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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Contractual Obligations vs Agrarian Reform: Upholding Lease Agreements in Agricultural Land Disputes
Supreme Court rules on binding lease addendums in agrarian reform lands, emphasizing contract mutuality and prescription under RA 3844.
Central Bank Independence vs. Contractual Obligations: Resolving Disputes Over Government Securities
The Supreme Court rules that the Bangko Sentral cannot adjudicate ownership disputes over government securities, and regular courts must resolve them.
Duty to Bargain During Intra-Union Disputes: Employer Obligations Under Philippine Labor Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that intra-union leadership disputes do not excuse an employer from the duty to bargain collectively.
Due Process in Employee Dismissal: The Two-Notice Rule and Employer Obligations
Learn the two-notice rule in Philippine labor law and how the Supreme Court applied it to probationary employees in Carvajal v. Luzon Development Bank.
Corporate Merger and Garnishment: Surviving Corporation's Liability for Pre-Existing Obligations
When banks merge, the surviving corporation inherits garnishment obligations of the absorbed bank. The Supreme Court explains why.
Breach of Contract When Failure to Pay Justifies Rescission Despite Concurrent Obligations
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when failure to pay a guaranteed amount justifies rescission even if the other party also breached concurrent obligations.
Government Instrumentalities and Tax Exemption: Defining the Scope of Real Property Tax Obligations
The Supreme Court clarifies when a government entity with corporate powers is exempt from real property tax, distinguishing instrumentalities from GOCCs.
Service Fees in Lease Agreements: The Subic Bay Freeport Case on Reciprocal Obligations
When can a lessor collect service fees? The Supreme Court clarifies that service fees require actual rendition of services under reciprocal obligations.
Novation Nullified: Why Payment Agreements Don't Automatically Erase Original Loan Obligations
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a new payment agreement novates an old loan—and when it doesn't, in Heirs of Franco v. Gonzales.
Compromise Offers and Debt Obligations: When Words Don't Bind Lawyers
A lawyer's compromise offer in a debt dispute can imply guilt. Learn the ethical rules and prescription rules for lawyer discipline.
Trust Receipts vs Loans: Distinguishing Obligations in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between trust receipts and loan obligations, and the legal consequences for banks and borrowers.
Court Employees and Financial Obligations: Ethics Beyond the Courtroom
A Supreme Court ruling reminds court employees that personal debts and conduct reflect on the judiciary's integrity and honor.
Personal Liability of Corporate Officers: When Are They Responsible for Company Debts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when corporate officers and directors can be held personally liable for corporate obligations and debts.
When Bank Officers Can Be Sued Personally: Lessons from Urban Bank v. Peña
The Supreme Court ruled that corporate officers cannot be held solidarily liable for corporate obligations without proof of bad faith or wrongdoing on their part.
CBA Imposition Balancing Employer Rights AND Collective Bargaining Obligations
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the scope and effectivity of an imposed CBA when an employer commits unfair labor practice by refusing to bargain.
Solidary Liability of Sureties: Understanding Your Obligations in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that sureties solidarity liable with a debtor cannot use corporate rehabilitation stay orders to delay or avoid payment obligations.
Loan Interest Rate Adjustments Understanding Banks Rights AND Borrowers Obligations IN THE Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on implied trusts in mortgage contracts, parol evidence, and borrower protections.
Surety Agreements in the Philippines: Understanding Liability Limits and Payment Obligations
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies surety liability caps, payment evidence, and when obligations are extinguished under Article 2054.
Mortgage Obligations and Appeal Rights in Real Estate Disputes
The Supreme Court rules on mortgage obligations, appeal periods, and writs of execution in a dispute between borrowers and PNB.
Forfeiture of Conversion Fees: Understanding Government Contracts and Bidding Rules in the Philippines
When can the government forfeit a bidder's payment? The Supreme Court explains bidding rules, forfeiture clauses, and government contract obligations.
Contractual Obligations and Attorneys Fees: Liability in Lease Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies when attorneys fees are recoverable in lease disputes and how courts determine contractual liability.
Retrenchment in the Philippines: Employee Rights and Employer Obligations
A Supreme Court ruling shows what employers must prove before retrenching staff, and why a signed quitclaim does not always bar an illegal dismissal case.
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.
When Court Employees Owe Debts: Administrative Liability for Unpaid Obligations
A court process server who failed to pay a just debt for seven years was fined for conduct unbecoming, showing that public office demands high ethical standards.