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.
Proving Actual Damages: The Standard for Compensation in Philippine Contract Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the strict standard for proving actual damages in contract disputes, requiring clear and convincing documentary evidence.
Contract to Sell vs Dacion en Pago: Protecting Subdivision Lot Buyers in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains how PD 957 protects subdivision lot buyers even when a developer transfers the property to a bank through dacion en pago.
Reimbursement Rights When a Payor Can Recover Debt Paid on Another's Behalf
When can a co-maker recover payment made on a debtor's loan? The Supreme Court explains Article 1236 reimbursement rules.
Writ of Possession and Foreclosure: When a Threat to Foreclose Does Not Vitiate Consent
Supreme Court ruling on extrajudicial foreclosure, simulated contracts, and why a threat to enforce a legal claim does not vitiate consent.
Shareholder Derivative Suits: Venue and Procedure Under Philippine Rules
Learn how Philippine courts determine venue for shareholder derivative suits and why procedural choices like certiorari vs. appeal matter.
Continuing Surety Agreements: When a Surety Is Liable for Another's Loan
Philippine Supreme Court explains continuing surety agreements and when a surety becomes liable for a principal debtor's obligations.
Mutuality of Contracts: The Limits of Bank Discretion in Setting Interest Rates
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that unilateral interest rate setting violates mutuality of contracts, but the principal loan obligation remains valid and enforceable.
Novation and Insurance Claims: Contractual Obligations in Secured Transactions
When a mortgaged car is carnapped, does insurance payment extinguish the loan? The Supreme Court clarifies novation rules.
Usury Law and Contractual Obligations: Striking the Balance in Loan Agreements
The Supreme Court clarifies how the Usury Law interacts with loan restructuring, refinancing, and the binding force of contracts in DBP v. CA.
Demand NOT Always Needed When Philippine Banks CAN Foreclose Without Prior Notice
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when banks may foreclose without prior demand, and limits on preliminary injunctions against foreclosure.
Corporate Identity and Loan Obligations: Name Change Does Not Excuse Debt Payment
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether a corporate name change or bank identity affects loan obligations and surety liability.
Usury Law and Loan Obligations: Balancing Lender Rights and Borrower Protection
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on 21% interest validity, 3% monthly surcharge nullity, and borrower obligations under the Usury Law.
Court Can Grant Unprayed Relief When Facts Warrant It: Arroyo v. Taduran
Supreme Court affirms P500,000 award despite no prayer for indemnity, citing judicial admissions and the rule on relief based on factual allegations.
Loan or Partnership: Supreme Court on Novation and Acknowledgment Receipts
When does a loan become a partnership contribution? The Supreme Court clarifies novation, acknowledgment receipts, and payment application rules.
Upholding Contractual Agreements: Trust Receipts and Surety Agreements in Loan Obligations
The Supreme Court reaffirms that contracts are the law between parties, enforcing stipulated interest, penalties, and service charges in trust receipt loan transactions.
Interest on Penalties: The Limits of Compounding in Loan Obligations
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when interest may be charged on unpaid penalty charges in loan contracts, and when courts may reduce unconscionable penalties.
Accommodation Mortgages and Redemption Rights: Limits of Debtor Liability
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on accommodation mortgagors' redemption rights and liability limits under P.D. 694 and Act 3135.
Checks Issued as Guarantee Still Fall Under B.P. 22; Judge Suspended for Partiality
Supreme Court rules checks issued as guarantee are still covered by B.P. 22, and suspends a judge for partiality and gross ignorance of the law.
Legal Interest Rates in the Philippines: When Does 6% vs 12% Apply
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when 6% or 12% legal interest applies—loans and forbearance versus other obligations. Learn the rules.
Philippine Legal Interest on Loans: When Does 12% Apply? Villanueva v. CA Explained
Learn when 12% legal interest applies to unpaid loans in the Philippines, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Villanueva v. Court of Appeals.