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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Brokers Entitlement to Commission: The Efficient Procuring Cause in Real Estate Sales
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a real estate broker earns a commission, the efficient procuring cause rule, and written authority contracts.
Extending Option to Purchase in Government Contracts: When Amendments Are Valid
Supreme Court explains when extending an option to purchase in a government contract is a valid amendment, not a new procurement requiring public bidding.
Construction Contracts Provisional Approval AND THE Right TO RE Evaluate Work
Voiding Contracts: The Perils of Selling Future Inheritance and Post-Mortem Deeds in Philippine Property Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a non-party can annul a judgment and the risks of selling inherited property before the estate is settled.
Shared Negligence Apportioning Liability IN Ship Repair Contracts Under Philippine LAW
Supreme Court ruling on shared negligence, limitation of liability clauses, and subrogation in ship repair contracts under Philippine law.
Perfected Contracts and Procedural Rules in Philippine Joint Venture Disputes
A Philippine Supreme Court case clarifies when oral joint venture agreements are perfected and why procedural rules matter in appeals.
When Void Government Contracts Still Get Paid: Quantum Meruit Explained
Philippine Supreme Court explains when contractors can recover payment for void government contracts through quantum meruit, citing DPWH v. Quiwa.
Breach of Seafarer Employment Contracts: POEA Rules and the Risk of Suspension
A Supreme Court ruling on a seafarer's refusal to join a vessel clarifies POEA breach rules and the proper appeal route.
The Power of Compromise: How Philippine Courts Uphold Settlement Agreements
Philippine courts honor settlement agreements as binding contracts. Learn how compromise agreements are enforced and when they can be set aside.
Personal Liability of Public Officials: COA Disallowances and Due Process in Philippine Government Contracts
When can public officials be held personally liable for disallowed government payments? The Supreme Court explains the rules on due process and liability.
Philippine Savings Bank v. Castillo: Mutuality of Contracts and Unilateral Loan Interest Adjustments
Philippine Supreme Court rules that banks cannot unilaterally increase loan interest rates without borrower consent, citing the principle of mutuality of contracts.
Void Government Contracts THE Necessity OF Fund Certification
The Supreme Court rules on void government contracts and the indispensable requirement of fund certification for their validity.
Land Sale Contracts in the Philippines: Ensuring Object Certainty and Navigating Legal Heirs
A Supreme Court ruling on forged land sales, object certainty, and the rights of legal heirs in Philippine property disputes.
Loan Interest Rate Adjustments Understanding Banks Rights AND Borrowers Obligations IN THE Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on implied trusts in mortgage contracts, parol evidence, and borrower protections.
Implied Trust in Mortgage Contracts: When the Named Mortgagee Is Not the Real Lender
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a mortgage contract's named mortgagee may be held as a mere trustee for the true lender under an implied trust.
Forfeiture of Conversion Fees: Understanding Government Contracts and Bidding Rules in the Philippines
When can the government forfeit a bidder's payment? The Supreme Court explains bidding rules, forfeiture clauses, and government contract obligations.
Currency Exchange Rates in Philippine Contracts: Avoiding Disputes and Ensuring Fair Payment
How Philippine courts determine the applicable exchange rate when contracts lack clear currency terms, and lessons from a Supreme Court ruling.
Seafarers Disability When Standard Contracts Limit Compensation For Illnesses
SC rules basketball injury on board is work-related under the Bunkhouse Rule, entitling seafarer to disability benefits.
Construction Defects Contractors Liability and Owners Rights Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on contractor liability for construction defects, waterproofing failures, and owner rights under construction contracts.
Bank Not Liable for Employee's Promise to Seller: Relativity of Contracts in Loan Proceeds Release
Supreme Court rules bank not subsidiarily liable for employee's alleged promise to pay seller directly from loan proceeds, citing relativity of contracts.
When Intent Trumps Words: Resolving Contractual Ambiguity in Land Disputes
Learn how Philippine courts resolve ambiguous land contracts by examining intent over literal words, with key lessons from a Supreme Court ruling.
Void Contracts and Recovery: The Good Faith Exception Under Article 1412
When a contract is void for illegality, can an innocent party recover what was paid? Magoyag v. Maruhom explains the good faith exception.
When Cross Collateral Clauses Clash With Verbal Agreements: Understanding Mortgage Obligations
The Supreme Court clarifies that bank branch managers cannot verbally alter mortgage contracts containing cross-collateral or dragnet clauses.
PAGCOR v. Fontana: Contracts Bind Government Agencies Too
Supreme Court rules PAGCOR must honor its casino MOA with Fontana, affirming that contracts bind government agencies.