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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Notarial Misconduct: Scope of Authority and Ethical Obligations of Lawyers
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies lawyers' ethical duties in notarial practice and the scope of their authority in Davao Import Distributors v. Atty. Landero.
Assignment of Contractual Rights: Consent Requirements and Third Party Obligations in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when contractual assignment binds the debtor and when assignee consent is required under Civil Code.
When Public Interest Meets Private Contracts: The SM Land v. BCDA Ruling on Development Projects
The Supreme Court ruled that government agencies cannot cancel accepted unsolicited proposals by invoking public interest, upholding contractual obligations.
Assignment of Credit vs. Assumption of Liability: Clarifying a Bank's Role in Property Development
When a bank buys a developer's receivables, does it inherit the developer's obligations to buyers? The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction.
Assignment of Receivables and Bank Liability: The Chin Kong Wong Choi v. UCPB Ruling
When a bank buys receivables from a developer, does it inherit the developer's obligations to buyers? The Supreme Court clarifies.
Estate Liability AND Contractual Obligations THE Impact OF Voluntary Appearance
Enforceability of Incentive Bonuses When Promises Become Obligations
When do employer promises become enforceable obligations? The Supreme Court clarifies jurisdiction over training reimbursement claims and unpaid salary disputes.
Rescission of Contracts in Philippine Law: The Wellex v. U-Land Case
Learn how Philippine courts handle rescission of contracts through the Wellex v. U-Land case, including fraud, breach, and restitution obligations.
Breach of Contract and Trust: Obligations in Film Licensing Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a licensee may reject films and whether licensors owe fees to third-party owners in licensing deals.
Default Demand and Interest: Understanding Promissory Note Obligations in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a debtor is in default, how interest is computed, and what makes stipulated rates unconscionable.
Cashier's Checks and Contractual Disputes: Bank Obligations and Purchaser Rights in Philippine Law
When can a purchaser stop payment on a manager's or cashier's check? The Supreme Court explains in Chiok v. Metrobank.
Lawyer Suspended for Dishonesty and Failure to Pay Debt: A Lesson in Ethical Conduct
The Supreme Court affirms a lawyer's suspension for issuing worthless checks and failing to pay a debt, underscoring lawyers' ethical duty to honor financial obligations.
Contractor Liability for Substandard Electrical Installations: Mackay v. Caswells
When can a contractor be held liable for defective work? The Supreme Court clarifies contractor obligations under Article 1715 of the Civil Code.
Housing Loan Foreclosure: Employee Rights and Lender Obligations Under Philippine Law
When can a bank foreclose on an employee housing loan? The Supreme Court explains the limits of RA 6552 and lender rights.
Mergers and Documentary Stamp Tax: Clarifying Tax Obligations in Corporate Restructuring
The Supreme Court clarifies when documentary stamp tax applies to property transfers in corporate mergers under the National Internal Revenue Code.
Upholding Ethical Standards Lawyer Suspended FOR Dishonoring Financial Obligations AND Disrespecting Legal Processes
Closure Due to Losses: Employee Rights and Employer Obligations in the Philippines
Understand the rules on business closure due to losses in the Philippines—what employees are entitled to and what employers must do.
Closure Due to Losses: Employer's Duty and Employee Rights in Termination Cases
Understand the rules on closure due to business losses, including employer obligations and employee rights in termination cases.
Minimum Wage vs Facilities: Employer Obligations for Fair Compensation and Workplace Standards
The Supreme Court clarifies when employers may count board and lodging as wages, protecting workers from minimum wage circumvention.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When Can a Company Be Held Liable for Another's Debts?
Philippine Supreme Court explains when courts may disregard corporate personality and hold one company liable for another's obligations.
Novation vs Alternative Obligations: Clearing the Confusion in Contract Law
When does a new agreement extinguish an old debt? The Supreme Court clarifies novation versus alternative obligations in this contract law case.
Casino Franchise Agreements: PAGCOR Obligations and Investment Protection
Supreme Court guidance on casino franchise agreements, PAGCOR's licensing powers, and the limits of court intervention in administrative disputes.
Legal Compensation in Philippine Law: When Can Debts Be Offset?
Philippine law on legal compensation explained through a Supreme Court case on contingent obligations and when debts can be offset.
Breach of Fiduciary Duty Banks Must Uphold Transparency in Trust Accounts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on Land Bank v. Oñate clarifies banks' fiduciary duties, transparency obligations, and liability for undocumented trust account withdrawals.