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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When Can a Landlord Claim Unpaid Rent: Lessons from Booklight v. Tiu
Learn when landlords can claim unpaid rent and why tenants must present evidence at pre-trial, based on a Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
Splitting Causes of Action: When a Landowner Can File Separate Suits for Unpaid Rent and Ejectment
The Supreme Court clarifies that a landowner may file a separate collection suit for unpaid rent that accrued before the tenant’s possession became unlawful, without violating the rule against splitti
Unliquidated Claims When Repair Costs Cannot Offset Rental Payments IN Lease Agreements
When can a lessee offset repair costs against unpaid rent? The Supreme Court explains the rule on legal compensation in lease disputes.
Automatic Lease Cancellation: Non-Payment of Rent Triggers Termination
A Supreme Court ruling confirms that a lease clause allowing automatic cancellation for unpaid rent takes effect by itself, leaving the lessee without any right to damages.
Lessor's Lien vs Chattel Mortgage: Rights Over Leased Property After Default
When a lessor takes a tenant's property for unpaid rent and a lender later claims the same items under a chattel mortgage, who wins? The Supreme Court clarifies.
Supreme Court Suspends Lawyer for Willful Failure to Pay Just Debts
The Court ruled a lawyer's deliberate refusal to pay unpaid rent and utility bills constitutes gross misconduct warranting suspension from practice.
Lease Termination: Lessors Can Still Collect Rent After Lessee Default and Abandonment
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on lessor rights when lessee defaults and abandons leased property, clarifying remedies for unpaid rent.
Balancing Property Rights: Reimbursement for Improvements on Leased Land
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on tenant's right to reimbursement for house built on leased land, offset against unpaid rent.
Sublease Rent Claims: Why Lessors Must Sue the Lessee First
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that lessors cannot directly sue sublessees for unpaid rent without first obtaining judgment against the lessee.
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.
Assignment of Lease and Liability for Rental Arrears: A Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
When a lessee assigns a lease, does the assignee inherit unpaid rentals? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on subrogation and debtor substitution.