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.
Rescission of Real Estate Sales: Understanding Breach of Contract and Third Party Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on who may sue for rescission of real estate contracts, real party in interest rule, and implied trusts under Article 1448.
SSS Death Benefits for Legal Spouses: Separation Agreements and Beneficiary Rights
A look at how Philippine law treats legal spouses as SSS primary beneficiaries despite separation agreements, and the procedural lessons from a 2006 Supreme Court ruling.
Contract to Sell Cancellation: Maceda Law Rules and Novation Explained
Learn the Maceda Law rules on cancelling a contract to sell, when a new contract can replace the old one, and key takeaways from Fabrigas v. San Francisco Del Monte.
Oral Loan Agreements in the Philippines: When a Verbal Promise Is Legally Binding
Oral loan agreements can be enforceable in the Philippines. Learn the rules, evidence needed, and key Supreme Court ruling on verbal contracts.
Tenancy Rights: How to Prove Agricultural Tenancy in Philippine Agrarian Law
The Supreme Court clarifies that a tenancy relationship cannot be presumed—all six elements must be proven by evidence.
Unearthing Liability When Treasure Hunts Lead to Tort Claims
A treasure hunt that damaged a chapel led to solidary liability for joint tortfeasors under Philippine law. Learn the rules.
Partnership Disputes: Absence of Formalities Does Not Negate Partnership Existence
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a partnership may exist without formal documents, based on the parties' intent and conduct.
Contractual Obligations Mutuality AND Modification IN Commission Disputes
Learn how the Supreme Court applied the mutuality of contracts principle in a commission dispute, protecting a manager's right to earned franchise fees.
When a Recommender Is Not Liable: Civil Liability After an Acquittal in Estafa
Explaining when a person who recommends an investment can be held civilly liable after an acquittal in an estafa case.
Parental Love vs Property Rights: When Family Land Disputes Reach Court
A Supreme Court ruling on ejectment between parents and children, and when a builder in good faith may claim indemnity for improvements under Article 448.
Breach of Contract and Preliminary Attachment: D.M. Wenceslao v. Readycon
Supreme Court clarifies when a wrongful attachment claim succeeds and when a contract balance becomes due, in a construction supply dispute.
Independent Contractor vs Employee: Defining the Lines in Media Talent Engagements
The Supreme Court clarifies when a TV or radio host is an independent contractor, not an employee, using the control test.
Contractual Obligations Upholding Clear Terms In Waiver Agreements
The Supreme Court enforces the plain terms of a waiver agreement, ruling that clear contractual stipulations prevail over claims of unexpressed intent.
Duress or Deception: When Fear Fails as a Defense in Kidnapping for Ransom
The Supreme Court explains when uncontrollable fear is not a valid defense in kidnapping for ransom cases.
Consignation and the Debtor's Right to Withdraw: Pabugais v. Sahijwani
When can a debtor deposit payment in court, and when can they withdraw it? The Supreme Court explains consignation rules.
Cracking Down on Illegal Recruitment: The State's Power to Protect Workers
The Supreme Court affirms that illegal recruitment in large scale is a crime against the state, explaining its elements and penalties.
Conjugal Property Rights Clarifying Ownership AND Sale Validity IN Philippine LAW
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies conjugal property shares, sale validity, and co-ownership rights in a landmark Quezon City land dispute.
When Self-Defense Fails: Treachery and Conspiracy in Philippine Murder Cases
A Supreme Court ruling explains when self-defense fails, how conspiracy is proven, and why treachery qualifies murder under Philippine law.
Pre-Trial Stipulations Enforceability and Binding Effect on Parties
How stipulations made during pre-trial bind parties and the court, with rules on enforceability under Philippine procedure.
Liability Beyond Corporate Veil: Solidary Obligations in Loan Agreements
When officers sign loan documents personally, they become solidarily liable with the corporation. Learn the rules from this Philippine Supreme Court case.
Regular Employment vs Fixed-Term Contracts: Protecting Employee Rights in Termination Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a fixed-term contract cannot defeat regular employment status and security of tenure protections.
Written Agreements Prevail: Recovery of Additional Construction Costs Requires Prior Authorization
Contractors cannot recover extra construction costs without written authorization and agreed pricing under Article 1724 of the Civil Code.
Waiver of Publication in Foreclosure Sales: Protecting Public Interest Over Private Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court rules parties cannot waive publication requirements in extrajudicial foreclosure sales under Act No. 3135.
Contractual Obligations Upholding Agreed Upon Interest Rates in Construction Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court affirms 2% monthly interest on unpaid construction balance, enforcing contractual stipulations between owner and contractor.