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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Project Employee vs Regular Employee: Understanding Employment Status in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between project employees and regular employees in construction work, and when repeated contracts may indicate regular employment.
When Is an Insurance Agent an Employee? The Carungcong Ruling on Independent Contractors
Insurance agents may be independent contractors, not employees. The Carungcong case explains the test and the role of contracts.
Automatic Contract Cancellation: What Buyers Must Know in Philippine Real Estate
The Supreme Court explains when automatic cancellation clauses in contracts to sell are valid and enforceable in Philippine real estate.
Automatic Contract Rescission: What Buyers and Sellers Should Know in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains automatic rescission in contracts to sell, buyer rights, and the dangers of laches in real estate deals.
Mortgage Contracts and Future Advances: Understanding the Scope of Security in Philippine Law
When does a real estate mortgage cover future loans beyond the stated amount? The Supreme Court explains in Quintanilla v. RCBC.
Conditions vs. Warranties in Philippine Sales Contracts: The Power Commercial Case
Learn how Philippine law distinguishes contract conditions from warranties, and when a seller's failure to deliver possession justifies rescission.
Perfecting Contracts Understanding Offer Acceptance AND Reconveyance IN Philippine LAW
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on what makes a binding contract, and why reconveyance is not a substitute for rescission.
Void Contracts: When Lack of Consent Invalidates a Sale
A sale by an unauthorized board is void. Learn the consent requirement in Philippine contract law from this Supreme Court ruling.
Lease Termination in the Philippines: When Can a Contract Be Ended
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when lease contracts can be terminated, including rules on suspensive conditions, rebus sic stantibus, and rental obligations.
Protecting Your Innovation Understanding Utility Model Patents IN THE Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified COA's audit powers and the principle of quantum meruit in government construction contracts.
Mistake in Contracts: When Can a Sale Be Annulled?
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a mistake in the object of a sale can invalidate consent and allow annulment of the contract.
Breach of Contract: Understanding Delay and Damages in Philippine Law
Learn how the Supreme Court defines delay in contracts, moral damages, and breach of obligation in this Philippine case analysis.
Venue Stipulations in Contracts: When Do They Override General Rules?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when contractual venue stipulations bind parties and when general venue rules prevail in extrajudicial foreclosures.
When Banks Cannot Unilaterally Raise Interest Rates: The Florendo Rule
The Supreme Court ruled that banks cannot unilaterally raise loan interest rates without a valid Central Bank issuance, upholding mutuality of contracts.
Overseas Employment Contracts: Illegal Dismissal and Employee Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on illegal dismissal of a seafarer, covering due process, overtime pay, and overseas employment contract rights.
Annulment of Contracts: Fraud and Consent in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court explains when fraud vitiates consent in contracts, using a land sale case as example.
Conditional Contracts of Sale: When Does Ownership Transfer in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the key difference between a contract to sell and a conditional contract of sale, and when ownership transfers.
Verbal Agreements to Sell Property: When Are They Enforceable in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains when oral contracts to sell real property are enforceable and why buyers must prove readiness to pay.
Mutuality of Contracts: Why Banks Cannot Unilaterally Change Interest Rates
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains why banks cannot unilaterally raise loan interest rates without borrower consent, citing mutuality of contracts.
Liquidated Damages in Lease Agreements: Enforceability and Practical Implications
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when liquidated damages in lease contracts are enforceable and how courts treat penalty clauses.
Understanding Arbitration Clauses in Philippine Construction Contracts
The Supreme Court clarifies that broad arbitration clauses in construction contracts cover all disputes arising from the contract, including claims for fees on work subcontracted by the owner.
Public Bidding in Government Contracts: The NFA Security Services Case
The Supreme Court nullified NFA's negotiated security contracts, reaffirming that public bidding is the rule in government procurement, not the exception.
Arrastre Operator Liability: Understanding the Limits of Responsibility for Lost Cargo
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when an arrastre operator is liable for lost cargo and how management contracts limit that liability.
Simulated Contracts and Deeds of Sale: What Philippine Law Requires for Valid Transfer of Title
Philippine law on deeds of sale explained: why registration matters, what makes a sale valid, and the risks of simulated contracts.