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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Rescission Rights: When a Buyer's Failure to Pay Lets the Seller Cancel
A Supreme Court ruling explains when a seller may rescind a contract to sell, how installment payments are applied, and why a memorandum is not required for due process.
In Pari Delicto: When Both Parties Are at Fault, Neither Can Sue in Construction Contracts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on in pari delicto in construction contracts where both parties knowingly violated the law, barring recovery.
Preliminary Injunctions Preserving THE STATUS QUO IN Contract Disputes
Learn how Philippine courts handle preliminary injunctions and the status quo in contract disputes, with key rules on forum shopping.
Unregistered Donations vs Third-Party Leases: What Buyers and Lessees Should Know
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on unregistered donations, third-party leases, and the duty to verify property ownership before contracting.
Elections Under Scrutiny Supreme Court Safeguards Integrity In Automated System Procurement
The Supreme Court voids Comelec's award of the 2004 automated election system contract to an ineligible bidder, upholding electoral integrity.
Privity of Contract in Sales: When a Buyer Is Not Liable to the Seller
Supreme Court explains privity of contract in sales—when a buyer who paid a middleman is not liable to the original seller.
Absence of Prior Appraisal Does Not Void Onerous Donation by Local Government
Supreme Court rules that a local government's onerous donation without prior appraisal is valid, applying contract law over procedural requirements.
Solidary Liability Ensuring Wage Compliance In Security Service Contracts
When a security agency underpays guards, the client company can be held jointly and severally liable under the Labor Code.
Unlawful Detainer vs. Contract Rescission: Supreme Court Clarifies Jurisdictional Limits
The Supreme Court explains when an ejectment case is improper and why contract rescission belongs to the RTC, not the MTC.
Breach of Contract vs Unlawful Detainer: Defining the Proper Forum
When a landowner files ejectment over a breach of a sale agreement, the Supreme Court clarifies which court has jurisdiction.
Voidable Contracts: Spousal Consent and Conjugal Property Sales Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court explains why a husband's sale of conjugal property without the wife's consent is voidable, not void, and how buyers can lose good faith protection.
Equity Powers Ensuring Fairness in Contract Rescission Despite Procedural Gaps
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how courts may order deposit of funds during rescission cases to prevent unjust enrichment.
Right to Property vs Contractual Obligations: Preliminary Injunctions Explained
Learn when courts may issue preliminary injunctions to protect property rights, and the limits of quasi-judicial contempt powers.
Perfected Contracts and Collateral Sharing Agreements: When a Promise Must Be Kept
The Supreme Court rules on when a collateral sharing agreement is perfected and binding, and why courts cannot compel parties to sign an inexistent contract.
Airline Liability: The Ticket-Issuing Carrier Responsible for Your Entire Journey
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: ticket-issuing airlines are principals in contracts of carriage and liable for the acts of partner carriers on any segment.
When a Sale-Leaseback Is Really a Loan: Cebu Contractors Consortium v. Court of Appeals
The Supreme Court ruled that a sale-leaseback arrangement was actually an equitable mortgage, not a true financing lease, and ordered the contract reformed.
Airline Breach of Contract When a Confirmed Flight Turns Into a Legal Dispute
When an airline confirms a booking then cancels it, a contract of carriage arises. Learn the legal rules on damages from China Airlines v. CA.
Control Is Key: Determining Employer-Employee Relationships in Outsourcing Arrangements
The Supreme Court clarifies when a principal employer becomes liable for outsourced workers, emphasizing control over contractual labels.
Airline Passenger Rights: When Rerouting Breaches the Contract of Carriage
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when airlines breach carriage contracts by rerouting passengers without consent, and what damages apply.
Sovereign Immunity Contracts With Foreign States AND Waiver OF Immunity
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling in Republic of Indonesia v. Vinzon on foreign sovereign immunity, waiver clauses, and embassy maintenance contracts.
Contractual Obligations Priority OF Payment AND THE Limits OF Assignment
Age Limits and Security of Tenure: Navigating Employment Rights in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies how age limits in service contracts interact with security of tenure and constructive dismissal claims.
Judicial Accountability: Signing Marriage Contracts Without Licenses Is Negligence
Philippine Supreme Court holds judges liable for signing marriage contracts without licenses, ruling it constitutes gross negligence in judicial duties.
Regular Employment vs Fixed-Term Contracts: Protecting Employee Rights in Termination Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a fixed-term contract cannot defeat regular employment status and security of tenure protections.