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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Perfecting Land Sales Understanding Contractual Obligations AND Legal Timelines IN Philippine Property LAW
Learn the legal rules on perfecting land sales in the Philippines, including contractual obligations and critical timelines under property law.
Lease Agreements and Assignment of Rights: Clarifying Obligations and Remedies
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies how assignment of rights affects lease agreements, including rescission rules and payment obligations.
Successor Government Agencies Bound by Prior Lease Agreements: Key Lessons from PMO v. PIC
When a government agency takes over another's assets, it also inherits lease obligations. The Supreme Court explains why.
Timely Disability Claims: Seafarers' Rights and Employer Obligations Under POEA-SEC
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified seafarers' disability claims, the 120/240-day rule, and why timely filing matters under POEA-SEC.
Upholding Contractual Obligations: The Duty to Remit Funds in Agency Agreements
When can an agent withhold funds from a principal? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of an agent's right of retention and the duty to remit.
Insurance Policy Incontestability Clarifying Reinstatement Dates And Insurer Obligations
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when the incontestability period starts after policy reinstatement, and what insurers must prove to deny claims.
Voluntary Prevention Doctrine When a Party Frustrates Contractual Obligations
When a party blocks a condition precedent, the law treats it as fulfilled, making the obligation demandable.
Treaty Obligations vs Domestic Law: Enforceability of UN Human Rights Committee Views in Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court rules that UN Human Rights Committee views are recommendatory, not enforceable through mandamus in Philippine courts.
Surety’s Liability: The Extent and Limits Under Philippine Law
Understand the scope of a surety’s obligations in the Philippines, including liability limits, defenses, and key legal principles.
When a Right to Top Fails: Severability and Conditional Obligations in Share Sales
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies how severability clauses and conditional obligations determine bidder rights when a preferential right is voided.
Specific Performance vs Rescission: Contractual Remedies Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when specific performance or rescission applies in reciprocal obligations, using a Tagaytay property dispute as guide.
School Liability for Student Safety in Off-Campus Activities: The St. Luke's Case
The Supreme Court holds schools liable for student safety in required off-campus activities, ruling on negligence and contractual obligations.
Specific Denial: How Philippine Courts Determine Liability in Contractual Obligations
The Supreme Court clarifies when a third-party complaint may be denied and how contractual liability for delivering clean title is determined.
Contractual Obligations Enforcing Clean Title Delivery Despite Third Party Claims
Solidary Liability in Real Estate Contracts: Understanding Co-Sellers' Obligations
When do co-sellers remain liable after foreclosure? The Supreme Court clarifies deficiency obligations, payment application, and solidary liability.
Solidary Liability in Subdivision Sales: AFP Retirement System v. Sanvictores
Supreme Court holds co-sellers jointly liable under Contract to Sell, explaining solidary obligations and apparent authority under Philippine law.
Unconscionable Penalties: Reassessing Loan Obligations in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may reduce penalty charges and attorney's fees in deficiency claims after foreclosure.
Reducing Unconscionable Penalties: The Supreme Court’s Stance on Fair Loan Obligations
The Supreme Court clarifies when penalty charges in loan contracts are unconscionable and may be reduced, balancing creditor rights with debtor protection.
Maritime Law Shipowner Liability and Seafarers Death Benefits: Insurance and Solidary Obligations Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies shipowner liability, POEA-SEC death benefits, insurance proceeds, and solidary obligations in Phil-Nippon Kyoei v. Gudelosao.
Attorney Suspended Three Years for Misappropriating Client Funds
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for three years for failing to file a case and refusing to return client's P65,000, reinforcing trust obligations.
Subrogation and Compensation When Payment of Another's Debt Extinguishes Obligations
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on legal subrogation and compensation when a business buyer pays the seller's unpaid bills.
Clarifying Debt Liability When Personal Obligations Meet Family Debts
Supreme Court clarifies when assuming a parent's debt creates novation and when interest is due under Philippine law.
Tenant's Right of Redemption: Written Notice and Payment Requirements Under Agrarian Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies agricultural lessee's right of redemption, written notice requirements, and tender payment obligations under R.A. 3844.
Good Faith Possession Determining Rights AND Obligations IN Land USE Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how good faith possession affects rights and obligations in land use disputes, citing Civil Code provisions.