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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
Letters OF Credit Upholding Independence IN Contractual Obligations
When Time Is Not of the Essence: Contractual Delay and Obligations in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains when delay in delivery does not breach a contract and when time is not of the essence.
Tuition Dispute Schools Cant Impose Fees MID Semester
Schools cannot impose new fees mid-semester after enrollment. The Supreme Court explains student rights and contract obligations.
Upholding Compromise Agreements, HLURB Jurisdiction, and Contractual Obligations in Property Sales
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when the HLURB has jurisdiction over property disputes and affirms that compromise agreements bind parties unless vitiated or void.
Upholding Arbitration Timeliness and Good Faith in Construction Contract Disputes
The Supreme Court reinstates a CIAC award, clarifying arbitration deadlines, estoppel, and good faith in construction disputes.
Contract Termination Unilateral Right NOT Implied Absent Express Agreement
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: a party cannot unilaterally terminate a contract unless the right is expressly stipulated or a substantial breach is proven.
Perfecting Contracts: Consent and the Statute of Frauds in Share Sales
A Supreme Court ruling explains when letters become a binding share sale contract and what the Statute of Frauds requires.
Breach OF Contract Rescission Unavailable IN Corporate Disputes Involving Trust Fund Doctrine
Option to Purchase vs Contract to Sell: Understanding Property Rights and Obligations
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between an option to purchase and a contract to sell, and the consequences of failing to comply with their terms.
When Silence Speaks: Implied Contracts and the Burden of Proof in Business Deals
The Supreme Court clarifies that implied contracts require clear evidence, not mere suspicion, in disputes over business transactions.
When Payment Defaults Threaten Property Rights: Understanding Rescission in Real Estate Sales
A buyer's failure to pay the full purchase price can lead to contract rescission, even after years of partial payments. Learn the rules.
Contract of Sale vs Contract to Sell: Clarifying Obligations in Property Transactions
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies distinctions between contract of sale and contract to sell, and their impact on property rights and obligations.
Unilateral Contract Termination: When GSIS Can Rescind Agreements
When can a party unilaterally terminate a contract? The Supreme Court explains valid cause and contractual rights in Astroland v. GSIS.
Contract Termination in Construction: When Express Terms and Damages Control
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling upholds a contractor's right to terminate a sub-contract for delay and poor workmanship, and explains when damages may be awarded.
When Election Rules Override Commercial Contracts: The Chavez v. COMELEC Precedent
Can election rules force removal of product endorsements featuring a candidate? The Supreme Court says yes, explaining why.
Illegal Dismissal and Retirement Age: When Expiring Contracts Mask Unlawful Termination
Supreme Court clarifies when a "contract expiration" is really illegal dismissal, and why early retirement requires an employee's explicit consent.
Seafarer Re-Employment Bonus: Proving Vessel Classification for Incentive Claims
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on seafarer re-employment bonus claims, burden of proof for vessel classification, and contractual status of seafarers.
Estafa vs. Breach of Contract: When a Failed Deal Is Not a Crime
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies when failure to deliver goods after advance payment is civil breach, not criminal estafa.
Actual Occupancy vs Possession in SSS Housing: Contract Terms Govern
Supreme Court clarifies that "actual occupancy" differs from "possession" in SSS housing contracts, allowing rescission for breach.
Trust AND Title Upholding Heir Rights Despite Torrens Registration
Supreme Court voids a deed transferring conjugal land to illegitimate children, ruling Torrens titles cannot cure a void contract.
Upholding Notarized Contracts Overcoming Forgery Claims In Property Sales
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on notarized deeds, forgery claims, and expert testimony in property sales.
Unilateral Interest Rate Hikes: Mutuality of Contracts Prevails in Loan Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court rules banks cannot unilaterally raise interest rates without borrower consent, citing mutuality of contracts principle.
Fixed-Term Seafarers' Contracts: Illegal Dismissal and Compensation Standards
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that seafarers are contractual employees governed by POEA contracts, not regular employees under the Labor Code.
Protecting Marital Property: Understanding Consent Requirements in Real Estate Sales
The Supreme Court clarifies when spousal consent is required for real estate sales and the difference between contracts to sell and deeds of sale.