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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Contractual Obligations vs Agrarian Reform: Upholding Lease Agreements in Agricultural Land Disputes
Supreme Court rules on binding lease addendums in agrarian reform lands, emphasizing contract mutuality and prescription under RA 3844.
Novation Requires Clear Intent: Upholding Lease Agreements in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that novation of a lease into a deposit requires clear intent, not mere inference from circumstances.
Service Fees in Lease Agreements: The Subic Bay Freeport Case on Reciprocal Obligations
When can a lessor collect service fees? The Supreme Court clarifies that service fees require actual rendition of services under reciprocal obligations.
The Tenant's Dilemma: Estoppel in Unlawful Detainer Cases
When a lease expires, a tenant cannot deny the landlord's title. Learn how estoppel and implied lease work in Philippine ejectment cases.
Tenant Estoppel and Tacita Reconduccion in Unlawful Detainer: Samelo v. Manotok Services
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on tenant estoppel, implied lease renewal, and interest in unlawful detainer cases.
Determining the Reckoning Point for Unlawful Detainer Actions: The Significance of the Final Demand to Vacate
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that the one-year period for unlawful detainer is counted from the last demand to vacate, not lease expiration.
When an Employee's Unauthorized Acts Justify Dismissal: Meralco v. Dejan
The Supreme Court clarifies when an employee's unauthorized release of company property constitutes serious misconduct and loss of trust, justifying termination.
When a Lease Isn't a Lease: Clarifying Rights in Market Stall Agreements
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies the distinction between leasehold rights and ownership of improvements in market stall transactions under Philippine law.
Shared Negligence: Banks and Depositors Must Bear Losses Equally When Both Are at Fault
When a bank releases check proceeds before clearing and a depositor withdraws them hastily, both may share the loss equally under Philippine law.
Lease Assignment Without Lessor Consent: Supreme Court Upholds Rescission
Philippine Supreme Court rules on lease assignment without lessor consent, applying Article 1649 and Article 1191 of the Civil Code.
Bail Before Formal Charges: The Limits of Judicial Discretion
A judge's verbal grant of bail without written application, deposit, or release order constitutes a violation of Rule 114.
Expiration of Lease Agreements: Understanding Ejectment Rights in the Philippines
When a month-to-month lease expires, can a lessor eject the tenant? The Supreme Court explains the rules on ejectment and lease expiration.
Contractual Obligations and Attorneys Fees: Liability in Lease Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies when attorneys fees are recoverable in lease disputes and how courts determine contractual liability.
Expiration OF Lease Agreements Upholding Ejectment Rights Despite Extended Occupancy
Lease Rescission Rights and Structural Defects: Key Lessons from a Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a lessee may rescind a lease for structural defects and when damages may be awarded.
Lease Obligations and Unforeseen Business Permit Issues: What Tenants Should Know
A look at how Philippine courts handle lease disputes when business permits and unforeseen circumstances disrupt a tenant's operations and obligations.
Distinguishing Financial Leases From Loans Secured by Chattel Mortgage in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a sale-and-leaseback arrangement is actually a loan secured by chattel mortgage, not a true financial lease.
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.
Corporate Officers and Labor Jurisdiction: Lessons from Locsin v. Nissan Lease
The Supreme Court clarifies that corporate officers cannot claim illegal dismissal before labor tribunals; their removal is an intra-corporate dispute.
Surety Bonds Solidary Liability Despite Contract Rescission
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on surety bonds: rescission of the principal contract does not automatically release the surety from liability.
Bank Not Liable for Employee's Promise to Seller: Relativity of Contracts in Loan Proceeds Release
Supreme Court rules bank not subsidiarily liable for employee's alleged promise to pay seller directly from loan proceeds, citing relativity of contracts.
Bank Not Subsidiarily Liable for Loan Proceeds Released to Borrower
Supreme Court rules banks are not automatically liable when loan proceeds go to a borrower instead of a third-party seller.
Lease Agreements Defining the Scope of Leased Assets and Obligations Upon Termination
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on lease agreements, defining asset scope and post-termination obligations for lessors and lessees.
Demand to Comply: The Key to Valid Ejectment in Lease Disputes
Learn the rules on ejectment and demand to vacate, plus when courts may stay execution of eviction judgments.