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.
Sandiganbayan Jurisdiction Over Ill-Gotten Wealth and Lease Contract Validity
Supreme Court rules Sandiganbayan has jurisdiction over lease contract nullity involving alleged ill-gotten wealth, affirming state ownership of Paoay properties.
Oral Agreements vs Written Contracts: When Verbal Lease Changes Hold Up in Court
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when verbal agreements can modify written lease contracts, and when they cannot, in Modomo v. Layug.
Economic Hardship Is Not a Valid Excuse to Breach a Lease Contract: Iloilo JAR Corp. v. Comglasco
A lessee cannot invoke economic crisis or financial difficulty to escape a lease contract. The Supreme Court clarifies Article 1267 limits.
Extrajudicial Rescission of Lease Contracts: What Lessors Should Know
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that lessors may extrajudicially rescind lease contracts for nonpayment of rent, even without an express contractual provision.
Extrajudicial Rescission of Lease Contracts: What Philippine Law Allows
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a lessor may extrajudicially rescind a lease contract without court approval, and the risks involved.
Right to Top in Government Asset Sales: The Osmeña v. PSALM Ruling
Supreme Court clarifies when "right to top" provisions in government lease contracts violate public policy on competitive bidding.
Amending Lease Contracts: Upholding Written Agreements and Preventing Unjust Enrichment
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on lease amendments, judicial admissions, and why unjust enrichment claims fail when a lessee violates the contract.
Expiration of Lease Contracts Resolving Possession Disputes
When a lease expires, so does the lessee's right to possession. The Supreme Court clarifies the rule in Pasig Printing v. Rockland.
Right of First Refusal in Lease Agreements: What Lessees Should Know
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that right of first refusal in lease contracts survives expiration and binds the lessor to offer the property first.
When Lawyers Draft Illegal Lease Contracts: The Hontanosas Case on Foreign Land Leases
A lawyer who drafts and notarizes lease contracts exceeding legal limits for aliens faces suspension, as the Supreme Court ruled in Kupers v. Hontanosas.
Attorney Suspended for Drafting Illegal Lease Agreements: Ethics in Legal Practice
A lawyer's six-month suspension for drafting lease contracts exceeding legal limits for aliens—a lesson in professional responsibility.
Ejectment Actions Lease Contract Prerequisite For Unlawful Detainer
Learn the lease contract requirement for unlawful detainer suits and why proving the lessor-lessee relationship is crucial in Philippine ejectment cases.
Unlawful Detainer: Proving a Lease Contract and the Limits of Ownership Claims
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies what a plaintiff must prove in unlawful detainer cases, including the lease contract and better right to possession.
Parol Evidence Rule and Oral Agreements in Lease Contracts: Key Lessons from Amoncio v. Benedicto
When can oral agreements modify a written lease? The Supreme Court explains the parol evidence rule and its exceptions.
Lease Agreements: VAT Liability and Inflation Adjustments Clarified
Supreme Court clarifies when lessors may pass on VAT and adjust rent for inflation under lease contracts.
Security Deposit Forfeiture and Lease Improvements: The Florentino v. Supervalue Ruling
The Supreme Court limits security deposit forfeiture in lease contracts and clarifies when lessees may claim reimbursement for improvements.
Equitable Reduction of Penalties in Lease Agreements: Balancing Contractual Freedom and Fairness
Supreme Court rules that courts may reduce unconscionable penalties in lease contracts, ordering return of 50% of forfeited security deposits.
Subleasing Prohibitions: Joint Venture vs Lease Agreement Distinctions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a sublease violates a lease contract's prohibition, and why labeling an agreement a "joint venture" may not save it.
Contract Termination and Forum Shopping: Lease Rights and Obligations Explained
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on lease contract termination, subleasing without consent, and forum shopping in Riesenbeck v. Maceren.
Termination vs Rescission: Lease Contract Disputes and Penalties in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the legal difference between terminating and rescinding a lease contract, and when penalties apply.
Lessor's Duty to Maintain Peaceful Enjoyment in Lease Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a lessee may suspend rent and what "peaceful enjoyment" means in lease contracts.
Co-Ownership and Good Faith: Property Rights Lessons from Tala Realty vs. Banco Filipino
A Supreme Court ruling on lease contracts, good faith, and the limits of property rights under Philippine law.
Rent Obligations Remain Lease Contracts Survive Land Ownership Changes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether a change in land ownership cancels a lease contract and excuses unpaid rent.
Right of First Refusal Enforceability Hinges on Conduct, Not Just Contractual Terms
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on lease contracts, forgery, and ejectment—how conduct and evidence determine enforceability of rights.