Legal Insights

Hidden Defects and Time Limits: Understanding Warranty Claims in the Philippines

Learn the prescriptive periods for implied warranty claims in the Philippines, from the Civil Code and Consumer Act, explained simply.

Employer Liability for Negligent Employee: Quasi-Delict vs Subsidiary Liability

Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when employers face direct liability for employee negligence under Article 2180, Civil Code, distinct from subsidiary criminal liability.

Good Faith Builder Rights Under Article 448: Key Lessons from a Philippine Supreme Court Case

Understand the rights of a builder in good faith under Philippine law, including the landowner's options under Article 448 of the Civil Code.

Consignation and the Debtor's Right to Withdraw: Lessons from Banco Filipino v. Diaz

When can a debtor withdraw a consignated deposit? The Supreme Court explains the rules under Article 1260 of the Civil Code.

Fatal Flaws in Philippine Wills: Why Proper Attestation and Acknowledgment Are Non-Negotiable

Learn why the Supreme Court denied probate of a notarial will with three fatal defects under the Civil Code's formal requirements for wills.

Unveiling Implied Trust: How Purchase Money Defines Property Rights in the Philippines

Philippine Supreme Court explains purchase money resulting trust under Article 1448, Civil Code, and its effect on donations of property.

Can One Co-Owner File an Ejectment Case in the Philippines? Yes, Under Article 487

A single co-owner can file an ejectment suit without the others. The Supreme Court explains how Article 487 of the Civil Code works.

Probate of Wills in the Philippines: Burden of Proof and Testamentary Capacity Explained

Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the burden of proof in will probate and the test for testamentary capacity under the Civil Code.

Defective Packaging Shifts Liability from Carrier to Shipper in Cargo Damage Claims

When cargo is damaged due to defective packing, the carrier may escape liability under Article 1734 of the Civil Code.

Mutuality of Contracts: When One-Sided Termination Clauses in Employment Contracts Are Void

The Supreme Court explains when a termination clause that leaves dismissal to one party's sole judgment violates the mutuality principle under Article 1308 of the Civil Code.

Intestate Succession Under the Old Civil Code: Equal Rights for Illegitimate Children

How the Supreme Court applied the old Civil Code's succession rules to protect the inheritance rights of illegitimate children in a landmark 2005 ruling.

Intestate Succession and Property Rights: Clarifying Inheritance Shares Under the Old Civil Code

A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when heirs truly own inherited property, and why a parent's lifetime transfer can defeat a compromise agreement's promised shares.

Lawyer Fees and Client Property: What Ramos v. Ngaseo Teaches About the Limits of Fee Collection

The Supreme Court reprimanded a lawyer who demanded his client's land as payment, clarifying when the Civil Code ban on acquiring litigated property applies.

Void Donations: Absence of Public Instrument Nullifies Property Transfer Despite Intent

Philippine Supreme Court ruling on void oral donations of immovable property and the formal requirements under Article 749 of the Civil Code.

Upholding Due Process: Water Service Disconnection Requires Fair Notice

Philippine Supreme Court rules that water service disconnection without prior notice violates due process and can result in damages under Article 19 of the Civil Code.

When Can a Lessee Stop Paying Rent? Peaceful Enjoyment Rules Explained

Learn when Philippine law allows a lessee to suspend rent payments and what "peaceful enjoyment" really means under Civil Code Articles 1654 and 1658.

Freedom to Contract vs Equity: When Government Sales Require Perfected Agreements

Supreme Court rules equity cannot compel a government sale without a perfected contract, applying Civil Code principles.

Wife's Consent and Property Alienation: Voidable, Not Void, Under the Old Civil Code

A husband's alienation of conjugal property without the wife's consent is voidable, not void, under the Old Civil Code. The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction.

Vicarious Liability of Employers: Proving Due Diligence in Employee Negligence Cases

Employers must prove due diligence in selecting and supervising employees to avoid vicarious liability under Article 2180 of the Civil Code.

Co-Ownership Rights: Possession and Rent Obligations Under Philippine Property Law

Philippine Supreme Court clarifies co-owner rights to possession and rent before partition, citing Civil Code provisions in De Guia v. Abejo.

Lost Cargo Liability: Fire Does Not Excuse Common Carrier's Negligence

Philippine Supreme Court rules fire is not an exempting cause under the Civil Code, holding carriers liable for lost cargo.

Donation Propter Nuptias Under the Old Civil Code: Acceptance Not Required for Validity

Supreme Court explains why donations by reason of marriage under the Old Civil Code need no formal acceptance, and why the action to annul the title prescribed.

Good Faith in Land Disputes: When a Builder Loses Rights Under Article 448

Philippine National Bank v. De Jesus clarifies when a builder on another's land can claim good faith rights under Article 448 of the Civil Code.

Attorney Suspended for Acquiring Client's Property During Estate Proceedings

Lawyer suspended six months for acquiring property from client during pending estate proceedings, violating Article 1491 of the Civil Code.