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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Breach of Contract Remedies for Condominium Delivery Delays in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine law protects condominium buyers when developers delay delivery, including refund rights and interest rules under PD 957.
OFW Illegal Dismissal: Full Salary for Unexpired Contract, Not Just 3 Months
The Supreme Court affirms that illegally dismissed OFWs are entitled to full salaries for the unexpired portion of their contracts, striking down the three-month cap as unconstitutional.
The Duty of Disclosure: Honesty in Seafarer Employment Contracts
A Supreme Court ruling on how concealing a pre-existing illness in a seafarer's PEME can bar disability claims, even when the 3-day reporting rule is excused.
Service Charges and CBA Terms: When Negotiated Contracts Are Exempt in Labor Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when service charges are due under a CBA, and how negotiated contracts and special rates are exempt.
Amending Lease Contracts: Upholding Written Agreements and Preventing Unjust Enrichment
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on lease amendments, judicial admissions, and why unjust enrichment claims fail when a lessee violates the contract.
Skywalk Bidding Scandal: Grave Misconduct and Collusion in Public Bidding
Supreme Court upholds dismissal of DPWH officials for rigged bidding, fake newspaper ads, and collusion with favored contractor.
Breach of Contract: Conditional Sales, Contracts to Sell, and the Right to Rescind
Understand when a buyer's non-payment lets a seller cancel a property deal, and the difference between a conditional sale and a contract to sell.
Mutuality of Contracts: When Banks Cannot Unilaterally Raise Interest Rates
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on Silos v. PNB explains why unilateral interest rate hikes violate the mutuality principle in loan contracts.
Novation vs Alternative Obligations: Clearing the Confusion in Contract Law
When does a new agreement extinguish an old debt? The Supreme Court clarifies novation versus alternative obligations in this contract law case.
Bigamy and the Need for a Judicial Declaration of Nullity Before Remarriage
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that contracting a second marriage without first securing a judicial declaration of nullity of the first constitutes bigamy.
Duress in Mortgage Contracts: Reasonable Fear and Legal Claims Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when fear or duress voids a mortgage, and why threatening a legal claim does not vitiate consent.
Contractual Breach Understanding Rescission Rights IN Mining Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a mining operating agreement may be validly rescinded for breach under Article 1191 of the Civil Code.
Seafarers' Rights: Implied Contract Extension and Disability Benefits
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on implied contract extension for seafarers and entitlement to permanent total disability benefits under POEA-SEC.
Revoking Contracts Baguio Citys Parking Dispute AND THE Limits OF Local Authority
The Supreme Court rules on contract revocation, local government authority, and contempt in the Jadewell parking dispute.
Conditional Sale vs Contract to Sell: Protecting Property Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the crucial difference between a conditional sale and a contract to sell, and why buyers must pay the full price to own property.
Mutuality of Contracts: Banks Cannot Unilaterally Impose Interest Rate Hikes on Loans
Philippine National Bank v. Manalo clarifies that banks cannot unilaterally raise loan interest rates without borrower consent under Article 1308 of the Civil Code.
Illegal Dismissal: Security of Tenure vs. Employer Prerogative in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling on fixed-term contracts, security of tenure, and the limits of employer prerogative in termination cases.
Expiration of Lease Contracts Resolving Possession Disputes
When a lease expires, so does the lessee's right to possession. The Supreme Court clarifies the rule in Pasig Printing v. Rockland.
Fixed-Term Employment vs Regular Employment: Security of Tenure and Illegal Dismissal
When a fixed-term contract expires but the employee keeps working, regular employment and security of tenure may arise. Illegal dismissal rules apply.
In Pari Delicto Exception: Unjust Enrichment in Illegal Subcontracts
When an illegal contract leaves one party unjustly enriched, Philippine courts may set aside in pari delicto to prevent inequity.
Unjust Enrichment When Illegal Contracts Require Restitution
The Supreme Court explains when the in pari delicto doctrine yields to the public policy against unjust enrichment in illegal contracts.
Breach of Contract and Banks' Liability: Understanding Hold Out Clauses in Deposit Agreements
When can a bank freeze a depositor's account? The Supreme Court explains the limits of "hold out" clauses in deposit agreements.
Perfected Contract of Sale: When Ownership Trumps Title Reservation
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a sale is perfected despite a title reservation clause in the invoice, and why buyers must pay.
Contractual Obligations Prevail Enforcing Notice Requirements In Foreclosure Sales
When a mortgage contract requires personal notice of foreclosure, the bank must comply—or the sale may be void.