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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Supreme Court: A Signed Check Creates a Presumption of Debt Even Without Written Contract
The Supreme Court rules that a signed, dishonored check is enough to prove an obligation, even without a written contract or delivery receipts.
Insurance Policy Incontestability Clarifying Reinstatement Dates And Insurer Obligations
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when the incontestability period starts after policy reinstatement, and what insurers must prove to deny claims.
Upholding Contractual Obligations: The Duty to Remit Funds in Agency Agreements
When can an agent withhold funds from a principal? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of an agent's right of retention and the duty to remit.
Voluntary Prevention Doctrine When a Party Frustrates Contractual Obligations
When a party blocks a condition precedent, the law treats it as fulfilled, making the obligation demandable.
Surety’s Liability: The Extent and Limits Under Philippine Law
Understand the scope of a surety’s obligations in the Philippines, including liability limits, defenses, and key legal principles.
Treaty Obligations vs Domestic Law: Enforceability of UN Human Rights Committee Views in Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court rules that UN Human Rights Committee views are recommendatory, not enforceable through mandamus in Philippine courts.
When a Right to Top Fails: Severability and Conditional Obligations in Share Sales
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies how severability clauses and conditional obligations determine bidder rights when a preferential right is voided.
Specific Performance vs Rescission: Contractual Remedies Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when specific performance or rescission applies in reciprocal obligations, using a Tagaytay property dispute as guide.
School Liability for Student Safety in Off-Campus Activities: The St. Luke's Case
The Supreme Court holds schools liable for student safety in required off-campus activities, ruling on negligence and contractual obligations.
Contractual Obligations Enforcing Clean Title Delivery Despite Third Party Claims
Specific Denial: How Philippine Courts Determine Liability in Contractual Obligations
The Supreme Court clarifies when a third-party complaint may be denied and how contractual liability for delivering clean title is determined.
Solidary Liability in Subdivision Sales: AFP Retirement System v. Sanvictores
Supreme Court holds co-sellers jointly liable under Contract to Sell, explaining solidary obligations and apparent authority under Philippine law.
Solidary Liability in Real Estate Contracts: Understanding Co-Sellers' Obligations
When do co-sellers remain liable after foreclosure? The Supreme Court clarifies deficiency obligations, payment application, and solidary liability.
Unconscionable Penalties: Reassessing Loan Obligations in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may reduce penalty charges and attorney's fees in deficiency claims after foreclosure.
Reducing Unconscionable Penalties: The Supreme Court’s Stance on Fair Loan Obligations
The Supreme Court clarifies when penalty charges in loan contracts are unconscionable and may be reduced, balancing creditor rights with debtor protection.
Maritime Law Shipowner Liability and Seafarers Death Benefits: Insurance and Solidary Obligations Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies shipowner liability, POEA-SEC death benefits, insurance proceeds, and solidary obligations in Phil-Nippon Kyoei v. Gudelosao.
Attorney Suspended Three Years for Misappropriating Client Funds
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for three years for failing to file a case and refusing to return client's P65,000, reinforcing trust obligations.
Subrogation and Compensation When Payment of Another's Debt Extinguishes Obligations
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on legal subrogation and compensation when a business buyer pays the seller's unpaid bills.
Clarifying Debt Liability When Personal Obligations Meet Family Debts
Supreme Court clarifies when assuming a parent's debt creates novation and when interest is due under Philippine law.
Tenant's Right of Redemption: Written Notice and Payment Requirements Under Agrarian Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies agricultural lessee's right of redemption, written notice requirements, and tender payment obligations under R.A. 3844.
Good Faith Possession Determining Rights AND Obligations IN Land USE Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how good faith possession affects rights and obligations in land use disputes, citing Civil Code provisions.
Home Lot Entitlement in Agrarian Disputes: Landholder Obligations and Tenant Rights
Who must provide home lots to agrarian tenants? The Supreme Court clarifies landholder obligations and tenant rights in a 2016 ruling.
Death Abates Criminal Liability: Extinguishment of Penalties and Civil Obligations in Philippine Law
Explaining the Supreme Court rule that death extinguishes criminal liability and penalties, and its effect on civil liability in Philippine criminal cases.
Chattel Mortgage Foreclosure: Lender's Duty After Repossession in the Philippines
Learn the lender's obligations after chattel mortgage foreclosure and repossession in the Philippines, including redemption rights and borrower protections.