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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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.
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.
Forfeiture Clauses Balancing Employer Protection AND Employee Rights IN Commission Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when commission forfeiture clauses in employment contracts are valid and enforceable.
Mutuality of Contracts: Banks Cannot Unilaterally Raise Interest Rates Without Borrower Consent
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why banks cannot unilaterally increase loan interest rates without borrower consent, citing mutuality of contracts principle.
Fixed-Term Contracts: Balancing Employer Flexibility and Employee Security of Tenure
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when fixed-term employment contracts are valid and do not circumvent security of tenure.
Attorney Disqualification: The Limits of Contingency Fees and Conflicts of Interest
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on lawyers acquiring client property during litigation, void contracts, and contingency fee limits.
Beyond the Letter: Protecting Employee Rights and Personal Choices in Workplace Morality
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on agrarian reform land transfers, void contracts, and the limits of workplace morality enforcement.
When Does the State Pay in Government Contracts? The Agency Question
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a contractor can hold the government liable for a subcontractor's unpaid services under an agency theory.
Unilateral Interest Rate Setting in Loan Agreements: Mutuality of Contracts Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on unilateral interest rate setting in PNB loan agreements and the mutuality of contracts principle.
Extrajudicial Rescission of Lease Contracts: What Philippine Law Allows
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a lessor may extrajudicially rescind a lease contract without court approval, and the risks involved.
Extrajudicial Rescission of Lease Contracts: What Lessors Should Know
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that lessors may extrajudicially rescind lease contracts for nonpayment of rent, even without an express contractual provision.
Mortgage Rights Prevail Protecting Mortgagee Interests Over Subsequent Property Contracts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how registered mortgages prevail over later contracts to sell, protecting mortgagee rights.
When Arbitration Clauses Bind Non-Signatories: Nominees and Related Contracts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when arbitration clauses extend to nominees and subsequent related agreements under RA 9285.
Divisibility of Contractual Obligations and Remedies for Breach in Philippine Sales Contracts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on divisible vs. indivisible obligations in sales contracts and remedies upon breach.
Unveiling Corporate Authority When Contracts Exceed Presidential Power
Simulated Contracts: When a Deed of Sale Isn't Really a Sale
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a deed of sale is absolutely simulated and void, using Tanchuling v. Cantela as a guide.
Challenging Fixed Term Contracts Security OF Tenure VS Freedom TO Contract
When Airlines Can Escape Liability: Bad Faith and Fortuitous Events in Carriage Contracts
The Supreme Court explains when a typhoon-caused flight delay absolves an airline from moral damages claims under Philippine law.
When a Carrier's Delay Is a Fortuitous Event: Moral Damages in Breach of Carriage Contracts
The Supreme Court explains when moral damages are recoverable for breach of contract of carriage and why a typhoon-caused delay absolved Northwest Airlines.
Right to Top in Government Asset Sales: The Osmeña v. PSALM Ruling
Supreme Court clarifies when "right to top" provisions in government lease contracts violate public policy on competitive bidding.
Construction Contracts and Legal Interest: Determining Liability in Government Projects
The Supreme Court clarifies when 6% legal interest applies to unpaid construction claims against government agencies and local governments.
Fixed-Term Employment Contracts: When Expiration Is Not Illegal Dismissal
The Supreme Court clarifies when fixed-term employment is valid and its expiration is not illegal dismissal, citing Brent School.
Accountability IN Public Funds Disallowing Unjustified Extension Costs IN Government Contracts
Upholding Workers Rights Interpreting Employment Contracts IN Favor OF Labor
The Supreme Court clarifies when a seafarer's disability becomes total and permanent, and how CBA conflict-resolution clauses bind the parties.