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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Protecting Installment Buyers Understanding Rescission Rights Under THE Maceda LAW
The Supreme Court clarifies the strict notarial and grace period requirements for canceling installment contracts under the Maceda Law.
Installment Land Sales in the Philippines: Buyer Rights and Contract Reinstatement
Learn how the Supreme Court protects installment buyers' right to reinstate contracts under the Maceda Law.
Government Contracts: When Is a Deal Manifestly Disadvantageous?
The Supreme Court clarifies when a government contract is "manifestly and grossly disadvantageous" under Section 3(g) of the Anti-Graft Law.
Choice of Law Clauses in Cross-Border Contracts: The Standard Chartered Ruling
How Philippine courts resolve conflicting choice-of-law clauses in cross-border contracts, explained through the Standard Chartered Bank v. Philippine Investment Two ruling.
Supreme Court Upholds CIAC Jurisdiction, Strikes Down 14-Day Arbitration Limit in Government Contracts
Supreme Court affirms CIAC jurisdiction over government construction disputes and voids unreasonably short 14-day arbitration periods as contrary to public policy.
Prescription in Property Disputes: The Necessity of Trial for Determining the Validity of Land Sales
When is a land sale valid despite an injunction? The Supreme Court clarifies perfection of contracts and the need for trial.
Constructive Dismissal vs Management Prerogative: Balancing Employee Rights and Business Needs
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that labor contracts cannot override statutory security of tenure; retrenchment requires proof of actual business losses.
Upholding SEC Authority: Courts Cannot Enjoin SEC Orders on Investment Contracts
The Supreme Court holds a judge liable for gross ignorance of the law for issuing injunctions against an SEC cease and desist order.
Upholding Mutuality in Loan Agreements: Scrutinizing Interest Rate Adjustments
The Supreme Court clarifies when a bank's interest rate adjustments in loan agreements are valid, reaffirming the principle of mutuality of contracts.
Graft and Corruption: Navigating Local Government Contracts in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies direct bribery under the Revised Penal Code in a case involving Ombudsman officials and local executives.
Proving Intimidation in Contracts: The Ortigas Land Dispute and the Burden of Proof
Philippine law presumes contracts valid. Learn how the Supreme Court requires clear evidence to prove intimidation or undue influence.
Novation in Construction Contracts: When Revisions Create a New Agreement
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when revised construction plans and new contracts extinguish prior agreements through novation.
Imprescriptibility of Reconveyance Actions Challenging Titles Based on Nonexistent Contracts
When a land title is based on a nonexistent contract, the action for reconveyance does not prescribe, the Supreme Court rules.
Reconveyance for Void Contracts: Imprescriptible Actions Under Article 1410
When a land transfer rests on a void or inexistent contract, an action for reconveyance does not prescribe, protecting rightful owners.
Navigating Real Estate Installment Contracts: The Importance of Proper Rescission Under the Maceda Law
Learn how the Supreme Court clarifies rescission rules for real estate installment sales and the rights of buyers under the Maceda Law.
Bidding Rights Clear Legal Right Required FOR Preliminary Injunction IN Government Contracts
Supreme Court clarifies that prospective bidders lack the clear legal right needed for preliminary injunction in government procurement disputes.
Prohibition Denied When Government Contracts Become Fait Accompli
Supreme Court rules prohibition cannot stop an already completed government contract, and clarifies legal standing rules for citizen suits.
Upholding Property Rights: The Binding Effect of Contracts on Subsequent Owners in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling explains when contracts bind third-party buyers and why timely execution of judgments matters in property disputes.
Splitting Contracts: Good Faith Alone Does NOT Excuse Violation of Procurement Laws
Supreme Court rules good faith is no defense for splitting contracts and bypassing public bidding under RA 9184.
Graft and Conspiracy: When Private Individuals Become Publicly Liable
Explore the Supreme Court ruling on splitting government contracts and conspiracy liability in procurement under RA 9184.
Quantum Meruit: Fair Compensation for Government Contracts Despite Procedural Flaws
When can a contractor recover payment for services rendered to the government despite an invalid contract? The Supreme Court explains quantum meruit.
Mandamus and Government Contracts: Enforcing Legal Duties in Joint Venture Agreements
When can courts compel government agencies to honor joint venture commitments? The Supreme Court clarifies mandamus and ministerial duties.
Mutuality of Contracts and Foreclosure Rights in Philippine Loans
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that void interest stipulations do not invalidate foreclosure when the principal debt remains unpaid.
Government Contracts: Due Process in Hiring Legal Retainers and COA Disallowances
SC ruling on PhilRice legal retainer case clarifies due process, concurrence requirements, and liability for disallowed government contract payments.