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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Unconscionable Penalties in Real Estate Contracts: Balancing Equity and Contractual Obligations
When a 3% monthly penalty on unpaid installments becomes unconscionable, Philippine courts may reduce it under Civil Code Articles 1229 and 2227.
Davao Light v. Tesorero: Venue, Estoppel, and a Corporation's Residence in Philippine Civil Cases
The Supreme Court ruled that a corporation's residence for venue is fixed by its articles of incorporation, not by addresses in contracts or pleadings in other cases.
Prescription in Contract Disputes: The 10-Year Rule Under Philippine Law
Learn how the 10-year prescription period for written contracts works in the Philippines, and why delay can bar a valid claim.
The Essence of Consent When a Contract Addendum Fails as a Valid Compromise Agreement
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains why a contract addendum rejected by one party cannot later be ratified as a compromise agreement once the other party has revoked it.
Sale vs Commodatum: Property Rights and Contractual Intent in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how to distinguish sale from commodatum, and why proving ownership in recovery actions requires clear evidence of title and identity.
Bouncing Checks and Broken Promises: Understanding Novation and Criminal Liability in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when issuing bouncing checks constitutes estafa despite existing contracts and business history between parties.
Unconscionable Interest Rates Balancing Lenders Rights AND Borrower Protection IN Mortgage Contracts
Upholding Contractual Obligations: Lease Agreements and Grounds for Ejectment
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on lease contract validity, ejectment grounds, and the duty to pay rent despite disputes.
Right of First Refusal Validity and Enforceability in Philippine Contract Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a right of first refusal is valid and enforceable in property and contract disputes.
Hired Guns and Silent Inducements: Criminal Liability in Contract Killings Under Philippine Law
A look at how Philippine courts treat hired killers and those who induce them, based on a landmark 2001 murder case.
Co-Terminous Employment and Security of Tenure in Government Contractual Positions
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling that co-terminous government employees serve at the pleasure of the appointing authority and may be terminated before project completion.
When Contractual Disputes Dont Constitute Estafa Reconciling Civil Obligations AND Criminal Liability
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when breach of contract becomes estafa, distinguishing civil liability from criminal fraud.
Option Contract vs Contract to Sell: Key Lessons from a Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the difference between an option contract and a contract to sell in real estate transactions.
Overseas Placement Agencies: Fair Treatment of Workers and the Rule on Illegal Exactions
A look at the Supreme Court ruling on overseas placement agencies, illegal exactions, contract substitution, and the need for published rules.
Distinguishing Civil Law Lease From Agricultural Tenancy Security of Tenure in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a fishpond lease is a civil contract, not an agricultural tenancy with security of tenure.
When Arbitration Clauses in Employment Contracts Become Unfair: The Magellan Case
The Supreme Court explains when arbitration clauses in employment contracts are void for giving one side too many arbitrators.
Prescription IN Annulment OF Contracts When Silence Isnt Golden
City of Quezon v. Lexber: Contract Validity Despite Procedural Lapses
SC rules city contracts valid when entered under statutory authority, even without prior council appropriation.
Unmasking Simulated Sales Protecting Your Property Rights IN THE Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts handle simulated sales, void contracts, and derivative suits to protect your property and stockholder rights.
Seafarers Disability Claims: Substantial Compliance and Employer Duty to Assess Fitness
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on seafarers' disability benefits, substantial compliance with POEA contract, and employer responsibility in fitness assessment.
When Business Disputes Turn Deadly Examining Criminal Liability IN Contractual Conflicts
A sheriff's excessive levy and irregular auction in a rice dispute shows how execution of judgments can cross into misconduct.
Compromise Agreements: The Binding Force of Reduced Debt vs Contractual Conditions
A Supreme Court ruling explains when a compromise agreement binds a creditor, the limits of fraud claims, and the legal nature of stale manager's checks.
Arbitration Agreements and Third Parties: Defining Contractual Boundaries in Dispute Resolution
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on arbitration clauses, third-party effects, and when courts may decline to compel arbitration.
Probate Court Approval of Estate Property Sales: Heirs of Sandejas v. Lina
When a deceased person contracted to sell property before death, the probate court can authorize its conveyance—here's what the Sandejas ruling means for heirs and buyers.