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.
Settlement Trumps Appeal: The Binding Force of Compromise Agreements in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on compromise agreements, their binding effect, and limits on appeal rights.
Compromise Agreements Upholding Obligations AND Equitable Relief IN Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on sale-leaseback arrangements, equitable mortgages, and deed of assignment effects on debtor obligations.
Amicable Settlement vs Original Obligation: When Does a Compromise Change the Deal
A compromise that is not perfected does not automatically novate the original debt. Learn when an amicable settlement modifies or extinguishes an obligation.
Pre-Trial Conferences and Dismissal of Cases: The Imperative of Preventing Unwarranted Delays
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that courts cannot dismiss cases merely for failure to submit a compromise agreement, and pre-trial conferences must proceed.
Binding Agreements Upholding Compromise Judgments Despite Claims of Fraud and Duress
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when compromise judgments remain binding despite allegations of fraud, duress, and lawyer misconduct.
When a Lease Expires: Philippine High Court Rules on Unlawful Detainer After Compromise Agreement
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a separate unlawful detainer case may proceed after a compromise agreement and lease expiration.
Lawyers Who Withhold Client Funds Face Suspension: Lessons from Manalang v. Angeles
A lawyer's unauthorized compromise and withholding of client funds led to suspension. Learn the ethical rules on attorney accountability.
Finality of Compromise Agreements: Binding Share Valuation in Corporate Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on compromise agreements, finality of appraisals, and binding share valuation in corporate disputes.
Compromise Agreements and Court Approval in Property Disputes: The PPA v. Maranan Case
The Supreme Court approves a compromise agreement in Philippine Ports Authority v. Maranan, showing how amicable settlements can end property disputes.
When a Judge's Settlement Agreement Compromises Judicial Integrity
A judge who settles an administrative complaint for money compromises judicial integrity. The Supreme Court explains why in Punzalan v. Plata.
When Judges Err on Compromise Agreements: A Lesson in Judicial Duty
A judge's dismissal of an already-decided case shows why ignorance of the law is no defense for members of the bench.
Judges Must Honor Compromise Agreements: Lessons from the Mijares Administrative Case
A judge who dismissed a case already settled by a compromise agreement was fined for gross ignorance of the law. Learn the key lessons.
Supreme Court Enforces Deadlines in Certiorari Petitions and Compromise Judgments
Learn how the Supreme Court enforced strict deadlines in compromise agreements and clarified rules on certiorari petitions and execution of judgments.
Upholding Contractual Obligations: The Imperative of Timely Performance in Compromise Agreements
A Supreme Court ruling on continuing suretyship, assignment of credit, and trust receipts—clarifying that debtors cannot escape liability through technical defenses.
Upholding Contractual Obligations THE Enforceability OF Compromise Agreements IN Real Estate Disputes
Compromise Agreements Upholding Party Autonomy IN Contract Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that rescission of a contract for sale of real property requires judicial or notarial act, not mere letter.
The Essence of Consent When a Contract Addendum Fails as a Valid Compromise Agreement
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains why a contract addendum rejected by one party cannot later be ratified as a compromise agreement once the other party has revoked it.
Compromise Agreements Enforceability and Third Party Rights in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on spousal consortium, habeas corpus, and the limits of court-ordered cohabitation under the Family Code.
Upholding Compromise Agreements Good Faith AND Timely Execution IN Property Disputes
When Can an Attorney-in-Fact Bind a Principal to a Compromise Agreement
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains how far an attorney-in-fact's authority reaches and why a compromise agreement signed by an agent can bind the principal.
The Perils of Compromise When Legal Counsel Exceeds Authority in Criminal Cases
Learn how defective pretrial notice can void default judgments and why counsel's authority to compromise has strict limits.
Compromise Agreements: The Binding Force of Reduced Debt vs Contractual Conditions
A Supreme Court ruling explains when a compromise agreement binds a creditor, the limits of fraud claims, and the legal nature of stale manager's checks.
Family Compromise Rule Does Not Apply to Estate Settlement Proceedings
Supreme Court clarifies that Article 222's family compromise requirement applies only to ordinary civil actions, not special proceedings like estate settlement.
Navigating Sequestration: Why Courts Scrutinize Compromises Involving Public Assets
The Supreme Court explains why sequestered assets like SMC shares require Sandiganbayan approval before any compromise takes effect.