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.
Perfected Contracts and Presidential Approval: Clarifying the Boundaries in Philippine BOT Agreements
The Supreme Court clarifies when a BOT contract is perfected, the role of presidential approval, and why certiorari cannot substitute for a lost appeal.
Breach of Contract Damages for Negligent Wedding Video Recording
Supreme Court affirms damages for a videographer's gross negligence that ruined a couple's wedding video coverage, a breach of contract case.
Upholding Contractual Freedom: The Validity of CBA Suspension Agreements in Philippine Labor Law
The Supreme Court upholds a 10-year CBA suspension between PAL and PALEA, affirming that voluntary agreements to suspend collective bargaining are valid exercises of contractual freedom.
Contract TO Sell VS Contract OF Sale Insular Lifes Acquisition OF Home Bankers Savings AND Trust CO
Estoppel Bars Investor from Questioning Contract After Enjoying Its Benefits
Supreme Court ruling on estoppel: an investor cannot question a trading agreement's validity after benefiting from it and suffering losses.
Contractual Obligations: Estoppel Bars Challenge to Futures Trading Agreement
In Jefferson Lim v. Queensland Tokyo Commodities, Inc., the Supreme Court ruled that a party who enjoys the benefits of a contract cannot later question its validity.
The Control Test in Illegal Dismissal Cases: De los Santos v. NLRC
How Philippine courts determine the real employer using the control test, and why a labor-only contractor cannot shield a company from liability.
Abuse of Right Doctrine: Terminating a Contract Without Cause Can Still Trigger Damages
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how terminating a contract without cause can still lead to damages liability under the abuse of right doctrine.
Upholding Contractual Obligations: The Imperative of Timely Performance in Compromise Agreements
A Supreme Court ruling on continuing suretyship, assignment of credit, and trust receipts—clarifying that debtors cannot escape liability through technical defenses.
Lease Renewal Validity and Unlawful Detainer: Lessons from Rodil Enterprises v. Court of Appeals
The Supreme Court clarifies when lease contracts are valid and how unlawful detainer actions proceed, protecting lessors' rights.
Abandonment of Property Justifies Rescission of Real Estate Contract
Supreme Court rules buyer's abandonment and non-payment of amortizations justify rescission of contract to sell, despite developer's alleged breaches.
Priority in Litigation: Determining Which Case Prevails in Overlapping Contract Disputes
Learn how Philippine courts resolve overlapping contract disputes and which case prevails when judgments appear to conflict.
Upholding Contractual Obligations THE Enforceability OF Compromise Agreements IN Real Estate Disputes
Navigating Force Majeure When Strikes Excuse Contractual Delays in Philippine Law
When do strikes excuse delayed delivery? The Supreme Court explains force majeure, good faith, and damages in government bidding.
Upholding Contractual Agreements: Trust Receipts and Surety Agreements in Loan Obligations
The Supreme Court reaffirms that contracts are the law between parties, enforcing stipulated interest, penalties, and service charges in trust receipt loan transactions.
Right of First Refusal in Property Sales: A Binding Contractual Obligation
When is a right of first refusal enforceable in Philippine property sales? The Supreme Court clarifies in PUP v. Firestone Ceramics.
Quantum Meruit Determining Fair Legal Fees When A Contract IS Unclear
Proving a Lost Lease with Secondary Evidence and Ejectment Rights in Philippine Law
How Philippine courts allow secondary evidence to prove a lost lease contract, and when a lessor may eject a non-paying tenant.
Interest on Penalties: The Limits of Compounding in Loan Obligations
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when interest may be charged on unpaid penalty charges in loan contracts, and when courts may reduce unconscionable penalties.
Simulated Sales in Philippine Law: Why Fictitious Contracts Are Void
A simulated deed of sale has no legal effect, and the resulting title must be cancelled. The Supreme Court explains why in pari delicto does not apply to fictitious contracts.
Prescription Period Bars Attorney's Fee Collection After Six Years
Supreme Court rules lawyers have six years to collect fees under oral contracts; failure to timely file bars the claim.
Contractual Obligations Prevail: Bouncing Checks and Prejudicial Questions in Philippine Law
When do civil disputes suspend criminal cases for bouncing checks? The Supreme Court clarifies the rule on prejudicial questions in Sabandal v. Tongco.
Compromise Agreements Upholding Party Autonomy IN Contract Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that rescission of a contract for sale of real property requires judicial or notarial act, not mere letter.
Obligations Under Contracts Defining Liens and Encumbrances in Land Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when "free from liens and encumbrances" in land contracts includes clearing squatters and what obligations bind successors.