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.
Deed of Assignment Validity and Loan vs. Sale: Key Contract Lessons from the Supreme Court
The Supreme Court clarifies when a Deed of Assignment establishes ownership, and how courts distinguish a loan from a sale.
Packaging Errors and Liability: Who Pays When Contract Manufacturing Goes Wrong
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on who bears liability for defective packaging in contract manufacturing agreements, explained in plain language.
Work-Related Illness and Seafarers' Death: Proving Causal Connection for Death Benefits
Death benefits may be due even if a seafarer dies after contract expiry, as long as a work-related illness caused or contributed to the death.
Cargo Hijacking and Liability: Breach of Contract and Subrogation Rules
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on who bears liability when a subcontracted truck carrying insured cargo is hijacked.
Contractual Intent Signatures Fine Print AND Dispute Resolution IN Commercial Agreements
Court rules on venue and arbitration clauses in commercial contracts, emphasizing the importance of clear contractual intent and valid signatures.
Bidding Rights No Cause of Action for Disappointed Bidders Under Philippine Law
A contractor overpaid by the government must refund the excess, even if the contract was void for lack of appropriation.
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.
Lingnam Restaurant Case: Labor-Only Contracting Makes Principal the Employer
Supreme Court clarifies when a manpower agency is a labor-only contractor, making the client the true employer liable for illegal dismissal.
Seafarer Death Benefits Proving Work Relatedness After Contract Termination
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when seafarers' heirs can claim death benefits for illnesses manifesting after contract expiry.
Breach of Contract When Personal Notice in Foreclosure Is a Must
When a mortgage contract requires personal notice of foreclosure, the bank must comply—or the sale is void.
Probationary Employment Standards and Contractual Obligations in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies probationary employment rules, contract of adhesion principles, and the need for employee signatures in Philippine labor law.
Contractual Integrity vs. Eminent Domain: The Limits of Interest Claims in Negotiated Land Sales
When the government buys land through a negotiated sale, the deed governs—interest claims not in the contract are barred.
Contract to Sell vs. Sale: When Cancellation Is Valid Without Maceda Law
Supreme Court clarifies contract to sell rules, default judgments, and when Maceda Law does not apply to commercial property buyers.
Contractor's Solidary Liability and Full Payment Defense in Subcontracting Agreements
When can a contractor be held liable for a subcontractor's unpaid debts? The Supreme Court explains solidary liability and the full payment defense.
Oral Contracts for Property: Six-Year Prescription Bars Stale Claims for Specific Performance
Oral agreements to transfer property must be enforced within six years. Learn how prescription works and why timely action matters.
When an Appropriation Ordinance Is Enough: Mayor's Consultancy Contracts Upheld
Supreme Court clarifies when a line-item in an appropriation ordinance suffices as prior authorization for a mayor's contracts.
Due Process in Administrative Cases: The Right to a Fair Hearing and Protection Against Gross Neglect of Duty
A mayor's dismissal for grave misconduct was reversed by the Supreme Court, which clarified the rule on prior authorization for local contracts.
Graft and Conspiracy: Public Officials' Liability in Disadvantageous Contracts
Explains when public officers and private persons may be held liable for graft under Section 3(g) of RA 3019 for disadvantageous government contracts.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: Determining Employer Status in Labor Disputes
Learn when courts pierce the corporate veil in labor cases and how legitimate job contracting differs from prohibited labor-only contracting.
Oral Sales Agreements Transfer Property and the Limits of Rescission
When does an oral deal to sell land transfer ownership? The Supreme Court clarifies the line between a sale and a contract to sell, and when rescission is allowed.
Upholding Contractual Freedom: Injunctive Relief and the Limits of Exclusivity in Lottery Operations
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when injunctive relief fails absent a clear legal right, using the PCSO-PGMC lottery lease dispute.
Breach of Procurement Rules: Gross Neglect of Duty, Not Grave Misconduct, in Government Contracts
The Court clarifies when a public officer's carelessness over lost documents amounts to simple neglect, not grave misconduct.
When Government Contracts Meet Congressional Oversight: The Limits of Compromise Agreements
The Supreme Court clarifies that compromise agreements involving government claims above P100,000 require congressional approval, not just COA or agency action.