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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Prescription IN Contractual Obligations Upholding Rights Within THE Legal Timeline
Land Registration Rights vs Government Reservation: Balancing Private Claims and Public Welfare
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on res judicata in land disputes involving government reconveyance, private contracts, and public interest.
Illegitimacy, Inheritance Rights, and Marital Presumptions in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling on paraphernal property, contract of adhesion, and unconscionable interest rates shows how Philippine law protects borrowers and spouses.
When Contractors Overstate Work: COA's Audit Power and Quantum Meruit in Government Projects
The Supreme Court affirms COA's power to determine actual work accomplished and recover overpayments from government contractors under quantum meruit.
Contract to Sell vs Contract of Sale: Understanding Conditions and Obligations
Learn the key differences between a contract to sell and a contract of sale under Philippine law, including when ownership transfers and what obligations arise.
Rent Obligations Remain Lease Contracts Survive Land Ownership Changes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether a change in land ownership cancels a lease contract and excuses unpaid rent.
Regular Employment vs Fixed-Term Contracts: Security of Tenure in Philippine Labor Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when fixed-term employees become regular workers entitled to security of tenure and full backwages.
Written Agreements Prevail: Recovery of Additional Construction Costs Requires Prior Authorization
Contractors cannot recover extra construction costs without written authorization and agreed pricing under Article 1724 of the Civil Code.
Binding Corporations: When Board Resolutions Matter in Contractual Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on corporate personality, board resolutions, and when stockholders can sue—explained in plain language.
False Pretenses AND Fraudulent Intent Establishing Estafa Beyond Breach OF Contract
Clarifying Contract Obligations: Rentals vs Purchase Price in Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when rental payments form part of the purchase price in property disputes, protecting buyers from altered contract terms.
Breach of Contract: When a Separate Land Title Is a Condition Precedent to Payment
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when failure to deliver a separate land title justifies a buyer's refusal to pay the balance under a contract of sale.
Circumventing Disqualification Orders Through Consultancy Contracts Warrants Lawyer Suspension
Lawyer suspended for violating court disqualification by serving as "consultant" to government agency while performing employee duties.
Upholding Seafarer Rights: Vessel Use Change Does NOT Void Employment Contracts
Supreme Court rules a vessel's change from overseas to coastwise use does not invalidate a seafarer's employment contract or the manning agent's liability.
Breach of Contract: GSIS Liable for Failure to Return Title Despite Absence of Bad Faith
Philippine Supreme Court holds GSIS liable for breach of contract for failing to return a property title, even without bad faith. Learn the legal rules.
When a Sale Is Not an Equitable Mortgage: Lessons from Molina v. Flores
The Supreme Court explains when a deed of sale is a true sale and not an equitable mortgage, and why courts respect written contracts.
The Perils of Premature Enforcement: Upholding Jurisdictional Boundaries in Contract Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies when execution pending appeal is proper, who decides if an appeal is dilatory, and the limits of trial court authority.
Upholding Contractual Obligations THE Importance OF Book Value IN Share Purchase Agreements
Contractual Obligations Prevail: Bank's Right to Offset Debts Despite Trustee-Beneficiary Claims
Supreme Court ruling on when a bank may validly apply a borrower's funds to settle debts, even amid trustee-beneficiary claims.
Retroactive Regular Employment: When Prior Service Counts Toward Benefits
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when prior contractual service counts toward regular employment and CBA benefits under labor law.
Breach of Contract in Property Sales: Rights, Interest, and Damages Under Philippine Law
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling on unpaid property sale balances clarifies when nominal damages, attorney's fees, and 12% interest apply.
Contract Interpretation Enforcing Equitable Compensation FOR Extended Services
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on equitable compensation for extended construction management services in Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas v. Santamaria.
Contractual Obligations Upholding Agreed Upon Interest Rates in Construction Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court affirms 2% monthly interest on unpaid construction balance, enforcing contractual stipulations between owner and contractor.
Independent Civil Actions: Enforcing Contract Obligations Separate From Criminal Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies when a civil collection case can proceed independently of dismissed criminal estafa cases, and why res judicata does not bar it.