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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Illegal Dismissal of Seafarers: Overtime Pay and Contractual Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on seafarer illegal dismissal, salary for unexpired contract, and guaranteed overtime pay.
Letter of Undertaking Enforceability and Independence From Negotiable Instruments
Supreme Court rules a letter of undertaking is a separate contract, binding even if the underlying sight draft is discharged under the Negotiable Instruments Law.
Substantial Completion vs Unjustified Delay: Contractor Entitlements in Construction Disputes
When is a contractor in delay? The Supreme Court clarifies how substantial completion and change orders affect liquidated damages.
Solidary Liability in Labor Disputes: When Principals and Contractors Share Responsibility
The Supreme Court clarifies when a principal is solidarily liable with an independent contractor for labor claims, and when it is not.
Quantum Meruit and COA Disallowances: What Contractors Must Know
The Supreme Court affirms COA's power to determine overpayments to government contractors under quantum meruit, and explains when belated jurisdictional challenges are barred.
Solidary Liability in Labor-Only Contracting: Catholic Vicariate v. Sto. Tomas
Explains when a principal is solidarily liable with contractors for unpaid wages, even without an employer-employee relationship.
Labor-Only Contracting: When a Principal Becomes the True Employer
Explaining labor-only contracting under Philippine law, and when a principal employer is liable as the true employer of contractor-supplied workers.
Upholding Contractual Obligations: The Binding Force of Agreed Interest Rates in Credit Transactions
Supreme Court ruling on agreed interest rates in credit sales, party autonomy, and limits on unconscionable charges.
Labor-Only Contracting: Employee Rights and Employer Obligations in the Philippines
Philippine Airlines v. Ligan explains labor-only contracting rules, when workers become regular employees, and employer liability under Philippine law.
Breach OF Contract Sellers Delay Entitles Buyer TO Refund
Finality of Judgments, Due Process, and Counsel's Negligence in Contract Rescission
A Supreme Court ruling on finality of judgments, due process, and counsel's negligence in a construction contract rescission case.
Mutuality of Contracts: The Limits of Bank Discretion in Setting Interest Rates
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that unilateral interest rate setting violates mutuality of contracts, but the principal loan obligation remains valid and enforceable.
Timeshare Contracts and SEC Registration: What Buyers Should Know
Supreme Court clarifies that unregistered timeshare sales violate the Securities Act, and buyers may rescind such contracts.
Enforcing Contractual Obligations: Valid Payment and the Courts' Supervisory Role
When may a buyer rescind a timeshare contract? The Supreme Court clarifies registration rules, rescission periods, and appeal deadlines.
Bidding Required Government Contracts Must Ensure Fair Competition
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when public bidding is mandatory for government service contracts and why negotiated awards violate fair competition.
Lease Agreements: VAT Liability and Inflation Adjustments Clarified
Supreme Court clarifies when lessors may pass on VAT and adjust rent for inflation under lease contracts.
Regular Employee vs Independent Contractor: Security Guard Rights Under Labor Law
Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a security guard is a regular employee, not an independent contractor, and the rights that follow.
Rehabilitation Plans and Contractual Rights: Dacion en Pago in Corporate Recovery
Supreme Court ruling on whether a rehabilitation plan's dacion en pago proposal violates a secured creditor's contractual rights.
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.
Credit Card Interest and Penalties: Balancing Contractual Freedom and Unconscionability in Debt Obligations
The Supreme Court clarifies when credit card interest and penalty rates are enforceable and when courts may reduce them as unconscionable.
Perfected Sale vs Contract to Sell: Distinguishing Ownership Transfer in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the difference between a contract of sale and a contract to sell, and when ownership actually transfers to the buyer.
Upholding Contractual Obligations: Lessee's Duty to Pay Rent and Repair Under Philippine Lease Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on Mercury Drug v. Republic Surety clarifies when a lessee may suspend rent payments and the binding effect of contractual repair obligations.
Gross Receipts vs. Gross Revenue: The Tax Base for Contractors in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies that local business tax on contractors is based on gross receipts, not gross revenue.
Upholding Contractual Obligations Payment Disputes and the Binding Nature of Agreements
A Supreme Court ruling on why a "pay to cash" check violated a Charge Invoice term, and how contracts of adhesion bind parties.