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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Customs Bonds: Contractual Obligations vs Tax Collection Cases
Supreme Court clarifies that suits on customs bonds are contractual, not tax collection cases, so appeals go to the Court of Appeals.
Perfected Sales vs Contracts to Sell: Ownership Transfer and Good Faith in Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the difference between a contract of sale and a contract to sell, and how good faith determines ownership in double sales.
When a Lessor Evicts Sublessees Before the Lease Ends: Sunbanun v. Go
The Supreme Court held a lessor liable for damages after ejecting her tenant's lodgers months before the lease expired, because the contract allowed a lodging house.
Regular Employees Entitled to CBA Benefits; Dismissal via Contracting Out in Bad Faith Is Illegal
Supreme Court rules regular employees are covered by the CBA and that dismissing them to force transfer to a contractor is illegal dismissal.
Waiver by Acquiescence: The Perils of Delay in Lease Agreement Disputes
A Supreme Court ruling shows how failing to promptly contest a lease violation can waive contractual rights — a cautionary tale for landlords and tenants.
Compromise Agreements: How Courts Interpret "Action" and Uphold Contractual Obligations
The Supreme Court ruled that selling receivables violated a compromise agreement's broadly to include the sale of the receivables.
Taxpayers Have Standing to Question Government Contracts: Mamba v. Lara
The Supreme Court affirms that taxpayers can challenge government contracts involving public funds, even without being party to them.
Labor-Only Contracting: Why Contract Language Alone Does Not Decide Employer Status
The Supreme Court clarifies when a contractor is merely a labor-only contractor and the true employer under Philippine law.
Regularization Rights: Defining Labor-Only Contracting in Philippine Law
Supreme Court clarifies labor-only contracting vs. legitimate job contracting, affirming workers' right to regularization under Philippine law.
Protecting Public Funds Supreme Court Voids Illegal Government Contracts AND Compromises
Learn how the Supreme Court protects public funds by voiding illegal government contracts and compromises, safeguarding taxpayer money.
Presidential Warranty vs Constitutional Limits: Timber License Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies that timber licenses and presidential warranties are not contracts protected by the non-impairment clause, upholding constitutional limits on natural resource exploitation.
Presidential Warranties vs. State Sovereignty: The PICOP Timber License Case
The Supreme Court ruled presidential warranties on timber licenses are not contracts, and state sovereignty over natural resources prevails.
Parol Evidence Rule and Commitment Fees: Norton Resources v. All Asia Bank
When a written contract is clear, courts will not look beyond its four corners. The parol evidence rule explained.
Upholding Contractual Obligations When Clear Terms Prevail Over External Claims
The Supreme Court affirms a rehabilitation plan over creditor objections and allows foreclosure of an accommodation mortgagor's property outside the stay order.
Contractual Obligations: Interpreting Intent and the Parol Evidence Rule in Loan Agreements
When a loan agreement's terms are clear, courts enforce the written word—not verbal promises. The Supreme Court explains why in Norton Resources v. All Asia Bank.
Attorney's Fees and Quantum Meruit: Fair Compensation for Legal Services in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts determine reasonable attorney's fees and quantum meruit principles, with insights from a Supreme Court ruling on contractual obligations.
Compromise Agreements in Government Disputes: Upholding Contractual Obligations
The Supreme Court approves a compromise agreement between a province and an employee, affirming the validity of settling government disputes through mutual concessions.
Arbitration Prevails: Upholding Agreements Amid Contractual Disputes
The Supreme Court affirms that arbitration clauses survive main contract disputes, reinforcing the doctrine of separability in Philippine law.
Air Carrier Breach of Contract: Damages and Interest in Air Travel Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when legal interest runs on damages awarded in air carrier breach of contract cases.
Vitiated Consent and Simulated Sales: Understanding Contract Nullity in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when fraud vitiates consent and simulated prices void sales, using a family land dispute as a guide.
Laches and Prescription in Construction Contract Disputes: IBEX v. GSIS
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling on prescription, laches, and finality of CIAC factual findings in construction disputes.
Delayed Delivery and Rescission Rights in Pre-Selling Condominium Contracts
The Supreme Court held that a developer's failure to deliver a pre-selling condominium unit on time entitles the buyer to a refund of payments with interest.
Temperate Damages in Construction Breach: When Proof of Loss Falls Short
Philippine Supreme Court explains when courts award temperate damages instead of actual damages in construction contract breaches.
When a Request for a Raise Leads to a Lawsuit: Proving Abandonment in Illegal Dismissal Cases
A forklift operator's request for regularization and better pay led to termination, sparking a landmark case on fixed-term contracts and quitclaims.