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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Buyer Beware Inheriting Obligations IN Philippine Property Foreclosures
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on property foreclosures: buyers may inherit seller's obligations to installment buyers, even without written contracts.
Can an Employee Refuse to Work? Understanding Constructive Dismissal in the Philippines
Explore when refusing work is legal in the Philippines, focusing on constructive dismissal, employee rights, and employer obligations under labor law.
When Is a Spouse's Debt Chargeable to the Conjugal Partnership
Supreme Court clarifies when a husband's surety agreement binds the conjugal partnership, distinguishing corporate debts from family obligations.
Breach of Contract: Financial Obligations and Due Diligence in Land Development Agreements
A Supreme Court ruling on accounting obligations, due diligence, and the consequences of failing to produce financial records in land development disputes.
Reinstatement Orders in Labor Disputes: Employee Rights and Employer Obligations
Learn how Philippine courts determine regular vs. project employment and why procedural due process is crucial in lawful dismissals.
Attorney Withdrawal Upholding Client Rights AND Ethical Obligations IN THE Philippines
When can a lawyer withdraw from a case in the Philippines? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on attorney withdrawal and client protection.
Tuition Fee Increases and Employee Benefits: Legal Obligations of Philippine Schools
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how tuition fee increases must be allocated for employee salaries and benefits, with prescription rules explained.
Novation in Philippine Law: When Does a Contract Truly Change
Understand when a contract is truly novated under Philippine law, and how courts distinguish mere modifications from genuine substitutions of obligation.
Wrongful Termination: Employee Rights and Employer Obligations in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies the two requirements for valid dismissal: just cause and due process. Learn the rules.
When Can a Seaman Be Dismissed: Understanding Seafarer Rights and Obligations
Learn the legal grounds for dismissing a seaman in the Philippines, plus the rights and obligations of seafarers under Philippine maritime law.
Understanding Retirement Benefits in the Philippines: Employee Rights and Employer Obligations
A look at Philippine retirement benefits law, covering employee rights, employer obligations, and key rules under the Labor Code.
Freight Charges and Estoppel: Understanding Contractual Obligations in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies BOT turnover obligations, quantum meruit, and liability for irregular government disbursements in COA disallowance case.
Dishonesty in Public Service: Consequences and Ethical Obligations
Court employee dismissed for dishonesty and non-disclosure of business interests. Learn the ethical rules for public servants.
Leasehold Improvements: Lessee Rights and Obligations Under Philippine Law
Understand lessee rights to improvements under Article 1678 of the Civil Code, and why lessees are not builders in good faith.
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.
Illegal Dismissal in the Philippines: Abandonment, Illness, and Employer Obligations
When does absence become abandonment, and when can illness justify termination? A Supreme Court ruling clarifies employer duties.
Prior Land Title Prevails: Property Rights and Good Faith in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on ejectment, lease obligations, and why historical landmark status does not override property rights.
Extended Leases Balancing Equity AND Contractual Obligations IN Property LAW
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on extending lease terms beyond contract expiry, balancing equity and contractual freedom in property law.
Right OF First Refusal Understanding Contractual Obligations IN Property Sales
Resignation vs Illegal Dismissal: Employee Rights and Employer Obligations in the Philippines
Understand the difference between resignation and illegal dismissal in the Philippines, and learn the rights and obligations of employees and employers.
Separation Pay for Voluntary Resignation: When Company Practice Creates an Obligation
Philippine law on separation pay for resigning employees, and when established company practice can create a right to benefits.
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.
Encroachment Disputes: Rights and Obligations of Landowners and Builders in the Philippines
When a building encroaches on a neighbor's land, what are the parties' rights? The Supreme Court explains good faith, Article 448 options, and remedies.
Continuing Surety Agreements Can Validly Cover Future Debts in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that continuing surety agreements validly secure future debts, even if no principal obligation exists at signing.