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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When a Lease of Coconut Trees Becomes an Agricultural Leasehold: Granada v. Bormaheco
The Supreme Court explains when a contract labeled as a lease of coconut trees may actually create an agricultural leasehold with security of tenure.
Lease or Disguised Sale: Recto Law Protects Lessees in Equipment Financing Agreements
When is a lease really a sale? The Supreme Court explains how the Recto Law shields lessees in disguised financing deals.
Redundancy and Release: Examining the Validity of Dismissal and Waiver in Philippine Labor Law
A look at when redundancy dismissals are valid and when quitclaims bar illegal dismissal claims, based on a PLDT case.
Lease Purchase Agreements Ownership Rights and Remedies in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a writ of possession may issue in lease-purchase disputes, explained for lay readers.
When Farm Closures Trigger Separation Pay: Elcee Farms v. NLRC
The Supreme Court clarifies when a farm closure or lease triggers separation pay and when corporate officers can be held personally liable.
Surrender of Leased Property: Padlocking Doesn't Always Mean Continued Possession
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when padlocking a surrendered leased unit does not amount to continued possession, and explains the rules on surrender.
Lease Agreements vs Good Faith Builders: Rights Over Property Improvements
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when lessees can claim reimbursement for improvements—and why Article 1678, not 448, governs lease disputes.
Sublease Rights: When Lessor's Written Consent Is Not Required
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a lessee may sublease without the lessor's written consent, distinguishing sublease from assignment of rights.
Market Stall Leases No Vested Right Against City's Regulatory Power
Stall leases in public markets are privileges, not vested rights, so local governments may impose new occupancy rules under police power.
Security Deposits in Lease Agreements: Clarifying Lessee and Sub-Lessee Obligations
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when security deposits must be returned and what lessors must prove to withhold them.
Lease Extension Balancing Landlord Rights and Tenant Long-Term Occupancy
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when courts may extend a lease under Article 1687 and how to compute reasonable rent after expiration.
Balancing Property Rights and Law Enforcement: The Release of Seized Goods in Intellectual Property Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on the release of seized goods in IP cases, balancing property rights and law enforcement.
Public Bidding Does Not Exempt Takay Projects From the Election Spending Ban
The Supreme Court upheld the Comelec's finding that takay or paquiao public works cannot escape the election ban on fund releases through a public bidding.
Balancing Property Rights: Reimbursement for Improvements on Leased Land
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on tenant's right to reimbursement for house built on leased land, offset against unpaid rent.
Foreshore Lease Preference: Riparian Rights vs. Reclamation in Philippine Land Law
Supreme Court ruling on whether a littoral owner retains preferential right to lease foreshore land that has been reclaimed by another applicant.
Conditional Contracts to Sell: When Buyers' Payment Hinges on Sellers' Prior Mortgage Release
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that in a contract to sell, buyers need not pay until sellers secure mortgage release, and rescission under Article 1191 does not apply.
Lessor Liability for Lease Violations: Trespass in Fact vs Trespass in Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a lessor is liable for third-party disturbances of a lessee's possession, distinguishing trespass in fact from trespass in law.
Second Chances in Law: Lifting Suspension and Releasing Leave Credits After Misconduct
The Supreme Court lifts a dismissed lawyer's suspension and orders release of leave credits, but keeps the ban on government re-employment.
Preventing Spurious Bail Bonds: Court Employee Accountability in the Philippines
The Supreme Court holds court personnel accountable for negligence that allowed spurious bail bonds and release orders to free detained prisoners.
Habeas Corpus and Mootness: When Release Ends a Petition in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a detainee's release renders a habeas corpus petition moot, with practical guidance.
Mayor's Authority to Sign Contracts: Local Government Powers Under Philippine Law
Learn when a city mayor can validly sign contracts for the local government, based on a Philippine Supreme Court ruling on market stall leases.
Lease Renewal in the Philippines: What "Upon Agreement" Really Means
A lease "renewable upon agreement" requires mutual consent—no automatic renewal. Learn the rules from Josefa v. San Buenaventura.
Arraignment Delays and Your Right to Speedy Trial in the Philippines
When repeated postponements of arraignment violate the constitutional right to speedy trial, dismissal of the case and release may be warranted.
Fiscal Autonomy in the Philippines: Automatic Release of Funds for Constitutional Agencies
The Supreme Court clarifies that fiscal autonomy requires full, automatic release of funds to constitutional agencies, not mere scheduling.