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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Lease Rescission Rights and Structural Defects: Key Lessons from a Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a lessee may rescind a lease for structural defects and when damages may be awarded.
Lease Obligations and Unforeseen Business Permit Issues: What Tenants Should Know
A look at how Philippine courts handle lease disputes when business permits and unforeseen circumstances disrupt a tenant's operations and obligations.
Distinguishing Financial Leases From Loans Secured by Chattel Mortgage in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a sale-and-leaseback arrangement is actually a loan secured by chattel mortgage, not a true financial lease.
Right of First Refusal in Lease Agreements and Property Sales in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on lessee's right of first refusal when leased property is sold, explained in plain language.
Corporate Officers and Labor Jurisdiction: Lessons from Locsin v. Nissan Lease
The Supreme Court clarifies that corporate officers cannot claim illegal dismissal before labor tribunals; their removal is an intra-corporate dispute.
Surety Bonds Solidary Liability Despite Contract Rescission
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on surety bonds: rescission of the principal contract does not automatically release the surety from liability.
Bank Not Liable for Employee's Promise to Seller: Relativity of Contracts in Loan Proceeds Release
Supreme Court rules bank not subsidiarily liable for employee's alleged promise to pay seller directly from loan proceeds, citing relativity of contracts.
Bank Not Subsidiarily Liable for Loan Proceeds Released to Borrower
Supreme Court rules banks are not automatically liable when loan proceeds go to a borrower instead of a third-party seller.
Lease Agreements Defining the Scope of Leased Assets and Obligations Upon Termination
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on lease agreements, defining asset scope and post-termination obligations for lessors and lessees.
Demand to Comply: The Key to Valid Ejectment in Lease Disputes
Learn the rules on ejectment and demand to vacate, plus when courts may stay execution of eviction judgments.
Unjustified Refusal of Transcript Release: When Can a School Withhold Records
The Supreme Court clarifies when schools may withhold transcripts and why CHED cannot award damages in disputes over student records.
Contractual Obligations Upholding Interest Rates AND Attorneys Fees IN Commercial Agreements
Mining firm's sand and gravel extraction taxed despite mining lease; SC clarifies permit exemptions and tax liability.
Unliquidated Claims When Repair Costs Cannot Offset Rental Payments IN Lease Agreements
When can a lessee offset repair costs against unpaid rent? The Supreme Court explains the rule on legal compensation in lease disputes.
Rescission Rights When Leased Property Becomes Unusable Due to Natural Disasters
When a leased property becomes unusable due to floods or other natural causes, lessees may have the right to rescind the lease. The Supreme Court explains the rules.
Retrenchment and Release: Balancing Employer Rights and Employee Protection in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies valid retrenchment requirements, the role of quitclaims, and when nominal damages apply in labor cases.
Right of First Refusal in Lease Agreements: What Lessees Should Know
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that right of first refusal in lease contracts survives expiration and binds the lessor to offer the property first.
Docket Fees and Estoppel in Lease Termination: Metrobank v. Perez
Supreme Court clarifies when late payment of docket fees is allowed and when a party is barred from raising jurisdiction.
When a Lessor Evicts Sublessees Before the Lease Ends: Sunbanun v. Go
The Supreme Court held a lessor liable for damages after ejecting her tenant's lodgers months before the lease expired, because the contract allowed a lodging house.
Waiver by Acquiescence: The Perils of Delay in Lease Agreement Disputes
A Supreme Court ruling shows how failing to promptly contest a lease violation can waive contractual rights — a cautionary tale for landlords and tenants.
Advertising Rights vs Public Authority: MMDA's Power Over MRT3 Advertisements
Supreme Court ruling on whether MMDA could dismantle billboards on MRT3, a private property under a build-lease-transfer agreement.
Upholding Integrity: Dismissal of Court Personnel for Fraudulent Retirement Benefit Release
The Supreme Court dismissed and disciplined court personnel who facilitated the fraudulent release of a dismissed judge's P1.55-million retirement gratuity.
Eviction and Urban Land Reform: When Prior Rights Yield to New Ordinances
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when month-to-month leases end, and why new city ordinances and PD 1517 protections cannot stop a valid ejectment.
Deposit Refunds Lease Obligations AND Interest Rates Under Philippine LAW
Leasehold Improvements: Understanding Reimbursement Rights and Obligations in Philippine Law
Learn how Philippine courts handle leasehold improvement reimbursement rights, obligations, and settlement through compromise agreements.