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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Breach of Trust Establishing Estafa in Financial Misappropriation Cases
Explore when breach of trust constitutes estafa under Philippine law, and why agricultural leasehold tenants cannot be prosecuted for it.
Extrajudicial Repossession After Lease Default: What Irao v. By the Bay, Inc. Means
Supreme Court explains when a lessor's demand letter counts as notice of termination, allowing extrajudicial repossession of leased property.
Extrajudicial Lease Termination: When a Demand Letter Suffices to End a Lease
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a lessor's demand letter validly terminates a lease and allows extrajudicial repossession.
Extrajudicial Termination Clauses in Lease Agreements: What the Supreme Court Says
The Supreme Court clarifies when a lessor may validly terminate a lease and repossess property without court action under Philippine law.
Vehicle Registration VS Lease Agreements WHO Pays FOR Negligence
Fishpond Exemption and Farmworker Security of Tenure After Lease Expiration
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether fishpond farmworkers retain security of tenure after a civil law lessee's lease expires.
Fishpond Workers' Rights After Lease Expiration: Civil Lease vs Agrarian Reform
Supreme Court ruling on whether fishpond workers hired by a civil law lessee can stay after lease expiration, and why fishponds are exempt from agrarian reform.
Unlawful Detainer When A Lease Violation Doesnt Require Prior Contract Rescission
Lease Renewal Agreement ON ALL Terms Required FOR Valid Extension
Substantial Justice Prevails When Courts Relax Procedural Rules To Correct Errors AND Ensure Fairness
The Supreme Court explains when procedural rules yield to substantial justice, and when a lease renewal option requires full agreement.
Upholding Lease Agreements When Non-Payment of Rent Justifies Ejectment
Learn when non-payment of rent justifies ejectment under Philippine law, and why consignation matters for tenants facing disputes.
Lease Agreements: VAT Liability and Inflation Adjustments Clarified
Supreme Court clarifies when lessors may pass on VAT and adjust rent for inflation under lease contracts.
Lease Termination: Lessors Can Still Collect Rent After Lessee Default and Abandonment
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on lessor rights when lessee defaults and abandons leased property, clarifying remedies for unpaid rent.
Delivery Order Compliance: Who Bears the Loss for Unauthorized Fertilizer Withdrawals
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on who bears the loss when goods are released without proper delivery order forms.
Verbal Leases and Ejectment: When Can a Tenant Be Evicted in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling explains how a verbal month-to-month lease can be terminated, and why ejectment courts may rule on lease and ownership issues.
Upholding Contractual Obligations: Lessee's Duty to Pay Rent and Repair Under Philippine Lease Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on Mercury Drug v. Republic Surety clarifies when a lessee may suspend rent payments and the binding effect of contractual repair obligations.
Fire Damage Liability and Res Ipsa Loquitur in Philippine Lease Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on lessee liability for fire damage, res ipsa loquitur, and temperate damages in lease disputes.
Automatic Lease Rescission: When an Accidental Fire Ends a Lease
Explaining Felsan Realty v. Commonwealth of Australia: when a fire is accidental, a lessee may automatically rescind a lease and claim refunds.
Contractual Obligations and Third Party Rights in Property Lease Disputes
Supreme Court ruling on when lease penalties bind only contracting parties, not property owners who are third parties to the contract.
Real Property Tax Exemption: Government Instrumentalities vs. Beneficial Use by Private Entities
When does a government agency's real property tax exemption end? The Supreme Court clarifies the rule on leased government properties.
Security Deposit Forfeiture and Lease Improvements: The Florentino v. Supervalue Ruling
The Supreme Court limits security deposit forfeiture in lease contracts and clarifies when lessees may claim reimbursement for improvements.
Equitable Reduction of Penalties in Lease Agreements: Balancing Contractual Freedom and Fairness
Supreme Court rules that courts may reduce unconscionable penalties in lease contracts, ordering return of 50% of forfeited security deposits.
Subleasing Prohibitions: Joint Venture vs Lease Agreement Distinctions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a sublease violates a lease contract's prohibition, and why labeling an agreement a "joint venture" may not save it.
Ejectment and Sublease Violations: Service of Notices and Counsel of Record Rules
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on ejectment, sublease prohibitions, and why notices must be served on counsel of record in Philippine cases.