell vs Contract of Sale: Understanding Conditions and Obligations
Learn the key differences between a contract to sell and a contract of sale under Philippine law, including when ownership transfers and what obligations arise.
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.
Clarifying Contract Obligations: Rentals vs Purchase Price in Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when rental payments form part of the purchase price in property disputes, protecting buyers from altered contract terms.
Sheriff Dereliction of Duty: When Delayed Execution Violates Judicial Mandate
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on sheriffs' ministerial duty to execute writs promptly, with lessons on process server obligations.
When Counsel Dies: Attorney-Client Obligations and Appellate Deadlines in Amatorio v. People
The death of counsel does not excuse missed appellate deadlines. Amatorio v. People clarifies the binding effect of notices sent to law firms.
Attorney Client Relationship Verbal Agreements AND Ethical Obligations IN Legal Practice
Contractual Obligations Prevail: Bank's Right to Offset Debts Despite Trustee-Beneficiary Claims
Supreme Court ruling on when a bank may validly apply a borrower's funds to settle debts, even amid trustee-beneficiary claims.
Upholding Contractual Obligations THE Importance OF Book Value IN Share Purchase Agreements
Sheriff's Duty in Enforcing Solidary Obligations: Oliveros v. San Jose
A sheriff who stops after finding one judgment debtor has no property commits negligence when a co-debtor is solidarily liable for the same award.
Attorney Misappropriation of Client Funds: Fiduciary Duty and Ethical Obligations of Lawyers
When a lawyer mishandles client money, the Supreme Court does not take it lightly. Learn the ethical rules and consequences.
Reclamation Rights Private Property VS Public Domain IN THE Philippines
The Supreme Court ruling on SRA's liability as trustee clarifies how government agencies assume obligations of abolished entities.
Conditional Sales of Co-Owned Property: Understanding Consent and Obligations
Explore the Supreme Court's ruling on reconveyance actions, prescription periods, and the rights of buyers in conditional sales of co-owned property.
Contractual Obligations Upholding Agreed Upon Interest Rates in Construction Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court affirms 2% monthly interest on unpaid construction balance, enforcing contractual stipulations between owner and contractor.
Independent Civil Actions: Enforcing Contract Obligations Separate From Criminal Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies when a civil collection case can proceed independently of dismissed criminal estafa cases, and why res judicata does not bar it.
Extradition and Constitutional Rights: Balancing State Obligations and Individual Freedoms
Philippine law on extradition and constitutional rights—how courts balance state obligations with individual freedoms in surrender proceedings.
Breach of Charter Agreement: Contractual Obligations and Remedies in Shipping Law
A Supreme Court ruling on charter party breach, ambiguous contract terms, and the right to rescind under Philippine law.
Reinstatement vs Separation Pay: Employer Obligations in Temporary Shutdowns
When a temporary shutdown is valid, can employees still claim separation pay? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits.
Novation and Trust Receipts: When a Debt Restructuring Agreement Extinguishes Criminal Liability
Learn when a debt restructuring agreement novates trust receipt obligations and extinguishes criminal liability under Philippine law.
Automatic Membership in Property Associations: Upholding Contractual Obligations and Property Rights
Philippine Supreme Court rules that automatic membership clauses in deeds of sale bind successors-in-interest, who must pay association dues.
Preserving the Status Quo: Limits on Preliminary Injunctions and Property Rights
The Supreme Court clarifies that preliminary injunctions must preserve the status quo, not create new obligations or transfer property rights.
Preserving Possession Limits on Preliminary Injunctions in Property Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies that preliminary injunctions must preserve the status quo, not create new obligations like paying rent or transferring rental collection rights.
Dacion en Pago: Why Mutual Consent Is Essential to Extinguish a Debt
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on dacion en pago, requiring mutual consent between debtor and creditor to extinguish an obligation.