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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Breach of Contract When Failure to Pay Justifies Rescission Despite Concurrent Obligations
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when failure to pay a guaranteed amount justifies rescission even if the other party also breached concurrent obligations.
Bank Not Liable for Branch Manager's Unauthorized Guarantee: UCPB v. Planters Products
Supreme Court rules banks are not bound by branch managers' unauthorized guarantees, protecting banks from liability in connivance schemes.
SSS Death Benefits: Does Legal Separation Bar a Spouse’s Claim?
Legal marriage alone does not guarantee SSS death benefits—surviving spouses must prove actual dependency, especially after separation.
Bank Certification Letters Are Not Guarantees: Lessons from Bank of Commerce v. Goodman Fielder
When is a bank's certification letter a binding guaranty? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on apparent authority and contractual interpretation.
Conditional Certifications vs Bank Guarantees: When a Bank Is Not Liable
Supreme Court clarifies when a bank's conditional certification of a credit line application does not constitute a binding bank guarantee.
Marine Risk Note Alone Cannot Prove Subrogation: Eastern Shipping Lines v. Prudential Guarantee
Insurers must present the marine insurance policy to prove subrogation claims; a marine risk note alone is insufficient under Philippine law.
Party List Representation: Guaranteeing Seats While Balancing Proportionality
The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on party-list seat allocation in Philippine elections, balancing guaranteed seats with proportional representation.
Right of Way When a Promise Isn't a Guarantee in Property Sales
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a company's promise to extend a contract becomes binding, and the limits of corporate liability.
Suretyship and Subcontracting: When Does a Surety Guarantee Performance
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a surety's liability arises in subcontracting and why reimbursement claims belong in regular courts.
Illegal Dismissal of Seafarers: Overtime Pay and Contractual Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on seafarer illegal dismissal, salary for unexpired contract, and guaranteed overtime pay.
Bail Rights in the Philippines: Understanding When and How They Can Be Restricted
Philippine law guarantees bail as a matter of right for most offenses. A Supreme Court ruling explains when courts may restrict it.
Fixed-Term Employment in the Philippines: When Contracts Don't Guarantee Fixed Terms
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when fixed-term employment contracts are invalid for circumventing security of tenure.
Default Doesn't Mean Victory: Why Plaintiffs Still Need Evidence in Philippine Courts
A default order doesn't guarantee a win. Philippine courts still require plaintiffs to prove their case by preponderance of evidence.
Trust Receipts and Personal Guarantees: When Corporate Officers Are Personally Liable
Corporate officers who sign trust receipts may face personal liability. The Supreme Court clarifies when a signature creates a guarantee.
When Floating Status Doesnt Guarantee Separation Pay: Employee Rights and Employer Obligations
Understand when floating status ends in separation pay claims. Learn the JPL Marketing ruling on 13th month pay and service incentive leave.
Bouncing Checks and Guarantees: Alonto v. People and the Reach of BP 22
The Supreme Court clarifies when a postdated check issued as a guarantee still violates the Bouncing Checks Law, BP 22.
Strict Enforcement of the 60-Day Rule in Certiorari Petitions: Prudential Guarantee v. Court of Appeals
The Supreme Court affirms dismissal of a late certiorari petition, underscoring the mandatory and inextendible 60-day period under Rule 65.
Can Employers Withhold Wages for Loan Guarantees or Training Bonds? SC Says No
Philippine Supreme Court rules employers cannot withhold wages or benefits as lien for car loan guarantees or training expenses. Learn the limits.
When a Guilty Plea Doesnt Guarantee Conviction Ensuring DUE Process IN Capital Offenses
The Supreme Court clarifies that a guilty plea in capital offenses requires strict compliance with due process, ensuring the accused fully understands the consequences before conviction.
Indemnity Against Liability When A Guarantee Triggers Immediate Action
When a writ of execution varies the terms of a final judgment, it is null and void. This case explains why.
Checks AS Guarantee Lagman VS People When A Bounced Check Becomes A Crime
The Supreme Court clarifies when a check issued as a guarantee, not payment, falls under the Bouncing Checks Law.
Negligence in Guaranteeing Loans: A Public Official's Duty of Care
Court employee suspended for negligently guaranteeing loans for an impostor. Learn the duty of care for public officials.
Checks as Guarantee in Loan Agreements: No Estafa Without Deceit
Supreme Court clarifies that postdated checks as loan guarantees do not constitute estafa absent proof of fraud or deceit.
Corporate Authority vs Surety: When Board Resolutions and Personal Guarantees Collide
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on corporate authority, board resolutions, and surety liability in a discounting transaction.