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: The Four-Fold Test in Philippine Labor Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the four-fold test distinguishing independent contractors from employers in labor disputes involving job contracting arrangements.
Conditional Sale Buyers' Rights and Sellers' Obligations After Partial Payment
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies buyer and seller rights in contracts to sell, including when a buyer can demand a deed of absolute sale.
Novation and the Parol Evidence Rule in Philippine Contract Law
Explaining how a later purchase order can novate an earlier contract, and when courts may admit evidence outside a written agreement.
Substantial Compliance Prevails Philippine Courts Prioritize Justice Over Strict Procedural Rules IN Certiorar
ACI Philippines v. Coquia clarifies that courts should prioritize substantive justice over strict procedural rules, especially in labor and contract disputes.
Breach of Contract: When Incomplete Construction Doesn't Warrant Full Payment
Philippine Supreme Court rules on when a contractor's incomplete work bars recovery of the full contract price in construction disputes.
Seafarers Disability Incorrectly Filed Appeal Doesnt Forfeit Benefits DUE TO Illness Contracted During Employment
Contingent Attorneys Fees Defining Benefit IN Legal Agreements
Learn how the Supreme Court interpreted contingent attorney's fees in contracts, and what benefit means for lawyers and clients.
When Can a Third Party Be Sued for Another's Contract Breach? Martelino v. NHMFC
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when buyers can sue lenders for a developer's breach, and the limits of declaratory relief.
Perfecting Contracts: Why Consent Is Essential in Real Estate Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains why a real estate sale needs the buyer's consent to be binding—lessons from Looc Bay Timber v. Montecalvo.
Arrastre Contractor Liability: When the P3,500-Per-Package Limit Does Not Apply
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when arrastre contractors cannot invoke the P3,500 per-package liability limit under PPA Administrative Order No. 10-81.
Beyond the Signature: Validating Agreements Despite Spousal Absence and Time Lapses in Contract Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on estafa clarifies deceit, notice of dishonor, and penalties for bouncing checks.
Seafarer Death Benefits: The Primacy of the Employment Contract's Term
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a seafarer's death during the contract term entitles heirs to death benefits under the POEA Standard Employment Contract.
Rehabilitation Proceedings and Contractual Obligations: Balancing Creditor Rights and Corporate Recovery
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on suspension of collection suits during corporate rehabilitation proceedings under PD 902-A.
Upholding Contract Validity When Signed Agreements Prevail In Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when notarized deeds of sale prevail over claims of equitable mortgage or forgery in property disputes.
Healthcare Agreements vs Insurance: Understanding Documentary Stamp Tax
Philippine Supreme Court rules health maintenance organization agreements are insurance contracts subject to documentary stamp tax under the Tax Code.
Seafarers Death Benefits: Work Relatedness and Contractual Coverage for Compensation Claims
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when seafarers' death benefits apply—death must occur during the contract term and illness must be work-related.
Contractual Obligations Upholding Interest AND Penalties IN Land Purchase Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court rules buyers must pay stipulated interest and penalty charges in land purchase agreements, even if onerous.
Suretyship and Subcontracting: When Does a Surety Guarantee Performance
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a surety's liability arises in subcontracting and why reimbursement claims belong in regular courts.
Airline Liability for Bumping Passengers: Breach of Contract and Damages
When an airline bumps a passenger with valid documents, it breaches the contract of carriage and may owe moral and exemplary damages.
Unlawful Detainer When A Lease Violation Doesnt Require Prior Contract Rescission
Illegal Dismissal of Seafarers: Overtime Pay and Contractual Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on seafarer illegal dismissal, salary for unexpired contract, and guaranteed overtime pay.
Letter of Undertaking Enforceability and Independence From Negotiable Instruments
Supreme Court rules a letter of undertaking is a separate contract, binding even if the underlying sight draft is discharged under the Negotiable Instruments Law.
Substantial Completion vs Unjustified Delay: Contractor Entitlements in Construction Disputes
When is a contractor in delay? The Supreme Court clarifies how substantial completion and change orders affect liquidated damages.
Solidary Liability in Labor Disputes: When Principals and Contractors Share Responsibility
The Supreme Court clarifies when a principal is solidarily liable with an independent contractor for labor claims, and when it is not.