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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Bank Liability for Loan Proceeds: Third Party Beneficiaries and Breach of Contract
When is a bank liable to a third party for loan proceeds? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of bank liability and third-party beneficiary claims.
Bank Not Subsidiarily Liable Without Clear Obligation: Prudential Bank v. Abasolo
Supreme Court rules a bank is not subsidiarily liable for a loan officer's alleged promises absent a clear obligation or written request.
Bank Not Subsidiarily Liable for Loan Proceeds Released to Borrower
Supreme Court rules banks are not automatically liable when loan proceeds go to a borrower instead of a third-party seller.
Bank Not Liable for Employee's Promise to Seller: Relativity of Contracts in Loan Proceeds Release
Supreme Court rules bank not subsidiarily liable for employee's alleged promise to pay seller directly from loan proceeds, citing relativity of contracts.
Bank Cashier's Liability for Negligence in Approving Fraudulent Deposits
Supreme Court ruling on a government bank cashier's grave misconduct for approving fraudulent second-endorsed check deposits to a personal account.
Judicial Accountability and Timely Resolution of Cases as a Duty
A bank's premature debiting of a postdated check and the judiciary's duty to resolve cases promptly, explained.
Breach of Banking Duty, Gross Negligence, and Loss of Confidence as Grounds for Dismissal
The Supreme Court rules that a bank officer's gross negligence in failing to secure documents justifies dismissal for loss of confidence.
Land Valuation Under CARP: Defining the Basis for Provisional Compensation
The Supreme Court clarifies that provisional compensation under CARP is based on the Land Bank's initial valuation, not the DARAB award.
Bank Negligence and Crossed Checks: Protecting Payees in Financial Transactions
When banks accept crossed checks without proper indorsement, they breach their duty of extraordinary diligence to the payee.
Bank Accountability for Negligence and Damages in Handling Depositor Accounts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on bank liability for teller negligence causing depositor embarrassment and damages.
Novation Requires Clear Agreement: Loan Restructuring and Foreclosure Rights
Supreme Court clarifies that accepting partial payments does not automatically novate a loan, and banks may still foreclose on defaulted mortgages.
Rehabilitation Stay Orders and Foreclosure Rights: The Equitable PCI Bank v. DNG Realty Ruling
When a corporate rehabilitation stay order does not stop post-foreclosure steps like title consolidation and writs of possession.
Can a Bank Lower the Retirement Age? Lessons from Obusan v. PNB
The Supreme Court explains when a company retirement plan can set a lower compulsory retirement age than the Labor Code's 65-year default.
Breach of Trust: When Banks Overstep Their Authority Over Depositor Accounts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on bank liability for unauthorized deductions from depositor accounts and the fiduciary duty of banks.
When Cross Collateral Clauses Clash With Verbal Agreements: Understanding Mortgage Obligations
The Supreme Court clarifies that bank branch managers cannot verbally alter mortgage contracts containing cross-collateral or dragnet clauses.
Subrogation Rights Protecting Banks in Loan Agreement Reversals
When a bank pays another party's debt, legal subrogation may let it recover. Learn how the Supreme Court applied this rule.
Mortgage Validity, Good Faith, and Due Diligence in Property Transactions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on mortgage validity, good faith, and the due diligence required of banks before accepting property as collateral.
Just Compensation in Agrarian Reform: Balancing Land Valuation and Judicial Discretion
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies just compensation in agrarian reform, balancing Land Bank valuations with judicial discretion in eminent domain cases.
Res Judicata and Forum Shopping: When Repeated Motions Delay Justice
Philippine National Bank v. Intestate Estate of Francisco de Guzman clarifies res judicata, forum shopping, and the limits of repeated motions to dismiss.
When a Constitutional Question Is Ripe for Court Intervention: Defining Judicial Review Limits
Philippine Savings Bank v. Geronimo clarifies the ripeness doctrine and the burden of proving compliance with publication requirements in extrajudicial foreclosures.
Publication Requirements in Extrajudicial Foreclosure: Protecting Mortgagors' Due Process
Philippine Savings Bank v. Geronimo clarifies that strict compliance with publication requirements is essential for a valid extrajudicial foreclosure.
Foreclosure Redemption Rights Under the Rural Banks Act and Property Law
The Supreme Court clarifies redemption periods for rural bank foreclosures under RA 720, emphasizing borrower disclosure duties and laches.
Constructive Dismissal Redefining Unreasonable Employee Transfers Under Philippine LAW
When does a job transfer become constructive dismissal? The Supreme Court clarifies the rule on unreasonable transfers in Philippine Veterans Bank v. NLRC.
Contractual Interest Enforceability of Bank Lending Rates in Delayed Payments
Supreme Court rules stipulated bank lending rates apply automatically to delayed payments without need for separate consent.