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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Public Purpose in Government Loans to Private Entities: The Bawasanta Case
When can local governments lend public funds to private entities? The Supreme Court clarifies the public purpose rule in Bawasanta v. People.
Loan Agreements and Dacion en Pago: Key Insights from a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies when a loan settlement agreement becomes a dacion en pago and what it means for borrowers and banks.
Dacion en Pago: How to Properly Extinguish Loan Obligations in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains how dacion en pago works, when loan obligations are extinguished, and the pitfalls lenders must avoid.
Navigating Unconscionable Interest Rates in Loan Agreements: A Guide for Borrowers
The Supreme Court affirms that courts may reduce unconscionable interest rates that violate the mutuality of contracts principle.
Understanding Civil Liability in Criminal Cases When Estafa Acquittals Impact Loan Obligations
When an estafa accused is acquitted, can the victim still collect the loan? The Supreme Court explains civil liability ex delicto versus ex contractu.
Unilateral Interest Rate Hikes When Banks Overstep Their Bounds In Loan Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court rules on void unilateral interest rate hikes by banks, mutuality of contracts, and foreclosure validity.
Ultra Vires Acts and Contract Validity: The SSS Loan Case Explained
When government agencies exceed their powers, contracts may be void. The Supreme Court explains ultra vires acts and their impact on Philippine contracts.
Understanding Corporate Veil Piercing Protecting Employee Rights IN THE Philippines
When can a company be held liable for acts of its retirement fund? The Supreme Court explains corporate veil piercing in employee loan disputes.
Simulated Loan Contracts and Surety Liability: Lessons from ATCI v. Asset Pool A
A Supreme Court ruling on simulated loan contracts shows when a surety agreement falls with the void principal obligation.
Unveiling Simulated Contracts When Loans Mask True Intentions in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when credit line agreements are simulated contracts, and how courts uncover the true intent behind loan documents.
Understanding Loan Agreements and Foreclosure: Key Lessons from a Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when banks may foreclose and how courts interpret loan agreements, credit lines, and restructuring contracts in the Philippines.
SALN Misdeclarations and Loans: When Public Officials Avoid Administrative Liability
Supreme Court clarifies when a public official's failure to fully declare assets in SALNs is not grave misconduct or dishonesty.
Extinctive Novation: When a New Loan Cancels an Old Debt and Invalidates Foreclosure
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains how extinctive novation cancels old debts and why foreclosing on extinguished obligations is premature and void.
Loan Agreements and Interest Rates: Lessons from a Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies when banks may impose penalty charges and compound interest under loan restructuring agreements.
Blanket Mortgage Clauses: When Courts Protect Borrowers in Philippine Real Estate
A Supreme Court ruling shows when blanket mortgage clauses fail to cover new loans and why courts protect borrowers.
When Is a Loan Interest Rate Unconscionable in the Philippines?
The Supreme Court explains when a monthly interest rate on a loan becomes unconscionable and void, and what rate applies instead.
Loan Foreclosure and Corporate Rehabilitation: Key Insights From a Landmark Philippine Case
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies how foreclosure proceedings interact with corporate rehabilitation, novation, and redemption rights in the Philippines.
Understanding the Prohibition Against Splitting a Cause of Action in Loan and Mortgage Cases
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a bank cannot file both foreclosure and collection suits for the same loan obligation.
Lost Court Records and Prescription: Lessons from a Philippine Supreme Court Case
When loans and mortgages go uncollected for years, prescription can cancel them. A 2021 Supreme Court ruling explains how.
The Fiduciary Duty of Banks in Loan Accounting: A Guide to Metrobank v. Cruz
The Supreme Court affirms that banks owe clients a fiduciary duty to keep accurate loan records and render full accounting, beyond any internal retention policy.
Lawyer Disbarred for Borrowing From Client and Using Fake Title
A Supreme Court ruling shows how a lawyer's loan from a client, fake title, and bounced check led to disbarment.
Navigating Liability in Government Housing Loan Disbursements: Insights from a Landmark COA Ruling
Learn how the Supreme Court rules on COA disallowances, good faith defenses, and liability for government employees who received disallowed benefits.
Debtors' Burden of Proof in Loan Repayment Disputes: Insights from the Supreme Court
A debtor who claims payment must prove it. The Supreme Court clarifies the burden of proof in loan collection cases.
Grave Misconduct and Personal Loans: When Public Officials Cross Legal Lines
The Supreme Court clarifies when a public official's personal loan becomes grave misconduct, and the proper remedy to question Ombudsman dismissals.