Legal Insights

Mutuality of Contracts: When One-Sided Termination Clauses in Employment Contracts Are Void

The Supreme Court explains when a termination clause that leaves dismissal to one party's sole judgment violates the mutuality principle under Article 1308 of the Civil Code.

Intestate Succession and Property Rights: Clarifying Inheritance Shares Under the Old Civil Code

A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when heirs truly own inherited property, and why a parent's lifetime transfer can defeat a compromise agreement's promised shares.

Intestate Succession Under the Old Civil Code: Equal Rights for Illegitimate Children

How the Supreme Court applied the old Civil Code's succession rules to protect the inheritance rights of illegitimate children in a landmark 2005 ruling.

Lawyer Fees and Client Property: What Ramos v. Ngaseo Teaches About the Limits of Fee Collection

The Supreme Court reprimanded a lawyer who demanded his client's land as payment, clarifying when the Civil Code ban on acquiring litigated property applies.

Void Donations: Absence of Public Instrument Nullifies Property Transfer Despite Intent

Philippine Supreme Court ruling on void oral donations of immovable property and the formal requirements under Article 749 of the Civil Code.

Upholding Due Process: Water Service Disconnection Requires Fair Notice

Philippine Supreme Court rules that water service disconnection without prior notice violates due process and can result in damages under Article 19 of the Civil Code.

When Can a Lessee Stop Paying Rent? Peaceful Enjoyment Rules Explained

Learn when Philippine law allows a lessee to suspend rent payments and what "peaceful enjoyment" really means under Civil Code Articles 1654 and 1658.

Freedom to Contract vs Equity: When Government Sales Require Perfected Agreements

Supreme Court rules equity cannot compel a government sale without a perfected contract, applying Civil Code principles.

Wife's Consent and Property Alienation: Voidable, Not Void, Under the Old Civil Code

A husband's alienation of conjugal property without the wife's consent is voidable, not void, under the Old Civil Code. The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction.

Vicarious Liability of Employers: Proving Due Diligence in Employee Negligence Cases

Employers must prove due diligence in selecting and supervising employees to avoid vicarious liability under Article 2180 of the Civil Code.

Co-Ownership Rights: Possession and Rent Obligations Under Philippine Property Law

Philippine Supreme Court clarifies co-owner rights to possession and rent before partition, citing Civil Code provisions in De Guia v. Abejo.

Lost Cargo Liability: Fire Does Not Excuse Common Carrier's Negligence

Philippine Supreme Court rules fire is not an exempting cause under the Civil Code, holding carriers liable for lost cargo.

Donation Propter Nuptias Under the Old Civil Code: Acceptance Not Required for Validity

Supreme Court explains why donations by reason of marriage under the Old Civil Code need no formal acceptance, and why the action to annul the title prescribed.

Good Faith in Land Disputes: When a Builder Loses Rights Under Article 448

Philippine National Bank v. De Jesus clarifies when a builder on another's land can claim good faith rights under Article 448 of the Civil Code.

Attorney Suspended for Acquiring Client's Property During Estate Proceedings

Lawyer suspended six months for acquiring property from client during pending estate proceedings, violating Article 1491 of the Civil Code.

Defining Common Carriers When A Limited Clientele Doesnt Equal Private Carriage

Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a shipping firm with a limited clientele can still be a common carrier under the Civil Code.

Written Agreements Prevail: Recovery of Additional Construction Costs Requires Prior Authorization

Contractors cannot recover extra construction costs without written authorization and agreed pricing under Article 1724 of the Civil Code.

When Is a Deed of Sale Actually a Mortgage: Lessons from Molina v. Flores

The Supreme Court explains when a deed of absolute sale may be presumed an equitable mortgage under Article 1602 of the Civil Code.

Independent Civil Actions Under the Civil Code: No Reservation Needed, Even With a Pending Criminal Case

The Supreme Court clarifies that civil claims based on the Civil Code may proceed independently of criminal cases, with no prior reservation required.

Unconscionable Penalties in Real Estate Contracts: Balancing Equity and Contractual Obligations

When a 3% monthly penalty on unpaid installments becomes unconscionable, Philippine courts may reduce it under Civil Code Articles 1229 and 2227.

Premature Demolition and Due Process: When Property Rights Clash with Fair Play

A Supreme Court ruling on how premature demolition violates due process and the abuse of rights principle under Article 19 of the Civil Code.

Verbal Lease with Definite Period: When Courts Cannot Extend the Term

The Supreme Court clarifies that Article 1687 of the Civil Code does not allow courts to extend a verbal month-to-month lease, which has a definite period.

Extending Lease Agreements: Judicial Discretion and Tenant Rights Under Article 1687 of the Civil Code

When can courts extend a month-to-month lease under Article 1687? The Supreme Court clarifies judicial discretion and tenant rights.

Lease Extension Rights Clarifying Limits FOR Lessees Under Civil Code Article 1687

The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may extend a lease under Article 1687 and why lessees who sublease lose equitable protection.