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.
Bouncing Checks and Civil Liability: Why You Can't Sue Separately for a BP 22 Violation in the Philippines
Learn why a bounced check can lead to estafa prosecution, not just BP 22, and what this means for your civil remedies.
When Can You Intervene in a Philippine Case? Cayanan v. North Star Analysis
Learn when courts allow intervention in Philippine cases through Cayanan v. North Star, and how civil liability survives criminal acquittal.
Philippine Sheriff Accountability Upholding Timely Writ Execution AND Proper Fund Handling
Supreme Court rules on sheriff's grave misconduct for delayed writ return and mishandling of execution proceeds in Sorsogon case.
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.
Buyers Can Suspend Payments When Title Is Clouded: Daleon v. Tan
When a property's title is clouded by an adverse claim, buyers may stop paying installments without risking forfeiture of their downpayment.
Forfeiture of Downpayment: When a Buyer's Stop Payment Is Justified
Supreme Court ruling on when sellers cannot forfeit a buyer's downpayment due to adverse claims on property title.
Written Stipulation Is Paramount: Examining Interest Rate Agreements in Loan Contracts
The Supreme Court clarifies when interest rates bind borrowers and when the 12% legal rate applies instead.
When Is a Statement an Admission? Lessons from a Prawn Feed Dispute
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a written statement counts as an admission and when corporate officers can be held personally liable.
Default and Foreclosure: When Accepting Late Payments Waives the Right to Foreclose
A lender who accepts late and partial payments after a borrower's default may waive the right to foreclose. Learn the rule from this Philippine case.
Dishonored Checks and Unpaid Debts: Why a Civil Case Does Not Always Stop a Criminal Charge
A civil collection suit does not automatically suspend a criminal case for violation of B.P. Blg. 22. The Supreme Court explains when a prejudicial question exists.
When Lawyers Issue Bouncing Checks: Administrative Liability Under Philippine Law
A lawyer who issues worthless checks faces suspension even after full payment. Learn the rules from a Supreme Court administrative case.
Estafa Conviction Overturned: The Critical Role of Notice in Bouncing Check Cases
The Supreme Court acquits Goretti Ong of estafa, ruling that failure to prove notice of dishonor is fatal to a bouncing check prosecution.
False Promises and Financial Ruin: Establishing Estafa Through Deceit in Investment Schemes
The Supreme Court affirms that luring investors with false profit promises constitutes estafa, even when the accused claims ignorance of the scheme.
Bouncing Checks and Iniquitous Interest: When a Civil Case Cannot Stop a Criminal Prosecution
Learn when a dispute over unconscionable interest rates can—and cannot—suspend criminal prosecutions for bouncing checks under BP 22.
B.P. 22 Appeals: Failure to Serve Solicitor General Justifies Dismissal
Learn why failing to serve the Solicitor General in a B.P. 22 appeal can be fatal, and what procedural rules apply.
Postdated Checks and Estafa: When a Bouncing Check Becomes a Crime
The Supreme Court clarifies when issuing postdated checks with insufficient funds constitutes estafa under the Revised Penal Code.
Mandatory Foreclosure: GFIs Must Verify Borrower Payments Before Proceeding
Supreme Court ruling on P.D. 385: government financial institutions must verify borrower payments before mandatory foreclosure.
Protecting Your Property Investments Understanding Grace Periods AND Cancellation IN Philippine Real Estate Co
Learn how Philippine law protects real estate buyers on installment, including grace periods, cancellation rules, and cash surrender value rights under RA 6552.
New Trial After Final Judgment: The Dinglasan Case on B.P. 22 and Procedural Remedies
When can a convicted accused seek a new trial based on newly discovered evidence? The Supreme Court explains the limits.
Protecting Your Property Rights: Contract Cancellation in Philippine Real Estate
Learn how RA 6552 protects installment buyers and why procedural rules matter in contract cancellation cases under Philippine law.
Bounced Checks and Broken Promises: Understanding Estafa Liability in Philippine Transactions
When do bounced checks create criminal liability for estafa? The Supreme Court clarifies who can be held liable under Article 315.
Bouncing Checks Law: Insufficient Funds and the Necessity of Demand
Understand BP 22's rules on insufficient funds, notice of dishonor, and when demand is truly required.
Good Faith Payments and Prior Satisfaction as Grounds for Acquittal in BP 22 Cases
Supreme Court acquits corporate officer in BP 22 case where the dishonored check was fully paid two years before charges were filed.
Burden of Proof in Estafa: Proving Deceit Beyond Reasonable Doubt in Bouncing Check Cases
Postdated checks don't automatically mean estafa. The Supreme Court explains why deceit must be proven beyond reasonable doubt.