A step-by-step process for handling civil disputes in Philippine business transactions — from reading the dispute clause and computing deadlines to choosing between barangay conciliation, arbitration, small claims and the regular courts.
The Civil Code sets the base rules for every business–customer contract; the Consumer Act and e-commerce laws add protections when the customer is a consumer. Here is how the layers fit, stage by stage.
A practical checklist of the civil law issues Philippine businesses face most — contracts, non-payment, delay, penalty clauses, employee liability, and filing deadlines — with the Civil Code rules that decide them.
Ownership under the Philippine Civil Code means legal authority over a thing or right—not merely possession, registration, or physical control.
When a fixed-term lease ends, the tenant’s right to stay ends with it, and the landlord can recover the property through an unlawful detainer (ejectment) case in the Municipal Trial Court, not by force. Before filing, send a written notice to vacate, check that the lease was not impliedly renewed, and go through barangay conciliation…
No. A Philippine landlord cannot lawfully force out a tenant who refuses to leave without going to court. Article 536 of the Civil Code says a person who believes they have a right to take a thing from its holder “must invoke the aid of the competent court” if the holder refuses to give it…
Quick answer: The landlord is generally responsible for necessary repairs that keep the leased property suitable for its intended use, unless the lease validly provides otherwise. The tenant is responsible for using the property with proper care and may be liable for damage caused by misuse or negligence. Gather the lease, photos and repair records…
Generally, no. While a lease is running, the tenant is the lawful possessor of the unit, and the landlord must “maintain the lessee in the peaceful and adequate enjoyment of the lease for the entire duration of the contract” (Civil Code, Art. 1654(3)). A landlord may enter with the tenant’s consent, as the lease allows,…
Quick answer: Generally, no. In the Philippines, a landlord cannot raise the rent in the middle of a lease on their own unless the lease itself allows it, because a contract “has the force of law between the contracting parties” and its compliance “cannot be left to the will of one of them” (Civil Code,…
When must a security deposit be returned and what can a landlord deduct? Philippine rules on RA 9653 limits, wear and tear, interest and refund disputes.