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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Mutuality of Contracts: When Banks Cannot Unilaterally Raise Interest Rates
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on Silos v. PNB explains why unilateral interest rate hikes violate the mutuality principle in loan contracts.
Duress in Mortgage Contracts: Reasonable Fear and Legal Claims Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when fear or duress voids a mortgage, and why threatening a legal claim does not vitiate consent.
Revoking Contracts Baguio Citys Parking Dispute AND THE Limits OF Local Authority
The Supreme Court rules on contract revocation, local government authority, and contempt in the Jadewell parking dispute.
Mutuality of Contracts: Banks Cannot Unilaterally Impose Interest Rate Hikes on Loans
Philippine National Bank v. Manalo clarifies that banks cannot unilaterally raise loan interest rates without borrower consent under Article 1308 of the Civil Code.
Expiration of Lease Contracts Resolving Possession Disputes
When a lease expires, so does the lessee's right to possession. The Supreme Court clarifies the rule in Pasig Printing v. Rockland.
Illegal Dismissal: Security of Tenure vs. Employer Prerogative in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling on fixed-term contracts, security of tenure, and the limits of employer prerogative in termination cases.
In Pari Delicto Exception: Unjust Enrichment in Illegal Subcontracts
When an illegal contract leaves one party unjustly enriched, Philippine courts may set aside in pari delicto to prevent inequity.
Unjust Enrichment When Illegal Contracts Require Restitution
The Supreme Court explains when the in pari delicto doctrine yields to the public policy against unjust enrichment in illegal contracts.
Mutuality of Contracts When Banks Unilaterally Impose Interest Rates
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when banks cannot unilaterally impose interest rates, and the legal interest that applies.
Jurisdiction in Property Disputes: Nullifying Contracts vs. Recovering Land Rights
When can the government nullify land titles? The Supreme Court clarifies jurisdiction rules in property disputes involving military reservations.
Contractual Obligations: The Imperative of Complete Performance in Reciprocal Agreements
In reciprocal contracts, a party cannot collect payment without first completing its own obligations—a lesson from a medical pipeline dispute.
Rescission Rights Clarifying Judicial Intervention In Contract Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts can void contracts and titles, and why Torrens titles cannot be attacked collaterally.
Breach of Contract and Good Faith in Security Service Agreements: Adriano v. Lasala
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on unlawful termination of security service contracts, bad faith, and damages under Civil Code.
Right to Match in Government Contracts: When Bidding Preferences Violate Public Policy
Supreme Court rules right of first refusal clauses in government procurement contracts are void, reaffirming public bidding as the cornerstone of public contracts.
Taxpayer Standing in Philippine Law: Protecting Public Funds Through Legal Action
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling in Remulla v. Maliksi on taxpayer standing to challenge government contracts and protect public funds.
Simulated Contracts Ownership Rights and Intent in Property Sales
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on simulated property sales, trust agreements, and ownership rights when intent is to circumvent banking laws.
Mutuality of Contracts: Borrower's Right to Inspect Loan Sale Documents Under Rule 27
Supreme Court rules borrowers may compel production of loan sale agreements to verify consideration and exercise redemption rights under Article 1634.
Unraveling Oral Contracts: Dantis v. Maghinang, Jr. on Land Ownership
The Supreme Court clarifies when oral contracts for land sale fail, hearsay and photocopy evidence are inadmissible, and Torrens titles prevail.
Quantum Meruit: Fair Pay When Contracts Lack Clear Terms
Learn how quantum meruit ensures fair compensation when contracts lack clear payment terms, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in International Hotel Corporation v. Joaquin.
Valid Contracts Despite Regulatory Lapses: Moldex Realty vs. Flora Saberon
Philippine Supreme Court rules that a developer's lack of license or failure to register does not void a contract to sell.
Contract vs Affidavit: Intent and Demand Determine Enforceability
How Philippine courts distinguish contracts from affidavits by intent, and why demand matters for interest accrual.
Overseas Workers' Full Compensation for Illegal Dismissal: Key SC Ruling
SC clarifies that illegally dismissed overseas workers with contracts under one year get full unexpired term salaries, including benefits.
Unsigned Contracts and Oral Plan Changes: When Additional Construction Costs Are Recoverable
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when contractors can recover extra costs from unsigned contracts and orally approved plan revisions.
Claims Against a Deceased's Estate: Quasi-Contracts and Rule 86 Explained
When must a claim against a deceased person's estate be filed in estate settlement proceedings? The Supreme Court clarifies in Metrobank v. Absolute Management.