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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Understanding Novation, Statute of Frauds, and Conjugal Property Sales in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling explains when oral land sales are valid, how novation works, and why a wife's consent matters.
When Silence Isn't Golden: Novation and Debtor Substitution in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when a creditor's silence or acceptance of payments amounts to novation and debtor substitution.
Novation in Construction Contracts: When Revisions Create a New Agreement
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when revised construction plans and new contracts extinguish prior agreements through novation.
Solidary Liability and Interest Rates in Philippine Partnerships: Key Lessons from a Supreme Court Ruling
A look at a Supreme Court ruling on solidary liability, novation, and unconscionable interest rates in business loans and partnerships.
Novation Requires Unequivocal Terms: Asian Construction vs Mero Structures
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when letters between parties create novation, and when an obligation remains unchanged.
Property Transactions and Novation: Lessons from East West Banking v. Cruz
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a bank—or any party—can sue, and why choosing the wrong appeal can end a case.
Novation in Philippine Estafa Cases: When Settlements Prevent Criminal Liability
Learn when amicable settlements can extinguish criminal liability for estafa under Philippine law, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Sorongon v. People.
Extinctive Novation: When a New Loan Cancels an Old Debt and Invalidates Foreclosure
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains how extinctive novation cancels old debts and why foreclosing on extinguished obligations is premature and void.
Loan Foreclosure and Corporate Rehabilitation: Key Insights From a Landmark Philippine Case
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies how foreclosure proceedings interact with corporate rehabilitation, novation, and redemption rights in the Philippines.
Loan Restructuring and Surety Obligations: Understanding Novation and Continuing Guarantees
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when loan restructuring extinguishes a surety's obligation and the binding effect of continuing guarantees.
Angkas and the Regulation of Ride-Hailing Services: Balancing Innovation and Public Safety
The Supreme Court ruled that motorcycle ride-hailing services like Angkas are subject to LTFRB regulation, affirming the State's police power over public transportation.
Unlicensed Contractors and Unfulfilled Promises: Recouping Losses From Defective Renovations
Learn how Philippine law treats defective renovation work by unlicensed contractors and the remedies available to homeowners seeking compensation.
Novation Requires Clear Release of Original Debtor: Lessons from Ever Electrical v. PBCOM
When does a new debtor's assumption of a loan release the original borrower? The Supreme Court explains novation rules.
Clarifying Debt Liability When Personal Obligations Meet Family Debts
Supreme Court clarifies when assuming a parent's debt creates novation and when interest is due under Philippine law.
Balancing Innovation AND Ecology Philippine Court Halts GMO Field Trials
Novation Requires Clear Creditor Consent Protecting Banks IN Debt Assumption Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on debt assumption, assignment of credit, and the need for creditor consent under Civil Code.
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.
Estafa and Agency Criminal Liability Cannot Be Extinguished by Contractual Novation
Supreme Court rules novation cannot extinguish criminal liability for estafa; only the State may waive criminal action.
Novation, Verification, and Real Party in Interest: Lessons from S.C. Megaworld v. Parada
Explaining when accepting third-party payments does not release the original debtor, and why procedural objections must be raised early.
Novation Requires Clear Intent: Upholding Lease Agreements in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that novation of a lease into a deposit requires clear intent, not mere inference from circumstances.
Novation Nullified: Why Payment Agreements Don't Automatically Erase Original Loan Obligations
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a new payment agreement novates an old loan—and when it doesn't, in Heirs of Franco v. Gonzales.
Understanding Novation in Philippine Contract Law: When Can Agreements Be Modified
Learn when a new contract can replace an old one under Philippine law, based on a 2011 Supreme Court ruling on novation.
Novation in Philippine Law: Understanding the Requirements for Extinguishing Obligations
Learn how novation extinguishes obligations under Philippine law, its requirements, and how the Supreme Court applies these rules in corporate rehabilitation cases.
Novation Requires Clear Agreement: Loan Restructuring and Foreclosure Rights
Supreme Court clarifies that accepting partial payments does not automatically novate a loan, and banks may still foreclose on defaulted mortgages.