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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Rescission of Contract to Sell: Your Rights to Refunds and Interest in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on contract to sell rescission clarifies buyer's right to refund of installments and interest payments.
Extrajudicial Rescission of Lease Agreements: A Guide for Philippine Landlords and Tenants
Learn how extrajudicial rescission of lease contracts works in the Philippines, including legal grounds, notice requirements, and practical tips for landlords and tenants.
Contracts Under Martial Law: When Government Regulations Don't Mean Void Ab Initio
Supreme Court clarifies that regulated goods under martial law orders remain valid contract objects, distinguishing prohibition from regulation.
Contract of Sale vs. Contract to Sell: Key Differences in Philippine Real Estate Law
The Supreme Court clarifies the crucial distinction between a contract of sale and a contract to sell, and why it matters in property disputes.
Earnest Money Isn't a Done Deal: Why Payment Terms Perfect a Contract of Sale in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that earnest money alone doesn't perfect a sale when payment terms remain unsettled. Learn the rules.
PEZA Cannot Cancel Lease Contracts Without Due Process: The Saffirou Ruling
The Supreme Court ruled that PEZA's unilateral cancellation of a lease agreement without hearing violates due process and may be enjoined by courts.
Quantum Meruit in Government Contracts: What Contractors Must Know
The Supreme Court clarifies when contractors can recover payment from the government and the limits of the quantum meruit principle.
Understanding Novation in Philippine Contract Law: When Does a New Agreement Cancel the Old
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a new contract cancels an old one, and why novation is never presumed in law.
Stare Decisis in Property Disputes: Tala Realty vs. Banco Filipino
How the Supreme Court applied stare decisis to settle a property dispute between Tala Realty and Banco Filipino over conflicting lease contracts.
When Does an Agreement Become Legally Binding? The BF Homes Case on Perfected Contracts
Learn when a contract becomes legally binding in the Philippines, based on the Supreme Court's BF Homes ruling on homeowners' rights and jurisdiction.
Contract of Sale vs Contract to Sell: Key Differences and Legal Implications
Philippine Supreme Court explains the difference between a contract of sale and a contract to sell, and why the distinction matters in real estate disputes.
Seafarers' Sickness and Disability Benefits: What the Tuazon Case Teaches
The Supreme Court ruled that seafarers can claim sickness and disability benefits even with pre-existing conditions, as long as the illness occurs during the employment contract.
Independent Contractor vs Employee: Key Distinctions in Philippine Labor Law
When is a worker an employee, not an independent contractor? The Supreme Court explains the tests in this Philippine labor case.
Verbal Contracts in the Philippines: Why Written Agreements Win in Court
Verbal contracts are valid in the Philippines but hard to prove. Learn from Romago v. Court of Appeals why written agreements prevail.
Rescission of Contracts: When Can You Back Out of a Deal?
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a party may rescind a contract, the effects of rescission, and what restitution requires.
When a Franchise Expires: Object of Sale and Royalty Fees Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether royalty fees continue when the assigned franchise right expires, interpreting contract intent.
Contractor's Tax Assessments: Prescription Periods and Gross Receipts Rules
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on tax assessment prescription periods, contractor's tax on security agency gross receipts, and protest deadlines under the NIRC.
Heirs Bound by Contractual Duties in Property Leases: DKC Holdings v. Bartolome
When a lessor dies, are heirs bound by the lease contract? The Supreme Court explains transmissible obligations under Article 1311.
When a Project Employee Becomes Regular: The Imbuido Ruling on Continuous Rehiring
The Supreme Court explains when repeated fixed-term contracts convert a project employee into a regular employee entitled to security of tenure.
Rescission Rights Understanding Contractual Obligations in Property Sales
Learn how Philippine courts treat right of first refusal clauses, rescission remedies, and contractual obligations in property sales from a 2000 Supreme Court ruling.
Non-Payment in a Contract to Sell: A Suspensive Condition, Not a Breach
When is non-payment a breach? In a contract to sell, it is a condition precedent—explained in Padilla v. Paredes.
CBA Extension Protecting Workers Rights Beyond Contractual Terms
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on CBA extension beyond stipulated term and benefits for employees hired after expiration.
Extending CBA Benefits Protecting Workers Rights Beyond Contract Expiration
Philippine Supreme Court rules CBA economic provisions continue beyond expiration until a new agreement is reached, protecting worker benefits.