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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Joint vs Solidary Obligations: What the Supreme Court Says About Liability in Contracts
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when multiple debtors are only jointly liable, not solidarily liable, under Philippine contract law.
When Acquittal Doesnt Always Clear THE Debt Civil Liability AND Bouncing Checks
An acquittal in a bouncing checks case does not automatically erase civil liability. Learn the rule from Samson Ching v. Nicdao.
Piercing the Sole Proprietorship Veil: Personal Liability for Business Debts in Illegal Dismissal Cases
Learn when Philippine courts hold sole proprietors personally liable for business debts, including illegal dismissal claims, and how to protect personal assets.
When Is a Sales Manager Personally Liable for Company Debts? Agency Rules Explained
Philippine Supreme Court explains when an agent or sales manager can be held personally liable for company obligations under Article 1897.
Personal Liability of Corporate Directors: Due Process and Bad Faith Standards
When can corporate directors be held personally liable for labor debts? The Supreme Court clarifies due process and bad faith requirements.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When a Parent Company Can Be Liable for Its Subsidiary's Debts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a parent company and its subsidiary can be treated as one employer for labor liability.
Debt and Dishonor: Upholding Integrity in Public Service — Bisnar v. Nicandro
Court stenographer held liable for willful failure to pay just debts and gross insubordination. A lesson in public accountability.
Piercing the Corporate Veil in the Philippines: When Parent Companies Pay Subsidiary Debts
Philippine courts can hold parent companies liable for subsidiary debts when the subsidiary is a mere instrumentality. Learn the rules from General Credit v. Alsons.
Philippine LAW Owner Liability FOR Contractor Debts Understanding Article 1729
When can a building owner be held liable for a contractor's unpaid debts? The Supreme Court explains Article 1729 of the Civil Code.
Debt Recovery Gone Wrong Understanding Abuse of Rights in Property Repossession Uypitching vs Quiamco
Explore abuse of rights in debt recovery and property repossession through the Supreme Court ruling in Uypitching vs Quiamco.
Integrity Under Scrutiny: Court Employees and the Duty to Pay Just Debts
Court employees must pay just debts—even after settlement, administrative liability may still attach. Learn from a Supreme Court ruling.
Willful Failure to Pay Just Debts: Disciplinary Risks for Philippine Government Employees
Philippine public servants can face administrative discipline for willful failure to pay just debts, even after settlement. Learn the rules and risks.
Loan Repayment Establishing Debt Despite Indirect Payment IN Corporate Subscriptions
Corporate Authority and Debt: When a Corporation Is Not Liable for Its President’s Loan
A corporation is not liable for a president’s personal loan unless authorized or ratified. Learn the rules from a 2006 Supreme Court case.
Family Home Exemption: Claiming Protection Before the Execution Sale
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when and how judgment debtors must claim the family home exemption from execution sale.
Credit Card Debt Understanding Interest Terms AND Consumer Rights IN THE Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts protect creditors from fraudulent schemes by banks and directors, and what this means for consumer rights.
Lawyer Suspended for Dishonoring Debt and Issuing Worthless Checks
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for six months for failing to pay debt and issuing checks drawn against a closed account.
Extinguishment of Debt by Overpayment and Nullification of Extrajudicial Foreclosure
When overpayment extinguishes a mortgage debt, a foreclosure based on alleged default has no legal basis and may be voided.
Piercing THE Corporate Veil When CAN A Company BE Held Liable FOR Anothers Debt
Consignation and the Debtor's Right to Withdraw: Lessons from Banco Filipino v. Diaz
When can a debtor withdraw a consignated deposit? The Supreme Court explains the rules under Article 1260 of the Civil Code.
Automatic Debt Relief: How Legal Compensation Can Extinguish Obligations
Legal compensation extinguishes debts automatically under Philippine law. The Supreme Court explains when mutual obligations offset each other by operation of law.
Surety's Liability Survives Death of Principal Debtor: Stronghold Insurance v. Republic-Asahi
The Supreme Court rules that a surety's solidary liability under a performance bond is not extinguished by the death of the principal debtor.
Employer Liability When an Employee's Crime Becomes the Company's Debt
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on employer subsidiary liability for crimes committed by employees, and when companies must answer for employee misconduct.
Successor Liability in Philippine Labor Law: When Is a Company Responsible for Another's Debts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a company becomes liable for another firm's labor debts under successor liability rules.