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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Fixed Price Contracts: No Recovery for Unapproved Additional Costs
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on fixed lump-sum contracts: contractors cannot recover additional costs without written approval under Article 1724.
Lump Sum vs. Unit Price in Land Sales: The Del Prado v. Caballero Rule
Philippine land sale disputes often hinge on lump sum versus unit price contracts. The Supreme Court's ruling in Del Prado v. Caballero clarifies the rules.
Judicial Accountability: The Price of Delayed Justice in the Philippines
A judge's 17-month delay in deciding a case leads to a fine, underscoring the constitutional duty to resolve cases promptly.
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.
Hauling Contracts: Scope of Work Defines Entitlement to Extra Pay
Supreme Court rules on when hauling contractors can claim extra compensation beyond the contract price in service agreements.
Redemption Rights in Foreclosure: Consignation of Redemption Price Is Mandatory
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: filing a judicial redemption action does not stop a writ of possession unless the redemption price is paid or consigned.
Dishonesty in Public Office: The Price of False Entries and Delayed Deposits
A cashier's false cashbook entry and delayed bank deposits amount to dishonesty, warranting dismissal from government service.
Breach of Warranty in Realty Sale: Buyer Entitled to Reduced Purchase Price
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on breach of warranty in realty sales and the buyer's right to proportionate price reduction.
Judicial Ethics and the Price of Impropriety: Lessons from the Court of Appeals Controversy
The Supreme Court's ruling on the CA justices' conduct in the Meralco-GSIS case underscores the strict standards of judicial ethics and propriety.
Excise Tax Uniformity: Rationalizing Cigarette Tax Classification Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of the tiered excise tax on cigarettes, explaining how the classification freeze and Annex at 1996 prices, remained in lower tax brackets despite selling
When Lawyers Cross the Line: Deceit, Dishonesty, and the Price of Professional Misconduct
A lawyer's suspension for deceit and issuing a worthless check underscores the high ethical standards required of the legal profession in the Philippines.
Breach of Contract: When Incomplete Construction Doesn't Warrant Full Payment
Philippine Supreme Court rules on when a contractor's incomplete work bars recovery of the full contract price in construction disputes.
Habitual Tardiness and Overtime Refusal: When Dismissal Is Valid but Due Process Still Matters
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on valid dismissal for habitual tardiness and overtime refusal, and the price of skipping procedural due process.
Equitable Mortgage vs Sale With Right to Repurchase: Price and Intent
When is a "sale with right to repurchase" really an equitable mortgage? The Supreme Court explains the role of price adequacy and intent.
When Club Membership Turns Costly: Limits of Discretion and the Price of Bad Faith
A club's right to reject membership applications is not absolute. Learn how bad faith and abuse of rights led to damages in Cebu Country Club v. Elizagaque.
Perfecting a Contract of Sale: Price and Payment Terms in Real Estate Transactions
Learn how Philippine courts treat price and payment terms in contracts of sale, and what makes a sale perfected and binding.
The Price of Concealment: Integrity and Honesty in Judicial Appointments
A judge who concealed his prior dismissal from government service was held liable for dishonesty, underscoring the premium on candor in judicial appointments.
Just Compensation in Agrarian Cases: Courts Must Follow DAR Valuation Formula
Philippine Supreme Court reminds courts that just compensation in agrarian reform cases must follow the DAR formula, not merely adopt neighboring land prices.
Price Certainty in Real Estate Sales: When a "Yes" Is Not Enough
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a contract of sale requires a definite price; vague terms and unresolved payment details prevent perfection.
Judicial Accountability: The Price of Delay in Philippine Courts
A judge's three-year delay in deciding a summary procedure case leads to a P20,000 fine, reinforcing that justice delayed is justice denied.
Perfected Contract of Sale: The Necessity of Unequivocal Agreement on Price and Terms in Real Estate Transacti
Learn how Philippine courts treat contracts of sale, emphasizing the need for clear agreement on price and terms to avoid disputes.
Lost Deals: Why a Vague "Yes" Isn't Enough to Seal a Property Sale in the Philippines
A buyer's "conforme" to a seller's price without agreeing on payment terms is only a counter-offer. Learn from Villanueva v. PNB.
Perfected Contract of Sale: The Decisive Role of Clear Agreement on Price
A "suggested indicative price" is not a definite price. The Supreme Court explains when a contract of sale is perfected.
Judicial Efficiency vs. Justice: The Price of Delayed Resolutions
A Supreme Court ruling shows why court clerks must deposit judiciary funds on time, and how delay can amount to gross misconduct and dishonesty.