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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Exclusive Venue Stipulations in Mortgage Contracts: When a Motion to Dismiss Must Be Granted
The Supreme Court clarifies when an exclusive venue stipulation in a mortgage contract binds parties and requires dismissal of a case filed elsewhere.
Protecting Contractors: Quantum Meruit and COA Disallowances in Government Projects
Supreme Court clarifies when contractors may recover from void government contracts under quantum meruit, and the limits of COA's audit powers.
Apparent Authority and Estoppel: When a Corporation Is Bound by Its Officer's Acts
The Supreme Court explains when a corporation is estopped from denying an officer's apparent authority to bind it to contracts with innocent third parties.
Apparent Authority: When a Corporation Is Bound by Its Agent's Actions
The Supreme Court explains when a corporation is estopped from denying its agent's apparent authority, binding it to contracts with innocent third parties.
Contractual Venue Stipulations: Enforceability and Waiver in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when exclusive venue clauses in contracts bind parties and when they are waived.
Construction Contracts Upholding Arbitration AND Fair Compensation Despite Contractual Ambiguity
Government Contracts and Due Process: The Limits of Lowest Bidder Rights
A lowest bidder has no automatic right to a government contract. Learn the limits of bidder rights in public procurement.
Bidding and Government Contracts: No Automatic Right to Award Without Post-Qualification
The Supreme Court clarifies that being the lowest bidder in a government project does not automatically entitle a contractor to the award—post-qualification is mandatory.
Project vs Regular Employment: Defining Boundaries of Fixed-Term Contracts in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when project-based employees become regular employees and the validity of fixed-term contracts in Philippine labor law.
Project Employees vs Regular Employees: When Contracts Determine Labor Status
Supreme Court clarifies when project-based employees remain project employees despite repeated rehiring and performing tasks necessary to business.
Expired Contracts CAN Courts Compel Execution After A Decade
Can courts compel performance of an expired contract after ten years? This article explains the rules on prescription and when courts may still order execution.
Government Contracts Enforceability AND THE Necessity OF Legal Requirements
A look at when government contracts are binding and why strict legal requirements matter for enforceability in the Philippines.
Enforceability of Oral Contracts: Protecting Contractors' Rights Through Quantum Meruit
Oral contracts are binding in the Philippines. Learn how quantum meruit protects contractors who complete work without written agreements.
Reinsurance and Attachment Bonds: Upholding Surety Validity Beyond Retention Limits
Supreme Court clarifies that attachment bonds exceeding a surety's retention limit remain valid when the excess is reinsured, explaining reinsurance contracts.
Security of Tenure for OFWs: Why Illegal Dismissal and Void Contracts Matter
A Supreme Court ruling affirms that overseas Filipino workers enjoy security of tenure, and contracts violating this right are void.
Construction Contracts Default Rules and Unjust Enrichment in Equipment Leases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies default rules on minimum contract amounts, quantum meruit, and unjust enrichment in construction equipment lease disputes.
Duty of Disclosure in Insurance Contracts: Insurers Must Prove Concealment
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that insurers bear the burden of proving concealment or misrepresentation by convincing evidence before rescinding policies.
SEC Cease and Desist Orders and Investment Contracts: A Supreme Court Primer
The Supreme Court clarifies that SEC cease and desist orders are interlocutory, not appealable, and that the SEC has primary jurisdiction over investment contract questions.
Unilateral Lease Termination and Ejectment: Mutuality of Contracts in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a lessor may unilaterally terminate a lease and file ejectment, and the limits of summary proceedings.
When Can a Sale Be Rescinded: Abuse of Rights in Business Contracts
Supreme Court ruling on how a manufacturer's unfair competition against its own distributor can give rise to damages under the Civil Code.
Enforcement of Government Contracts: Recovery Allowed Despite Lack of Funds Certification
Supreme Court allows contractor recovery for government equipment leases despite missing funds certification, citing quantum meruit and equity.
Securities Deposit Immunity Protecting Policyholders Interests IN Insurance Contracts
Learn how the Supreme Court protects policyholders' interests through the securities deposit immunity rule in insurance contracts.
Fixed-Term Contracts: What the 30-Day Notice Rule Means for Renewal
Supreme Court ruling on fixed-term contracts, the 30-day notice requirement, and automatic renewal implications for employers and employees.
When Can a Governor Contract Without Board Approval? Key COA Ruling
A governor must secure sanggunian approval for contracts unless a specific appropriation covers the project. Learn the rules from a 2016 COA case.