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.
Forcible Entry vs Unlawful Detainer: Why Choosing the Right Ejectment Case Matters
Learn the difference between forcible entry and unlawful detainer, and why proving tenancy is key in ejectment cases.
Implied Trusts in Philippine Mortgages: Protecting the True Lender
When a mortgage names one person but another funds the loan, Philippine courts may impose an implied trust to protect the true lender.
Unmarried Couples and Property Rights in the Philippines: Proving Co-Ownership
Unmarried couples in the Philippines must prove actual joint contribution to co-own property. Learn the rules from Lacbayan v. Samoy.
Security of Tenure: Understanding Agricultural Tenancy Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the essential elements of agricultural tenancy and security of tenure in Heirs of Barredo v. Besañes.
Right of First Refusal in Lease Agreements and Property Sales in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on lessee's right of first refusal when leased property is sold, explained in plain language.
Independent Contractor or Employee? Control in Insurance Agency Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when an insurance agent becomes an employee, applying the four-fold test and control standard.
Fixed Price Contracts: No Recovery for Unapproved Additional Costs
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on fixed lump-sum contracts: contractors cannot recover additional costs without written approval under Article 1724.
Private Contractors Can Be Held Liable Under the Anti-Graft Law for Conspiring With Public Officers
The Supreme Court affirms that private individuals who conspire with public officers in graft cases can be held liable under Section 3(e) of RA 3019.
When Is a Consignee Liable for Freight? The MOF v. Shin Yang Rule
A consignee named in a bill of lading is not automatically liable for freight charges. The Supreme Court explains when liability attaches.
When Is a Statement an Admission? Lessons from a Prawn Feed Dispute
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a written statement counts as an admission and when corporate officers can be held personally liable.
Parol Evidence Rule and Commitment Fees: Norton Resources v. All Asia Bank
When a written contract is clear, courts will not look beyond its four corners. The parol evidence rule explained.
Good Faith in Profit-Sharing Agreements: Lessons from Silverio v. Almeda
When a land sale includes a profit-sharing clause, the seller must act in good faith and disclose all resale details to the buyer.
Vitiated Consent and Simulated Sales: Understanding Contract Nullity in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when fraud vitiates consent and simulated prices void sales, using a family land dispute as a guide.
Partition Disputes: The Mandatory Role of Commissioners in Property Division
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when courts must appoint commissioners to divide property in partition disputes, and the limits of the parol evidence rule.
Correcting Land Title Errors When A Mistake Isnt Just A Mistake
The Supreme Court explains when a mistaken land partition can be corrected and why a free patent obtained through fraud is void.
Bonus Entitlement Discretion VS Contractual Right IN Employment Compensation
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when bonuses are discretionary and when they become contractual obligations of employers.
Kidnapping for Ransom with Homicide: Accountability and Admissibility of Confessions
Supreme Court affirms conviction for kidnapping for ransom with homicide, clarifying conspiracy liability and rules on extra-judicial confessions.
Property Rights in Relationships: Protecting Filipino Land Ownership From Alien Acquisition
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether an Austrian's Filipino girlfriend could keep land registered in her name despite his payment and later assignment to a Filipino buyer.
Contract Interpretation: Plain Language Prevails Over Extrinsic Evidence
When contract terms are clear, courts must apply them literally. Extrinsic evidence cannot rewrite a written agreement.
Independent Contractor or Employee: The Four-Fold Test in Philippine Labor Law
When is an insurance agent an employee, not an independent contractor? The Supreme Court explains the four-fold test and the crucial "control test" in Tongko v. Manulife.
Loan Restructuring vs Mortgage Release: When Must a Bank Return Collateral?
When a borrower restructures a loan and assigns property as partial payment, is the bank obliged to release other collateral? The Supreme Court explains.
Breach of Trust Establishing Estafa Through Misappropriated Loan Proceeds
When does failure to turn over loan proceeds become estafa? The Supreme Court explains misappropriation under Article 315.
Freelance or Employee? The Test for Newspaper Columnists in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains when a newspaper columnist is an independent contractor, not an employee, under the control test.
Parol Evidence Rule and Oral Agreements in Lease Contracts: Key Lessons from Amoncio v. Benedicto
When can oral agreements modify a written lease? The Supreme Court explains the parol evidence rule and its exceptions.