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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Exterior vs Interior Contract Interpretation and Obligations in Philippine Law
Supreme Court rules on contract interpretation: plain meaning controls unless ambiguity exists, and obscurity cannot favor the drafting party.
Defining Employer When Family Administration Creates Social Security Obligations
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a family member managing a hacienda becomes an "employer" liable for SSS contributions.
Conditional Sale Buyers' Rights and Sellers' Obligations After Partial Payment
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies buyer and seller rights in contracts to sell, including when a buyer can demand a deed of absolute sale.
Habitual Tardiness in Public Service: Upholding Accountability and Efficiency
The Supreme Court rules on habitual tardiness in the judiciary, clarifying that personal obligations do not excuse chronic lateness.
Surety Bond Enforceability: Non-Payment of Premiums Does Not Nullify Obligations to Labor Claimants
Supreme Court rules surety bonds in labor appeals remain valid despite unpaid premiums, protecting workers' monetary awards.
Surety vs Guarantor: Indemnity Agreement Obligations Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a surety becomes liable under an indemnity agreement, and the difference between sureties and guarantors.
Rehabilitation Proceedings and Contractual Obligations: Balancing Creditor Rights and Corporate Recovery
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on suspension of collection suits during corporate rehabilitation proceedings under PD 902-A.
Contractual Obligations Upholding Interest AND Penalties IN Land Purchase Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court rules buyers must pay stipulated interest and penalty charges in land purchase agreements, even if onerous.
Upholding Contractual Obligations: The Binding Force of Agreed Interest Rates in Credit Transactions
Supreme Court ruling on agreed interest rates in credit sales, party autonomy, and limits on unconscionable charges.
Labor-Only Contracting: Employee Rights and Employer Obligations in the Philippines
Philippine Airlines v. Ligan explains labor-only contracting rules, when workers become regular employees, and employer liability under Philippine law.
Pawnshop Liability Fortuitous Events Negligence AND Insurance Obligations IN Pledge Agreements
When a pawned item is lost to robbery, who bears the loss? The Supreme Court clarifies pawnshop liability, fortuitous events, and insurance duties.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When Owners Face Personal Liability for Corporate Obligations
Philippine Supreme Court explains when courts may disregard corporate fiction and hold owners personally liable for corporate debts and obligations.
Enforcement OF Estate Obligations Probate Courts Power TO Execute Sales Agreements
Mutuality of Contracts: The Limits of Bank Discretion in Setting Interest Rates
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that unilateral interest rate setting violates mutuality of contracts, but the principal loan obligation remains valid and enforceable.
Enforcing Contractual Obligations: Valid Payment and the Courts' Supervisory Role
When may a buyer rescind a timeshare contract? The Supreme Court clarifies registration rules, rescission periods, and appeal deadlines.
Credit Card Interest and Penalties: Balancing Contractual Freedom and Unconscionability in Debt Obligations
The Supreme Court clarifies when credit card interest and penalty rates are enforceable and when courts may reduce them as unconscionable.
Cooperative Membership vs Employment: Defining SSS Coverage Obligations
Supreme Court rules cooperatives can be employers of their owner-members for SSS coverage purposes, clarifying when membership does not negate employment.
Upholding Contractual Obligations: Lessee's Duty to Pay Rent and Repair Under Philippine Lease Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on Mercury Drug v. Republic Surety clarifies when a lessee may suspend rent payments and the binding effect of contractual repair obligations.
Upholding Contractual Obligations Payment Disputes and the Binding Nature of Agreements
A Supreme Court ruling on why a "pay to cash" check violated a Charge Invoice term, and how contracts of adhesion bind parties.
Cashier's Check as Bank's Primary Obligation: Holder in Due Course Rights
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on cashier's checks, holder in due course status, and bank liability explained in plain language.
Conjugal Property Support Illegitimate Children Family Code Rules
Supreme Court clarifies when conjugal property may be levied to satisfy support obligations for illegitimate children under the Family Code.
Contractual Obligations and Third Party Rights in Property Lease Disputes
Supreme Court ruling on when lease penalties bind only contracting parties, not property owners who are third parties to the contract.
Backwages in Illegal Dismissal: When the Employer’s Obligation Ends
Backwages in illegal dismissal accrue until actual reinstatement or payment of separation pay, per Mt. Carmel College v. Resuena.