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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Understanding Jurisdiction and Contract Validity in Philippine Property Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when oral sales of land are valid and enforceable, and how jurisdiction over property disputes is determined.
Simulated Loan Contracts and Surety Liability: Lessons from ATCI v. Asset Pool A
A Supreme Court ruling on simulated loan contracts shows when a surety agreement falls with the void principal obligation.
Void Contracts When Signatures Are Forged and Owners Are Deceased
A contract signed by deceased owners is void. Learn the rules on forged signatures, imprescriptible actions, and title cancellation.
Unveiling Simulated Contracts When Loans Mask True Intentions in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when credit line agreements are simulated contracts, and how courts uncover the true intent behind loan documents.
Oral Contracts of Sale: Validity and Enforceability Under Philippine Law
When is a verbal sale agreement binding in the Philippines? Learn the rules on validity, enforceability, and vitiated consent from a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Understanding Loan Agreements and Foreclosure: Key Lessons from a Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when banks may foreclose and how courts interpret loan agreements, credit lines, and restructuring contracts in the Philippines.
Regular vs. Fixed-Term Employment: Key Lessons from Site for Eyes v. Daming
The Supreme Court ruled that repeated fixed-term contracts cannot defeat regular employment status. Learn the key lessons from this landmark case.
Navigating Creditable Withholding Tax Disputes in Construction Contracts: Insights from a Landmark Supreme Cou
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when withholding agents may deduct creditable withholding tax and the limits of judicial review of CIAC arbitral awards.
Election Protest Costs: The Supreme Court Ruling on Retention Fees for Election Equipment
The Supreme Court explains why the Senate Electoral Tribunal cannot rule on contract validity in election protest cost disputes.
Understanding the Limits of Public-Private Partnerships in Healthcare: A Philippine Supreme Court Perspective
The Supreme Court dismissed the challenge to the Philippine Orthopedic Center's PPP modernization as moot after the contract was terminated, clarifying key legal principles.
Contractual Obligations and Tortious Interference in Philippine Media Contracts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on talent contracts, breach, and tortious interference in the media industry.
Contractual Obligations and Appeal Timeliness: Salendab v. Dela Peña
A look at Salendab v. Dela Peña on the binding force of contracts and the strict rules on appeal periods under Philippine procedure.
Execution Pending Appeal in Maritime Contracts: Dredging Duties and Financial Credits
Supreme Court clarifies when execution pending appeal is valid in maritime disputes, distinguishing dredging obligations from monetary awards.
Understanding Mortgage Contract Validity: Lessons from a Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when mortgage contracts are valid, how undue influence is proven, and the limits of injunctive relief in foreclosure disputes.
When Lawyer Silence Becomes Negligence: The Duty to Communicate with Clients
The Supreme Court clarifies that a lawyer-client relationship can exist without a written contract, and silence can amount to professional negligence.
Understanding the Limits of Preliminary Injunctions in Philippine Contract Disputes
Learn how Philippine courts treat preliminary injunctions in contract disputes, including the grounds, requirements, and practical limits under existing rules.
Evident Bad Faith in Government Contracts: The Sarion Case on Price Escalation
A mayor's approval of price escalation payments without NEDA and GPPB approval led to graft and malversation convictions.
Malversation and Anti-Graft Laws: Lessons from Sarion v. People on Public Fund Management
A Supreme Court ruling on malversation clarifies the duty of public officials to verify disbursements, with key lessons for government and contractors.
Contract Rescission in the Philippines: When Forfeiture Clauses and Mutual Restitution Apply
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when forfeiture clauses survive contract rescission and when mutual restitution applies under Article 1191.
Understanding Estafa When Trust AND Contracts Collide IN Business Transactions
When project employees become regular: what Toyo Seat v. Velasco means for fixed-term hiring in the Philippines.
Estafa Misappropriation Requires a Duty to Deliver: Vicente v. People
The Supreme Court acquits a contractor of estafa, ruling that a mere debt, without a duty to deliver funds, is not misappropriation.
Lessee Reimbursement for Improvements: The Bermon Marketing Case
Learn when lessees can claim reimbursement for improvements under Article 1678 and how contract terms can waive that right.
Voidable vs Void Contracts: What Spousal Consent Means for Property Sales in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies that sales of conjugal property without spousal consent are voidable, not void, under the Civil Code.
Understanding Government Contract Disallowances: Detailed Engineering and Quantum Meruit
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on COA disallowances for overestimated embankment materials in government road projects and the limits of quantum meruit.