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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Unilateral Rescission Limits in Philippine Contract Law: PNCC v. Mars Construction
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on unilateral rescission, contract interpretation, and damages in PNCC v. Mars Construction (G.R. No. 133909).
Upholding Authenticity: Validating Contracts of Sale Despite Registration Lapses
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that notarized deeds of sale remain valid and binding even if not registered with the Register of Deeds.
Breach of Contract When a Bank Fails to Deliver Property Ownership
A 26-year property dispute shows how laches, notarized deeds, and documentary custody determine ownership rights in Philippine land cases.
Contractors Lien vs Preliminary Attachment: Rights in Construction Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a contractor's lien applies and how preliminary attachment works in construction payment disputes.
Contractor's Lien vs. Insolvency: Enforcement Rights in Construction Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when a contractor's lien under Article 2242 of the Civil Code can be enforced, and the proper remedy for wrongful attachment.
Wage Order Obligations: Contractor and Principal Liability in Security Service Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when security agencies can recover wage order increases from principals under solidary liability rules.
Life Insurance Contracts: When Does an Application Become a Binding Agreement
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a life insurance application becomes a binding contract, using Perez v. BF Lifeman as guide.
Public Bidding Prevails Miaas Duty TO Ensure Fair Contracts FOR Security Services
When "May" Means Optional: Advance Payments in Property Sales
Supreme Court ruling on whether a buyer's advance payment obligation in a property sale is mandatory or discretionary, and its effect on contract rescission.
Navigating Legal Interest From Breach of Contract to Final Judgment Satisfaction
Understand how Philippine courts compute legal interest on money judgments, from breach of contract until full payment, based on Eastern Assurance v. Court of Appeals.
Control Is Key: When a Bank Becomes the Real Employer of an Outsourced Janitor
The Supreme Court rules that control over work, not contracts, determines employer-employee relationships in outsourcing arrangements.
Reformation of Contracts in the Philippines: Navigating Unforeseen Events and Economic Shifts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on contract reformation, fortuitous events, and extraordinary inflation in lease agreements. Learn key legal principles.
When Arbitration Clauses Do Not Bind Third-Party Buyers in Land Sales
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when arbitration clauses in contracts bind only parties, not third-party land buyers.
Privity of Contract in the Philippines: Why Third Parties Are Not Bound by Your Agreement
Learn how privity of contract protects banks and third parties from obligations they never agreed to, explained through the Villalon case.
Decoding Deeds Philippine Supreme Court Clarifies Contract Interpretation IN Property Sales
How the Supreme Court applied the parol evidence rule and literal interpretation in a disputed property sale with mortgage assumption.
Breach of Contract in the Philippines: Rescission and the Risks of Buying Property with a Notice of Lis Penden
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on rescission, reciprocal obligations, and why a notice of lis pendens binds any buyer of disputed property.
Equitable Mortgage vs. Pacto de Retro Sale: When a "Sale" Is Really a Loan
Philippine courts look beyond contract labels. Learn how Articles 1602 and 1603 protect borrowers from disguised loans and unfair foreclosure.
Enforcing Foreign Judgments in the Philippines: Lessons from Oil and Natural Gas Commission v. Pacific Cement
A Philippine Supreme Court case clarifies when foreign judgments are enforceable and how courts interpret arbitration clauses in commercial contracts.
Tortious Interference in the Philippines: Upholding Contractual Rights in Business Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies tortious interference with contract elements, malice requirement, and attorney's fees in business lease disputes.
Condition Precedent in Philippine Contracts: Ensuring Clear Title Before Purchase
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a buyer's obligation to purchase depends on the seller's prior compliance with a condition precedent.
Receipts as Proof of Sale: Understanding Contract Perfection in Philippine Real Estate Law
When does a real estate sale become binding? The Supreme Court explains receipt requirements, fraud, and contract perfection in this Philippine case.
Understanding Real Party in Interest in Philippine Contract Law: Agents' Rights and Limitations
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when agents may sue on contracts made for principals, and the limits of their rights under Civil Code.
Earnest Money Perfected Contracts Understanding Philippine Property Sale Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on earnest money, contract perfection, and rescission in property sales explained in plain language.
Valid Mortgage Even Before Title Transfer Philippine Property LAW Explained
Philippine Supreme Court explains why a mortgage can be valid even if the title transfers after the mortgage contract is signed.