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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
Probable Cause in Deposit Insurance Claims: Lessons from PDIC v. Gidwani
The Supreme Court reinstates probable cause findings against Manu Gidwani for estafa and money laundering, clarifying standards for preliminary investigations in deposit insurance fraud cases.
Where to File Certiorari Against PDIC Decisions on Deposit Insurance Claims
Learn where to file certiorari against PDIC decisions on deposit insurance claims, and what makes a deposit insurable under Philippine law.
Earnest Money in a Contract to Sell: When Buyers Lose Their Deposit
The Supreme Court explains when earnest money in a contract to sell may be forfeited and when lessees may suspend rent under Article 1658.
When a Cashier’s Actions Justify Dismissal for Loss of Trust in the Philippines
A cashier’s failure to deposit checks on due dates can be valid grounds for dismissal for loss of trust and confidence in Philippine labor law.
Dismissal for Dishonesty and Grave Misconduct: Clerk of Court's Breach of Trust Over Court Funds
A clerk of court who failed to deposit court collections daily was dismissed for dishonesty and grave misconduct, even after full restitution.
Tax Sale Deposit Rule: When Section 267 of the Local Government Code Does Not Apply
Supreme Court clarifies when the Section 267 deposit requirement for tax sale challenges does not apply, remanding Beaumont case for trial.
Sheriff's Duty to Properly Handle and Liquidate Funds in Court-Ordered Actions
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies sheriffs must deposit execution expenses with the Clerk of Court, not receive direct payments.
Valid Consignation Demands Strict Compliance With Legal Requirements
Learn when depositing rent in a bank account is not valid consignation, and what the law requires for debt payment.
When a Bank's Deposit of Rent Is Not Valid Consignation: PNB v. Chan
The Supreme Court explains why depositing disputed rent in a savings account is not valid consignation, and the consequences of delay.
Securities Deposit Immunity Protecting Policyholders Interests IN Insurance Contracts
Learn how the Supreme Court protects policyholders' interests through the securities deposit immunity rule in insurance contracts.
The 20-Lender Rule and Deposit Substitutes in Philippine Bonds Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies the 20-lender rule for deposit substitutes and the 20% final withholding tax on government bonds.
Banks' Duty of Utmost Diligence: Liability for Forged Manager's Checks
When a bank clears a counterfeit manager's check bearing its own officers' forged signatures, it bears the loss—not the depositor.
Depositions Abroad: Balancing Convenience and Due Process in Philippine Civil Suits
The Supreme Court clarifies when a foreign plaintiff residing abroad may take deposition outside the Philippines for direct testimony in a Philippine civil case.
Loan Transfers and Corporate Rehabilitation: Clarifying Creditor Rights in Philippine Law
Supreme Court ruling on whether loan sale proceeds deposited with a creditor are covered by a loan transfer during corporate rehabilitation.
Breach of Contract: Upholding Banks' Right to Set Off Loans Against Deposits
Supreme Court rules banks may set off deposits against unpaid loans when valid hold-out agreements exist, reversing lower court rulings.
Joint Account Withdrawal Rights: Limits of Authority Among Co-Depositors
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on joint account, meaning either depositor could transact without the other's signature.
Court Employee Fined for Delayed Deposit of Judiciary Funds: Accountability Rules
Court employee fined P10,000 for delayed remittance of judiciary funds; SC clarifies duty to deposit collections within 24 hours.
TAX Sale Validity Depositing Disputed Funds AS A Jurisdictional Hurdle
Cash Deposit or Counter Bond: The Only Ways to Discharge an Attachment in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that only cash deposits or counter-bonds can discharge a writ of attachment—not real property.
When Can a Bank Deposit Real Property Instead of Cash to Lift an Attachment?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that under Rule 57, only cash deposit or counter-bond can lift a writ of attachment.
Bank Deposit Secrecy in Insolvency: Creditors Cannot Waive a Debtor's Rights
Supreme Court rules creditors cannot waive an insolvent debtor's bank deposit secrecy rights without the debtor's written consent or receiver's conformity.
Bank Deposit Secrecy: Upholding Depositor Rights in Insolvency Proceedings
The Supreme Court rules that a corporation's bank deposits stay confidential in insolvency unless the depositor gives written consent to waive secrecy.
Earnest Money Misconceptions When A Deposit Doesnt Guarantee A Sale
The Supreme Court clarifies that earnest money only binds a seller after a contract of sale is perfected—not before consent is given.
Clarifying Deposit Substitutes: The 20-Lender Rule and Tax Implications in Bond Transactions
The Supreme Court clarifies when treasury bonds qualify as deposit substitutes subject to 20% final withholding tax, and the limits of BIR ruling retroactivity.