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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Attorney's Fees in Property Disputes: Lessons from the Supreme Court's Aquino v. Domingo Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies how lawyers may recover contingent fees in agrarian property cases when no written contract exists.
When Lawyer Silence Becomes Negligence: The Duty to Communicate with Clients
The Supreme Court clarifies that a lawyer-client relationship can exist without a written contract, and silence can amount to professional negligence.
Understanding Prescription Periods in Property Disputes: Lessons from a Landmark Philippine Case
Learn how prescription periods work in property disputes through the Supreme Court's ruling in Selerio v. Bancasan on interrupted timeframes and written contracts.
Quantum Meruit and Government Contracts: Reclaiming Payment for Completed Projects
The Supreme Court allows payment for completed government projects even without a written contract, applying quantum meruit to prevent unjust enrichment.
Verbal Agreements vs Written Contracts: When a Lease or Workplace Transfer Can Be Modified
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when verbal notices and transfer orders are invalid, protecting employee security of tenure.
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.
Quantum Meruit and Government Contracts: Fair Compensation for Completed Projects
When can a contractor recover payment from the government without a written contract? The Supreme Court explains quantum meruit.
Quantum Meruit Claims Against the Government: Payment for Services Without a Written Contract
The Supreme Court clarifies when contractors can recover payment from the government on quantum meruit even without a written contract.
Reformation of Instruments When a Written Contract Fails to Reflect True Intentions
Philippine Supreme Court explains when courts may reform a written contract to reflect the parties' true intentions, citing Article 1359.
Supreme Court: A Signed Check Creates a Presumption of Debt Even Without Written Contract
The Supreme Court rules that a signed, dishonored check is enough to prove an obligation, even without a written contract or delivery receipts.
Establishing Attorney Client Relationship Actions Imply Consent Beyond Written Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that lawyer-client relationships can be implied from actions, not just written contracts, in administrative case.
Parol Evidence Rule and Commitment Fees: Norton Resources v. All Asia Bank
When a written contract is clear, courts will not look beyond its four corners. The parol evidence rule explained.
Parol Evidence Rule in Philippine Contracts: When Verbal Agreements Cannot Alter Written Terms
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when the parol evidence rule applies and why subsequent verbal agreements to modify written contracts require credible proof.
Land as Attorney’s Fees: Enforcing Written Contracts for Legal Services in the Philippines
Philippine courts uphold written attorney’s fee contracts, even those paid in land, provided the essential elements of a valid contract are present.
Loan Foreclosure in the Philippines: Why Written Contracts Matter
A Supreme Court ruling shows why written loan terms govern foreclosure. Learn key lessons from Baluyut v. Poblete.
Interest on Loans and the Necessity of Written Agreements for Enforceability
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on double sales, good faith, and why written contracts matter for property and loan enforceability.
Implied Tenancy in Philippine Agrarian Law: Security of Tenure Beyond Written Contracts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on implied tenancy, forged contracts, and security of tenure for agricultural tenants under RA 1199.
Quantum Meruit Recovery for Services Without a Formal Contract
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on recovering payment for services rendered without a written contract, explained in plain language.
Parol Evidence Rule Bars Verbal Conditions on Written Contracts: Allied Banking v. Cheng Yong
Supreme Court clarifies that clear written contracts cannot be varied by verbal stipulations, applying the parol evidence rule to loan and mortgage agreements.
When a Sale Is Not an Equitable Mortgage: Lessons from Molina v. Flores
The Supreme Court explains when a deed of sale is a true sale and not an equitable mortgage, and why courts respect written contracts.
Prescription in Contract Disputes: The 10-Year Rule Under Philippine Law
Learn how the 10-year prescription period for written contracts works in the Philippines, and why delay can bar a valid claim.
Documentary Evidence vs Verbal Agreements: Why Written Contracts Prevail in Philippine Courts
When a verbal claim of discount conflicts with written invoices, Philippine courts rely on documentary evidence. Learn from a Supreme Court ruling.
Parol Evidence Rule: When Prior Agreements Can Modify a Contract
Philippine Supreme Court explains when prior negotiations can alter a written contract under the parol evidence rule.
Statute of Limitations in Philippine Contract Law: The 10-Year Rule for Written Contracts
Learn the 10-year prescriptive period for written contracts in the Philippines, when it starts, and how the Supreme Court applied it in a stock pledge dispute.