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.
Falsification of Private Documents: Intent to Damage Is Key in Philippine Law
Philippine law requires proof of intent to cause damage for falsification of private documents. Learn the rules from a Supreme Court ruling.
Delegation of Authority in Tax Assessments: When a Subordinate's Demand Letter Becomes Final
Learn when a demand letter from a BIR subordinate officer counts as the Commissioner's final decision on a protested tax assessment, and why timing matters.
Tenant Rights in the Philippines: Proving Agricultural Tenancy and Its Implications
Learn how Philippine courts determine agricultural tenancy, tenant rights to redemption, and what a Certificate of Land Transfer means for landowners and lessees.
Third-Party Rights in Philippine Contracts: When Can You Enforce an Agreement You Didn’t Sign?
Philippine law generally limits contract enforcement to parties, their assigns, and heirs. Learn the exception under stipulation pour autrui.
Poor Performance vs Neglect: Defining Just Cause for Employee Termination in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when poor work performance justifies termination and when it does not, explaining the legal distinction.
Contract to Sell Cancellation: Maceda Law Rules and Novation Explained
Learn the Maceda Law rules on cancelling a contract to sell, when a new contract can replace the old one, and key takeaways from Fabrigas v. San Francisco Del Monte.
Oral Loan Agreements in the Philippines: When a Verbal Promise Is Legally Binding
Oral loan agreements can be enforceable in the Philippines. Learn the rules, evidence needed, and key Supreme Court ruling on verbal contracts.
Unearthing Liability When Treasure Hunts Lead to Tort Claims
A treasure hunt that damaged a chapel led to solidary liability for joint tortfeasors under Philippine law. Learn the rules.
When Does the Clock Start? Prescription Periods for Hidden Contract Breaches in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies when the prescriptive period begins for hidden breaches of contract, protecting buyers who rely on seller representations.
How a Torrens Title Protects Your Right to Eject Unlawful Occupants in the Philippines
Learn how a Torrens title is the strongest proof of ownership in the Philippines and why it lets owners eject unlawful occupants from their property.
Voiding Land Sales: The Five-Year Restriction on Free Patents in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on the five-year ban on selling free patent lands, and what it means for landowners and buyers.
When Debts Collide: Understanding Legal Compensation in Philippine Contract Law
Learn how Philippine courts apply legal compensation in contract disputes, using the Mavest v. Sampaguita case as a guide.
Financial Leasing Agreements Are Valid Contracts Despite Lessee Default
Supreme Court affirms that financial leasing agreements are genuine contracts; defaulting lessees remain bound by their terms and obligations.
Passport Loss Liability: Negligence and Damages in LBC Express v. Ado
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on carrier liability for lost passport, damages rules, and proof requirements in LBC Express v. Ado.
When a Civil Case Can Resolve Inheritance and Property Disputes in the Philippines
Learn when Philippine regular courts, not labor arbiters, have jurisdiction over breach of contract and property disputes.
Electricity Meter Malfunctions: Who Bears the Cost of Unregistered Consumption
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on who pays for unregistered electricity when a defective meter causes under-billing.
Jurisdiction vs Exercise of Jurisdiction: Upholding Court Authority Despite Procedural Errors
The Supreme Court clarifies that jurisdiction over labor cases persists despite procedural lapses, and rules on retirement age, CBA benefits, and tax refund claims.
Meralco Billing Dispute: Tax Credit Assignments and Tampered Meter Claims
Supreme Court ruling on Meralco's interest charges on tax credit assignments and differential billing for alleged meter tampering.
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.
Dragnet Clauses in Mortgages: Limits on Securing Future Debts with Existing Collateral
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a dragnet clause in a real estate mortgage covers future loans, and when separate security prevails.
Corporate Identity and Loan Obligations: Name Change Does Not Excuse Debt Payment
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether a corporate name change or bank identity affects loan obligations and surety liability.
Sublease Rent Claims: Why Lessors Must Sue the Lessee First
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that lessors cannot directly sue sublessees for unpaid rent without first obtaining judgment against the lessee.
Contract of Sale vs Piece of Work: Subcontractor Rights Under Article 1729
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a supply agreement is a piece of work, giving subcontractors direct claims against project owners.
Authority Matters: Why Verbal Assurances From Bank Clerks Can't Seal Property Deals in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why verbal assurances from bank clerks cannot validate property transactions, and the importance of proper authority.