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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Independent Contractor vs Employee: Control Test in Consultancy Agreements
The Supreme Court clarifies when a consultant is an independent contractor, not an employee, using the four-fold test and control test.
Breach of Contract and Delay Damages in Construction Projects: Uy v. Public Estates Authority
A Supreme Court ruling on contractor claims for delay damages, standby equipment costs, and the strict written-change-order rule under Article 1724.
Perfected Contract to Sell vs Cancellation for Default: Lessons from Traders Royal Bank v. Cuison
When is a contract to sell perfected, and when can a seller cancel it for default? The Supreme Court clarifies in Traders Royal Bank v. Cuison.
Surety Bond Liability and Contract Changes in Construction Disputes: Stronghold v. Tokyu
When a construction contract changes, does a surety bond still hold? The Supreme Court explains in Stronghold v. Tokyu.
Civil Liability Despite Acquittal: Quasi-Contracts and Unjust Enrichment in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains when an acquittal in a criminal case does not erase civil liability, citing quasi-contracts and solutio indebiti.
Delivery in Sales Contracts: Ownership vs Possession and Prescription Periods
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that mere possession transfer isn't?
Attorney Suspended for Drafting Illegal Lease Agreements: Ethics in Legal Practice
A lawyer's six-month suspension for drafting lease contracts exceeding legal limits for aliens—a lesson in professional responsibility.
When Lawyers Draft Illegal Lease Contracts: The Hontanosas Case on Foreign Land Leases
A lawyer who drafts and notarizes lease contracts exceeding legal limits for aliens faces suspension, as the Supreme Court ruled in Kupers v. Hontanosas.
When Courts Can Take Judicial Notice of Industry Practice in Labor Disputes
Supreme Court clarifies judicial notice limits, independent contractor tests, and abandonment rules in South Davao Development Co. v. Gamo.
Navigating Mining Disputes When DO Courts NOT Mining Agencies Decide
The Supreme Court clarifies when regular courts, not the Panel of Arbitrators, have jurisdiction over mining-related contract disputes under the Philippine Mining Act.
Assignee's Rights Determine Court Jurisdiction in Construction Contract Disputes
Supreme Court rules that an assignee's claim over retention money is not a construction dispute, so regular courts, not CIAC, have jurisdiction.
CIAC Jurisdiction Prevails Over Contractual Conditions Precedent in Construction Arbitration
Philippine Supreme Court rules CIAC retains jurisdiction over construction disputes even when parties fail to comply with contractual conditions precedent like DAB referral.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When a Principal Becomes the True Employer in Labor-Only Contracting
When is a principal the real employer? The Supreme Court clarifies labor-only contracting rules in Iligan Cement Corporation v. IEWU-SPFL.
Voluntary Resignation Bars Seafarers Claims Understanding Contractual Obligations
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how voluntary resignation affects seafarers' claims for sickness allowance and disability benefits under POEA contracts.
Fraudulent Assurances in Easement Contracts: Upholding Freedom From Misrepresentation
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on pleading fraud with particularity in easement contracts and the requirements for a valid cause of action.
Breach of Contract Claims Need Specific Facts: Luistro v. First Gas Power
Learn how the Supreme Court dismissed a breach of contract suit for lack of cause of action and vague fraud allegations.
Sugar Mill Loans: When Contract Terms Define Government's Right to Recover Funds
Supreme Court ruling on condonation scope in sugar mill loans, clarifying when banks and government can apply deposits to unpaid obligations.
Graft and Corruption: Demanding Grease Money for Government Contracts
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling on demanding grease money for government contracts under the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.
Bonus Entitlement Discretion VS Contractual Right IN Employment Compensation
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when bonuses are discretionary and when they become contractual obligations of employers.
Safeguarding OFW Rights Supreme Court Strikes Down Unfair Compensation Limits IN Illegal Dismissal Cases
The Supreme Court struck down the three-month cap on illegal dismissal compensation for overseas Filipino workers, affirming full protection of their contractual rights.
Bidding Integrity Strict Compliance Prevails Over Agency Discretion In Government Procurement
Supreme Court nullifies a government contract award where the winning bid failed technical specifications, reaffirming strict compliance in public bidding.
Independent Contractor vs Employee: Employer Obligations for Medical Staff
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when nurses are independent contractors versus employees under Article 157 of the Labor Code.
Contract Assignments, Prior Rights vs. Garnishments in Construction Disputes
When a contractor assigns its receivables, who gets paid first—the assignee or a garnishing creditor? The Supreme Court clarifies jurisdiction and priority rules.
Solidary Liability in Labor Standards: Protecting Workers Beyond Direct Employment
Learn how Philippine courts hold employers and contractors jointly liable for labor standard violations, protecting workers beyond direct employment relationships.