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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Contractor or Employer: Defining the Boundaries of Labor-Only Contracting in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when a contractor is a legitimate job contractor rather than a labor-only contractor, and who is the true employer.
Real Party in Interest: Who Can Sue to Nullify a Contract in the Philippines
Learn who has legal standing to file a case to nullify a contract in the Philippines, based on Supreme Court rulings on real party in interest.
Independent Contractor vs Employee: How Unique Skills Determine Employment Status in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when unique skills and talent make a worker an independent contractor, not an employee, in Philippine labor law.
Understanding the Binding Nature of Compromise Agreements in Philippine Law
A look at City of Bacolod v. Sugarland Hotel, where the Supreme Court affirmed that a memorandum of understanding is a binding contract, and explored estoppel and jurisdictional challenges.
Upholding Contractual Obligations When Government Actions Lead TO Breached Agreements
Explore how the Supreme Court protects contractual rights when government actions cause breaches, and the legal remedies available to affected parties.
Mandamus and Government Contracts: Enforcing Legal Duties in Joint Venture Agreements
When can courts compel government agencies to honor joint venture commitments? The Supreme Court clarifies mandamus and ministerial duties.
Res Judicata Bars Relitigation of Contract Validity in Loan Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when a dismissal order bars a second lawsuit on the same loan contract under res judicata.
Mutuality of Contracts and Foreclosure Rights in Philippine Loans
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that void interest stipulations do not invalidate foreclosure when the principal debt remains unpaid.
Government Contracts: Due Process in Hiring Legal Retainers and COA Disallowances
SC ruling on PhilRice legal retainer case clarifies due process, concurrence requirements, and liability for disallowed government contract payments.
Constructive Dismissal and Contract Ambiguity: Lessons from Esico v. Alphaland
The Supreme Court's ruling in Esico v. Alphaland clarifies constructive dismissal claims and the consequences of ambiguous employment contracts.
Understanding Suretyship: When Can a Surety Be Released From Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies when a surety may be released from liability and when material alterations to the principal contract do not extinguish the bond.
Navigating Unconscionable Interest Rates in Loan Agreements: A Guide for Borrowers
The Supreme Court affirms that courts may reduce unconscionable interest rates that violate the mutuality of contracts principle.
Labor-Only Contracting in the Philippines: Employer Responsibilities and Employee Rights
The Supreme Court clarifies when a contractor is a labor-only contractor, making the principal the real employer with full liability.
Pre-Incorporation Contracts and Personal Liability: Lessons from Hao v. Galang
When does a corporate officer become personally liable for pre-incorporation contracts? The Supreme Court clarifies agency rules in Hao v. Galang.
Understanding Civil Liability in Criminal Cases When Estafa Acquittals Impact Loan Obligations
When an estafa accused is acquitted, can the victim still collect the loan? The Supreme Court explains civil liability ex delicto versus ex contractu.
Attorney's Fees in Property Disputes: Lessons from the Supreme Court's Aquino v. Domingo Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies how lawyers may recover contingent fees in agrarian property cases when no written contract exists.
Employment Contracts and Project Employee Status: Key Lessons from Steelweld v. Echano
A look at how unsigned contracts and continuous work affect regular employee status in Philippine labor law.
Unilateral Interest Rate Hikes When Banks Overstep Their Bounds In Loan Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court rules on void unilateral interest rate hikes by banks, mutuality of contracts, and foreclosure validity.
Employee vs. Independent Contractor in Real Estate: The Four-Fold Test Explained
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when real estate sales agents are employees or independent contractors, and why the distinction matters.
Construction Contract Disputes: Supreme Court Ruling on Delay and Contractor Obligations
A look at a 2021 Supreme Court ruling on construction delays, variation orders, and contractor liability for unfinished work.
Ultra Vires Acts and Contract Validity: The SSS Loan Case Explained
When government agencies exceed their powers, contracts may be void. The Supreme Court explains ultra vires acts and their impact on Philippine contracts.
Contract Termination and Reimbursement Rights in Joint Ventures: Insights from a Philippine Supreme Court Case
A Philippine Supreme Court case clarifies when possession can be recovered in unlawful detainer, and the limits of reimbursement claims in void contracts.
Navigating Public Office Integrity: Misconduct and Government Contracts
The Supreme Court clarifies when a public official's dealings with interested parties in government contracts amount to grave misconduct, not just simple misconduct.
Clear Contract Terms and Enforcement in Business Agreements: IP E-Game Ventures v. Tan
The Supreme Court affirms that clear contract terms bind parties, and unsubstantiated claims of modification cannot defeat written agreements.