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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
Liquidated Damages in Lease Agreements: Enforceability and Practical Implications
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when liquidated damages in lease contracts are enforceable and how courts treat penalty clauses.
Estafa vs Breach of Contract: When a Civil Wrong Becomes a Crime
The Supreme Court clarifies when failure to return leased property crosses from civil breach to criminal estafa, requiring criminal intent.
Labor-Only Contracting: When a Supplier of Workers Is Just an Agent of the Employer
Understand labor-only contracting in the Philippines and when a manpower supplier is deemed a mere agent, making the principal employer liable.
Breach of Contract of Carriage: A Passenger's Right to Damages
When a shipping line sends out an unseaworthy vessel, it breaches its contract of carriage and may be liable for moral and exemplary damages.
Understanding Arbitration Clauses in Philippine Construction Contracts
The Supreme Court clarifies that broad arbitration clauses in construction contracts cover all disputes arising from the contract, including claims for fees on work subcontracted by the owner.
Independent Contractor vs Employee: The Right of Control Test in Philippine Labor Law
Understand the right of control test that distinguishes an independent contractor from an employee under Philippine labor law, as explained in Sandigan Savings v. NLRC.
Public Bidding in Government Contracts: The NFA Security Services Case
The Supreme Court nullified NFA's negotiated security contracts, reaffirming that public bidding is the rule in government procurement, not the exception.
Arrastre Operator Liability: Understanding the Limits of Responsibility for Lost Cargo
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when an arrastre operator is liable for lost cargo and how management contracts limit that liability.
Simulated Contracts and Deeds of Sale: What Philippine Law Requires for Valid Transfer of Title
Philippine law on deeds of sale explained: why registration matters, what makes a sale valid, and the risks of simulated contracts.
Labor-Only Contracting: When the Principal Is the Real Employer in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains labor-only contracting, employer liability, and separation pay rules in Magnolia Dairy v. NLRC.
Labor-Only Contracting: When a Manpower Agency Hides the Real Employer
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on labor-only contracting, employer-employee relationships, and separation pay for authorized dismissals.
Breach of Contract vs Warranty: Prescription in Construction Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a construction defect claim is breach of contract (10-year prescription) versus hidden warranty (shorter periods).
Retroactive Application of Subdivision Laws Protecting Home Buyers in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains why P.D. 957 protects home buyers even for contracts signed before 1976.
Retroactivity of Subdivision Buyer Protection Laws: PNB v. Office of the President
When do protective laws apply to old contracts? The Supreme Court clarifies P.D. 957's retroactive application to protect lot buyers from developer defaults.