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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
Labor Contracting in the Philippines: When a Contractor's Registration Is Not Enough
The Supreme Court clarifies when a registered contractor is actually a labor-only contractor, making the principal the true employer.
Compulsory Insurance for OFWs: When Agency-Hired Coverage Applies
The Supreme Court clarifies when overseas Filipino workers are covered by compulsory insurance, and what happens when contracts are renewed.
Maritime Liability in Vessel Collisions: Fault, Insurance Claims, and the Code of Commerce
When vessels collide, determining liability depends on the cause of action—contract or tort. The Supreme Court clarifies the governing rules.
Illegal Dismissal of Seafarers: Due Process and Contract Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the twin notice rule and monetary awards for illegally dismissed seafarers under Philippine law.
Understanding Prescription Periods in Property Disputes: Lessons from a Landmark Philippine Case
Learn how prescription periods work in property disputes through the Supreme Court's ruling in Selerio v. Bancasan on interrupted timeframes and written contracts.
When a Surety Bond Must Be Honored: Cellpage v. Solid Guaranty Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies when a surety is liable despite no written principal contract, and how bank errors affect obligations.
Fixed-Term Employment in the Philippines: What the Supreme Court Says About Validity and Dismissal
Learn when fixed-term employment contracts are valid in the Philippines, and what the Supreme Court ruled in Tuppil v. LBP Service Corporation.
Seafarer Death Benefits: The Burden of Proof and Contract Limits in Work-Related Illness Claims
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on seafarer death benefits, contract interpretation, and burden of proof for work-related illness claims.
Understanding Death Benefits in Seafarer Contracts: Lessons from a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when death benefits are payable under domestic seafarer contracts, and what heirs should do when a contract is silent.
Contract of Sale vs Contract to Sell: When Ownership Transfers in Philippine Real Estate
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between contract of sale and contract to sell, and when ownership actually transfers in real estate transactions.
Investment Contracts in Lending Businesses: Rights, Risks, and Recovery of Principal
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when investors in lending businesses can recover their principal and how courts distinguish investments from loans and partnerships.
Investment vs Loan: When a "Pay on Demand" Promise Binds the Investor
The Supreme Court clarifies when an investment becomes a recoverable obligation, and how the parties' own acts define their contract.
Navigating Contractual Boundaries When CAN A Third Party BE Bound BY A Writ OF Attachment
When Sellers May Keep Partial Payments in a Failed Property Sale
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a seller may keep partial payments as rentals after a failed contract to sell.
Understanding Constructive Dismissal and Management Prerogatives in Philippine Employment Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a seafarer's cause of action for illegal dismissal accrues, and the limits of management prerogative in terminating overseas employment contracts.
Illegal Dismissal and Contractual Rights for Seafarers: Key Lessons from Loadstar v. Erispe
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies seafarers' rights on illegal dismissal, vacation leave, overtime pay, and medical expense claims under the POEA-SEC.
Consent in Contracts: Supreme Court Voids Mortgage for Lack of Genuine Agreement
Supreme Court voids mortgage where a bank misled an elderly woman into signing a loan document she believed was a mere guarantee.
Employment Bonds and POEA-Approved Contracts: Key Lessons from a Recent Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies when employment addenda are void, when resignation is involuntary, and who bears solidary liability for overseas workers' claims.
Breach of Contract: Enforceability of Employment Contracts Absent Actual Deployment
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether a perfected employment contract binds parties even without actual deployment, and which court has jurisdiction over breach claims.
Breach of Contract: When a Perfected Employment Contract Binds the Employer Even Without Deployment
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that a perfected employment contract creates employer-employee relations even if deployment never happens, and labor arbiters have jurisdiction over resulting claims.
Contract to Sell Default Extinguishes Buyer's Right to Possess Property
When a buyer defaults in a contract to sell, the buyer loses the right to possess the property. The Supreme Court explains why.
Relaxation of Procedural Rules Ensures Substantial Justice Prevails Over Technicalities in Certiorari Petition
Supreme Court relaxes procedural rules to resolve merits of case involving memorial lot purchase, affirming RTC decision annulling contract.
Understanding Contracts TO Sell: Key Insights From a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a contract is an assignment, not a guaranty, and the limits of apparent authority.
Liability in Government Contracts: Mere Initialing Not Enough
When can government officers be held personally liable for disallowed payments? The Supreme Court clarifies in this COA case.