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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Advance Payments and Government Contracts: Fiscal Responsibility in Infrastructure Projects
Supreme Court ruling on advance payments in government infrastructure contracts and the limits under PD 1594 and PD 1445.
Voidable Contracts When a Husband's Consent Is Crucial in Conjugal Property Sales
When a wife sells conjugal property without her husband's consent, the sale is voidable—but only if he acts to annul it in time.
Mutuality of Contracts: When One-Sided Termination Clauses in Employment Contracts Are Void
The Supreme Court explains when a termination clause that leaves dismissal to one party's sole judgment violates the mutuality principle under Article 1308 of the Civil Code.
Venue Stipulations in Contracts: Limits on Exclusive Venue Clauses
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when exclusive venue stipulations in contracts apply, and when they cannot restrict access to courts.
Agent Liability in Insurance Contracts: The Pandiman Philippines Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when an insurance agent can be held liable for claims, and who bears responsibility for overseas workers' death benefits.
Contractual Obligations Mutuality AND Modification IN Commission Disputes
Learn how the Supreme Court applied the mutuality of contracts principle in a commission dispute, protecting a manager's right to earned franchise fees.
Voiding Contracts With Indigenous Peoples Prior Approval IS Mandatory
Supreme Court clarifies that contracts with indigenous peoples require prior government approval or they are void, protecting ancestral lands.
Letters of Credit and Construction Contracts: Defining Liability in Tripartite Agreements
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a bank is liable under a tripartite letter of credit agreement in construction financing.
Perfecting Contracts: Consent and the Statute of Frauds in Share Sales
A Supreme Court ruling explains when letters become a binding share sale contract and what the Statute of Frauds requires.
When Silence Speaks: Implied Contracts and the Burden of Proof in Business Deals
The Supreme Court clarifies that implied contracts require clear evidence, not mere suspicion, in disputes over business transactions.
When Election Rules Override Commercial Contracts: The Chavez v. COMELEC Precedent
Can election rules force removal of product endorsements featuring a candidate? The Supreme Court says yes, explaining why.
Illegal Dismissal and Retirement Age: When Expiring Contracts Mask Unlawful Termination
Supreme Court clarifies when a "contract expiration" is really illegal dismissal, and why early retirement requires an employee's explicit consent.
Actual Occupancy vs Possession in SSS Housing: Contract Terms Govern
Supreme Court clarifies that "actual occupancy" differs from "possession" in SSS housing contracts, allowing rescission for breach.
Upholding Notarized Contracts Overcoming Forgery Claims In Property Sales
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on notarized deeds, forgery claims, and expert testimony in property sales.
Unilateral Interest Rate Hikes: Mutuality of Contracts Prevails in Loan Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court rules banks cannot unilaterally raise interest rates without borrower consent, citing mutuality of contracts principle.
Fixed-Term Seafarers' Contracts: Illegal Dismissal and Compensation Standards
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that seafarers are contractual employees governed by POEA contracts, not regular employees under the Labor Code.
Protecting Marital Property: Understanding Consent Requirements in Real Estate Sales
The Supreme Court clarifies when spousal consent is required for real estate sales and the difference between contracts to sell and deeds of sale.
Fixed-Term Contracts vs Regular Employment: What Employers and Workers Must Know
A Supreme Court ruling explains when fixed-term employment is valid and how it differs from regular employment under Philippine labor law.
Contracts and Consent: How Limited Education and Fraudulent Inducement Can Void a Philippine Contract
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how fraud, undue influence, and limited education can invalidate contracts, shifting the burden of proof.
Minors' Contracts Valid Until Annulled: Land Retention Rights Affirmed in Agrarian Case
Supreme Court rules minors' redemption of land is voidable, not void, affirming retention rights under agrarian reform law.
Lessor's Duty to Maintain Peaceful Enjoyment in Lease Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a lessee may suspend rent and what "peaceful enjoyment" means in lease contracts.
Enforceability of Venue Stipulations in Contracts of Adhesion: Piltel v. Tecson
Philippine Supreme Court rules on when venue stipulations in contracts of adhesion bind subscribers, citing Piltel v. Tecson.
Quantum Meruit in Government Contracts: COA Overpayment Recovery Upheld
Supreme Court affirms COA's power to recover overpayments from government contractors under quantum meruit, even in void contracts.
Mutuality of Contracts: No Unilateral Price Escalation Without Clear Basis
Contractors cannot unilaterally raise prices without proof and written authority. The Supreme Court explains mutuality of contracts.