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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Mutuality of Contracts When Banks Unilaterally Impose Interest Rates
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when banks cannot unilaterally impose interest rates, and the legal interest that applies.
Onerous Donations Contract Law vs Gratuitous Intent in Property Transfers
When a donation carries a burden, contract rules apply. Learn how Philippine law treats onerous donations and revocation for ingratitude.
GSIS Funds and Contractual Obligations: When State Policy Yields to Private Rights
The Supreme Court clarifies when GSIS funds may be garnished and when execution pending appeal is proper.
Jurisdiction in Property Disputes: Nullifying Contracts vs. Recovering Land Rights
When can the government nullify land titles? The Supreme Court clarifies jurisdiction rules in property disputes involving military reservations.
Contractual Obligations: The Imperative of Complete Performance in Reciprocal Agreements
In reciprocal contracts, a party cannot collect payment without first completing its own obligations—a lesson from a medical pipeline dispute.
Estafa and Agency Criminal Liability Cannot Be Extinguished by Contractual Novation
Supreme Court rules novation cannot extinguish criminal liability for estafa; only the State may waive criminal action.
Breach of Contract in Sales: Who Bears Liability for Non-Delivery and Refused Goods
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies liability when a buyer refuses delivery and a seller fails to deliver, with damages computed.
Breach of Contract and Good Faith in Security Service Agreements: Adriano v. Lasala
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on unlawful termination of security service contracts, bad faith, and damages under Civil Code.
Rescission Rights Clarifying Judicial Intervention In Contract Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts can void contracts and titles, and why Torrens titles cannot be attacked collaterally.
Contract to Sell: Full Compliance Required Before Seller Must Convey Property
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that buyers under a contract to sell must fully comply with all obligations—not just payment—before demanding a deed of sale.
Right to Match in Government Contracts: When Bidding Preferences Violate Public Policy
Supreme Court rules right of first refusal clauses in government procurement contracts are void, reaffirming public bidding as the cornerstone of public contracts.
Contract to Sell: Full Compliance Required Before Buyer Can Demand Deed of Sale
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that buyers under a contract to sell must fulfill all obligations—not just the purchase price—before demanding a deed of sale.
Taxpayer Standing in Philippine Law: Protecting Public Funds Through Legal Action
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling in Remulla v. Maliksi on taxpayer standing to challenge government contracts and protect public funds.
Simulated Contracts Ownership Rights and Intent in Property Sales
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on simulated property sales, trust agreements, and ownership rights when intent is to circumvent banking laws.
Upholding Arbitration Agreements When Courts Must Defer TO Contractual Dispute Resolution
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when courts must defer to arbitration agreements and the limits of judicial intervention in contractual disputes.
Seafarer Death Benefits: Proving Work-Related Illness After Contract Termination
Learn when a seafarer's death after contract end is compensable, and the evidence needed to prove work-related illness under the POEA Contract.
Trust Receipts vs Loans: When Intent Defines the Contract
Supreme Court clarifies when a trust receipt is really a loan, acquitting a corporate officer of estafa under PD 115.
Breach of Insurance Contract: The Impact of Unapproved Property Relocation
When insured property moves without insurer consent, coverage may cease. Learn from Malayan Insurance v. PAP Co. on relocation risks.
Appeal Denied: Understanding Timeliness and Binding Counsel in Philippine Law
A look at Mendiola v. Commerz Trading, where the Supreme Court clarified VAT liability and the binding effect of contractual stipulations between parties.
VAT Liability and Contractual Stipulations: Lessons from Mendiola v. Commerz Trading
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies who bears VAT liability when a contract shifts tax burden—and who must pay the BIR.
Seafarer Disability Claims: When Heart Disease Is Not Compensable Under POEA Contract
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on seafarer disability claims, work-connection requirement, and the mandatory 3-day post-employment medical examination under the POEA contract.
Finished Contract VS Medical Repatriation Understanding Seafarer Disability Claims IN THE Philippines
Reviving Judgments: The Doctrine of Suspended Prescription in Contract Disputes
When a debtor's own actions block execution, the five-year period to enforce a judgment by motion may be suspended.
Piercing the Veil: Determining Employer Status in Labor Disputes
When is a manpower agency a mere labor-only contractor? The Supreme Court clarifies the test for true employer status in labor disputes.