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.
When Arbitration Clauses Bind Non-Signatories: Nominees and Related Contracts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when arbitration clauses extend to nominees and subsequent related agreements under RA 9285.
When Public Interest Meets Private Contracts: The SM Land v. BCDA Ruling on Development Projects
The Supreme Court ruled that government agencies cannot cancel accepted unsolicited proposals by invoking public interest, upholding contractual obligations.
Breach of Contract When Failure to Pay Justifies Rescission Despite Concurrent Obligations
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when failure to pay a guaranteed amount justifies rescission even if the other party also breached concurrent obligations.
Toll Regulatory Powers Defining Limits In Public Private Infrastructure
Supreme Court defines TRB's franchise powers, toll regulation, and public bidding requirements in Luzon expressway cases.
Mining Rights and State Control: The Limits of Exploration Permits in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on exploration permits, vested rights, and state control over mineral reservations under the Mining Act.
Bidding Disqualification Upholding Agency Discretion In Government Contracts
The Supreme Court affirms agency discretion in government bidding, explaining protest rules, judicial hierarchy, and the limits of court intervention.
Consolidation of Cases: Efficiency and Prevention of Conflicting Judgments
Philippine Supreme Court explains when courts may consolidate related cases to avoid conflicting judgments, save time, and promote swift justice.
DARAB Jurisdiction Covers Agrarian Disputes Beyond Landlord-Tenant Relationships
Supreme Court clarifies DARAB jurisdiction extends to all agrarian disputes, including joint production agreements under CARP, not just traditional landlord-tenant cases.
Partnership Disputes: Absence of Formalities Does Not Negate Partnership Existence
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a partnership may exist without formal documents, based on the parties' intent and conduct.
Competitive Bidding and the Right to Top in Philippine Privatization: The J.G. Summit Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when a "right to top" in government privatization bidding is valid, and when losing bidders may be estopped from challenging the award.
Agrarian Reform vs Civil Lease: Jurisdiction Over Fishponds Explained
When does a fishpond dispute fall under agrarian reform, not civil courts? The Supreme Court clarifies jurisdiction rules.
Mining Rights vs National Patrimony: The La Bugal Case on Foreign Control of Philippine Resources
Explaining the Supreme Court's La Bugal ruling on the Philippine Mining Act and foreign ownership limits over the country's mineral resources.
When a Lawyer's Error Binds a Client: The Doctrine of Negligence in Philippine Litigation
Explore how the Supreme Court holds clients bound by their counsel's mistakes, and when courts may grant relief from a lawyer's negligence.
Shipyards and Public Utilities: Defining National Interest in Corporate Ownership
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether shipyards are public utilities requiring 60% Filipino ownership, and its impact on corporate acquisitions.
Reclaimed Lands and the Constitution: Limits on Government Transfers to Private Corporations
The Supreme Court voids a land reclamation deal transferring public lands to a private corporation, reaffirming constitutional limits on alienable lands.
Carnapping Conviction Affirmed: Penalties and Procedural Rules Under RA 6538
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified carnapping penalties and appeal rules in Mercado v. People, including key procedural takeaways.
Del Mar v. PAGCOR: The Scope of PAGCOR's Franchise and Jai-Alai Operations
The Supreme Court ruled PAGCOR's franchise under P.D. 1869 does not include operating jai-alai, a gambling activity requiring express legislative grant.
Public Bidding vs. Right of First Refusal: Fair Competition in Government Asset Sales
Supreme Court ruling on how the right to top a bid undermines competitive public bidding in government asset sales.
Employee vs. Independent Contractor: The Four-Fold Test Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court's ruling in Corporal v. NLRC clarifies when workers are true employees, not independent contractors, under Philippine labor law.
Partnership vs Sale: Key Differences in Philippine Joint Venture Agreements and Property Contributions
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a property transfer is a partnership contribution, not a sale, and the legal consequences.