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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Understanding Contracts TO Sell: Key Insights From a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a contract is an assignment, not a guaranty, and the limits of apparent authority.
Liability in Government Contracts: Mere Initialing Not Enough
When can government officers be held personally liable for disallowed payments? The Supreme Court clarifies in this COA case.
Illiteracy and Contracts: When Does a Sale Become Invalid
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that a sale's validity depends on the parties' true intent, not just the lot number written in the deed.
Unjust Enrichment vs. Immutability of Judgment: Balancing Equity and Finality in Power Supply Contracts
The Supreme Court reconciles the immutability of final judgments with unjust enrichment claims in a dispute over fuel supply between NAPOCOR and Delta P.
Quantum Meruit and Government Contracts: Reclaiming Payment for Completed Projects
The Supreme Court allows payment for completed government projects even without a written contract, applying quantum meruit to prevent unjust enrichment.
Fixed-Term Contracts vs Security of Tenure: Protecting Employee Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when fixed-term employment contracts are valid and when they violate an employee's security of tenure under Philippine law.
Competitive Bidding in Government Contracts: When Negotiated Procurement Is Allowed
A look at the Supreme Court's ruling on when negotiated procurement is valid under R.A. 9184, and the limits of Ombudsman discretion in finding probable cause.
Mutuality of Contracts: When Banks Cannot Unilaterally Change Interest Rates
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on banks' unilateral interest rate hikes violating mutuality of contracts under Article 1308, Civil Code.
Oral Agreements vs Written Contracts: When Verbal Lease Changes Hold Up in Court
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when verbal agreements can modify written lease contracts, and when they cannot, in Modomo v. Layug.
Verbal Agreements vs Written Contracts: When a Lease or Workplace Transfer Can Be Modified
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when verbal notices and transfer orders are invalid, protecting employee security of tenure.
Verbal Contracts and Implied Ratification: Upholding Obligations in Broiler Chick Growing Agreements
The Supreme Court rules that verbal contracts bind parties even without a written agreement, and corporations may impliedly ratify unauthorized acts.
Illegal Dismissal of OFWs: Full Contract Pay Upheld by Supreme Court
The Supreme Court reaffirms that illegally dismissed OFWs are entitled to their full salaries for the unexpired portion of their contracts, striking down the three-month cap.
Abuse of Rights in Contractual Dealings: Upholding Freedom to Contract and Good Faith
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on corporate rehabilitation, contractual penalties, and the limits of judicial interference in contracts.
Lump Sum Sales Boundaries Prevail Over Area In Real Estate Contracts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that in lump sum real estate sales, boundaries control over stated area under Article 1542.
Contractual Intent Signatures Fine Print AND Dispute Resolution IN Commercial Agreements
Court rules on venue and arbitration clauses in commercial contracts, emphasizing the importance of clear contractual intent and valid signatures.
Quantum Meruit and Government Contracts: Fair Compensation for Completed Projects
When can a contractor recover payment from the government without a written contract? The Supreme Court explains quantum meruit.
Oral Contracts for Property: Six-Year Prescription Bars Stale Claims for Specific Performance
Oral agreements to transfer property must be enforced within six years. Learn how prescription works and why timely action matters.
When an Appropriation Ordinance Is Enough: Mayor's Consultancy Contracts Upheld
Supreme Court clarifies when a line-item in an appropriation ordinance suffices as prior authorization for a mayor's contracts.
Due Process in Administrative Cases: The Right to a Fair Hearing and Protection Against Gross Neglect of Duty
A mayor's dismissal for grave misconduct was reversed by the Supreme Court, which clarified the rule on prior authorization for local contracts.
Graft and Conspiracy: Public Officials' Liability in Disadvantageous Contracts
Explains when public officers and private persons may be held liable for graft under Section 3(g) of RA 3019 for disadvantageous government contracts.
Breach of Procurement Rules: Gross Neglect of Duty, Not Grave Misconduct, in Government Contracts
The Court clarifies when a public officer's carelessness over lost documents amounts to simple neglect, not grave misconduct.
When Government Contracts Meet Congressional Oversight: The Limits of Compromise Agreements
The Supreme Court clarifies that compromise agreements involving government claims above P100,000 require congressional approval, not just COA or agency action.
Accountability in Public Works: Good Faith and Due Diligence in Government Contracts
The Supreme Court clarifies when public officials may invoke good faith and reliance on subordinates in government contracts, and when they must verify.
Third Party Interference: Protecting Exclusive Distributorship Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when third parties can be liable for interfering with exclusive distributorship contracts under Philippine law.