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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Bigamy Conviction Upheld Despite Later Declaration of Nullity of First Marriage
A subsequent declaration that a first marriage was void does not erase criminal liability for bigamy contracted before that declaration.
Pre-Existing Conditions and Seafarer Disability Claims Under the POEA Contract
Explaining when seafarers can claim disability benefits under the POEA Standard Contract, using the Supreme Court's ruling in Bandila Maritime v. Dubduban.
Supreme Court Ruling on Health Care Agreements and Documentary Stamp Tax: What It Means
The Supreme Court ruled that HMO health care agreements are not insurance contracts subject to documentary stamp tax under the National Internal Revenue Code.
Hauling Contracts: Scope of Work Defines Entitlement to Extra Pay
Supreme Court rules on when hauling contractors can claim extra compensation beyond the contract price in service agreements.
Safeguarding Elections Upholding Automation Despite Challenges To Validity
The Supreme Court upheld the 2010 election automation contract, affirming Comelec's authority to implement the automated election system despite challenges.
Equitable Reduction of Liquidated Damages in Construction Delays: Balancing Contractual Obligations and Fairne
Philippine Supreme Court explains when courts may reduce liquidated damages in construction delay cases, balancing contract terms with equity.
Perfected Contract vs Contract to Sell: Earnest Money and Timely Payments in Real Estate Deals
Learn when earnest money perfects a sale, the difference from a contract to sell, and how late payments can still be cured under Philippine law.
Sugar Planters' Associations Cannot Demand Arbitration Without Contract Privity
Philippine Supreme Court rules associations lack legal standing to demand arbitration unless they are parties to the milling contracts or authorized by members.
Interest Rate Disputes Contractual Agreements VS Legal Modifications IN Philippine LAW
Philippine Supreme Court rules on contractual interest rates, legal modifications, and judicial intervention in private loan agreements.
Abuse of Rights Under Article 19: When Business Decisions Are Protected
The Supreme Court clarifies when business decisions like audits and non-renewal of contracts are protected, not abuse of rights.
Substitution of Evidence: Balancing Justice and Procedural Rules in Contract Disputes
When a bank filed a collection suit with an altered surety agreement, the Supreme Court ruled on substituting evidence and amending pleadings.
Navigating Mining Disputes When Courts NOT Arbitrators Decide Contract Validity
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when regular courts, not the Panel of Arbitrators, have jurisdiction over mining contract disputes.
Mining Disputes and Contract Validity: When Courts Take Over From Arbitrators
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when regular courts, not the Panel of Arbitrators, have jurisdiction over mining contract disputes.
COA Audit Powers and Quantum Meruit: Lessons from Lotrim v. COA
Supreme Court affirms COA's broad audit powers and the limits of quantum meruit in government construction contracts.
Letters of Intent: When a Preliminary Document Is Not a Contract of Sale in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a Letter of Intent remains a mere declaration of intention, not a binding contract to sell or conditional sale.
Contractor or Employer: Distinguishing Legitimate Contracting From Illegal Labor Practices
A look at Gallego v. Bayer Philippines and how Philippine law separates legitimate job contracting from labor-only contracting.
Upholding Contractual Obligations When Agreed Interest Rates Stand Firm
Breach of Contract and Damages: Airline's Duty to Honor Ticket Terms
The Supreme Court held an airline liable for breach of contract and damages after it refused to honor the rebooking terms printed on a passenger's ticket.
Prescription and Land Ownership: Protecting the Rights of Long-Term Land Possessors
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies how the right to repurchase land works, when acceptance of a contract benefit is valid, and why builders on their own land need no protection.
Contractual Obligations Prevail Interpreting Collective Bargaining Agreements in Labor Disputes
When CBA terms are clear, courts enforce them literally—even if the employer later finds the deal unfavorable.
Seafarers Disability: Proving Work-Related Illness Under the POEA Contract
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on a seafarer's disability claim for heart disease under the POEA Standard Employment Contract.
Perfecting Real Estate Sales: No Contract Without Explicit Board Approval
GSIS v. Lopez explains when a real estate sale is perfected—and why a deposit alone does not create a binding contract.
Avoiding Double Jeopardy Distinct Offenses Arising From A Single ACT
The Supreme Court clarifies when a civil case can suspend criminal proceedings, and why rescission of a contract does not defeat a BP 22 prosecution.
Mortgagor's Stipulated Right to Notice Prevails in Foreclosure Proceedings
Supreme Court rules banks must honor contractual stipulations requiring personal notice to mortgagors before extrajudicial foreclosure, or risk nullifying the sale.