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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Dark Fiber Lease in the Philippines: Rules for Capacity and Cable Agreements
Dark fiber lease in the Philippines sits outside public utility classification, but the agreement still needs the right legal treatment and regulatory checks.
Customs Post-Clearance Audit in the Philippines: How the BOC Checks Imports
A customs post-clearance audit in the Philippines lets the Bureau of Customs verify goods declarations after release. Learn how importers should prepare and respond.
Executive Separation Agreements in the Philippines: Structuring a Clean Exit
An executive separation agreement in the Philippines defines the terms of a corporate officer's exit, covering separation pay, quitclaims, and release from liability.
Long-Term Land Lease in the Philippines for Foreign Investors: Rules Under RA 12252
Foreign investors may lease private land in the Philippines for up to 99 years under Republic Act No. 12252, subject to registration and investment rules.
Colocation Agreements in the Philippines: Key Terms and Risk Allocation
A colocation agreement in the Philippines is a services contract, not a lease of real property. Learn the key terms, regulatory limits, and risk allocation rules.
Bangsamoro General Appropriations Act: How the BARMM Budget Process Works
The Bangsamoro General Appropriations Act funds BARMM's yearly operations. Learn how the regional budget is appropriated, released, and reported.
Ground Lease for Data Center Philippines: Key Terms and Legal Rules
A ground lease for a data center in the Philippines is governed by the Civil Code and the Revised Corporation Code. Here are the terms that decide the deal.
Customs Clearance for Imports from China to the Philippines: A Step-by-Step Guide
Learn how customs clearance for imports from China to the Philippines works under the CMTA — who may file, what documents are needed, and how to release goods.
Franchise Financing in the Philippines: Banks, Leases, and Security Arrangements
Franchise financing in the Philippines combines bank loans, equipment leases, and security arrangements governed by the Civil Code and the Revised Corporation Code.
Mall Lease Agreement Philippines: Key Rules for Retailers and Tenants
Understand what a mall lease agreement in the Philippines covers, your rights as a tenant, and the Civil Code rules on rent, repairs, and deposits.
Final Pay in the Philippines: What It Includes and the 30-Day Deadline
Final pay in the Philippines must be released within 30 days of separation. Learn what it includes and the rules on payment.
Mandamus and Retirement Benefits: How Government Employees Can Enforce Their Rights
Learn how mandamus can compel government agencies to release delayed retirement benefits, based on a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Lease Improvements and Builder in Good Faith: What Philippine Lessees Must Know
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies who owns lease improvements and why "builder in good faith" rarely applies to lessees.
Abandonment in Agrarian Leaseholds: What Farmers and Landowners Must Know
The Supreme Court clarifies when a farmer's absence amounts to abandonment—and why notarized documents alone cannot end a leasehold.
Sandiganbayan Jurisdiction Over Ill-Gotten Wealth and Lease Contract Validity
Supreme Court rules Sandiganbayan has jurisdiction over lease contract nullity involving alleged ill-gotten wealth, affirming state ownership of Paoay properties.
When Sheriffs Cross the Line: Illegal Exaction, Neglect of Duty, and Administrative Liability
A sheriff who directly collects fees without court approval and releases seized property without authority faces administrative liability, as the Supreme Court recently ruled.
Co-Owner’s Lease Without Consent: Rights of Heirs and Lessees Explained
Can one co-owner lease shared property without the others’ consent? The Supreme Court explains the limits, the lessee’s rights, and the remedies for non-consenting heirs.
Second Chances: The Supreme Court's Compassionate Stance on Judicial Clemency
The Supreme Court partially grants a dismissed judge's plea for clemency, allowing release of 1/3 of her retirement benefits.
Agency Coupled With Interest Irrevocability AND Protection OF Third Party Rights IN Lease Agreements
Explaining when an agency coupled with interest becomes irrevocable, protecting the agent's rights and third-party interests in lease agreements.
Beneficial Use Doctrine: Who Pays Real Property Tax on Government-Owned Land
When government property is leased to a private entity, the beneficial use doctrine makes the lessee liable for real property tax. Learn the rule.
Unwarranted Benefit: Dissecting Graft and Conspiracy in Optical Media Regulation
The Supreme Court clarifies conspiracy and graft liability under RA 3019 in a case involving released pirated DVDs from OMB custody.
Understanding Suretyship: When Can a Surety Be Released From Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies when a surety may be released from liability and when material alterations to the principal contract do not extinguish the bond.
Understanding Unlawful Detainee Release: Insights From the Marzan Case
A jail officer who releases a detainee without a court order can face graft charges. The Supreme Court explains why in Marzan v. People.
Understanding Lease Rights and Obligations: Insights from a Landmark Philippine Case
A Philippine Supreme Court case clarifies the rights and obligations of lessors and lessees in lease agreements, offering practical guidance.