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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Upholding Client Trust: Attorneys' Duty of Diligence and Accountability
Banks must honor commitments in good faith; courts award temperate damages when actual loss can't be precisely proven.
Mortgage in Good Faith: How Banks Are Protected From Fraudulent Land Titles in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how banks that accept mortgages in good faith are protected from forged or fraudulent land titles.
Bank Liability and Misplaced Trust: Who Pays When Loan Payments Go Astray
When a bank forecloses on property later found to be fraudulently mortgaged, who bears the loss? This case explains the legal protection for innocent mortgagees.
IN Pari Delicto NO Relief FOR Parties IN Illegal Banking Schemes
Protecting Subdivision Lot Buyers: The Need for HLURB Approval in Mortgage Agreements
A Supreme Court ruling explains why a developer's mortgage over subdivision lots is void without HLURB approval, and what this means for lot buyers and banks.
Banks' Fiduciary Duty to Protect Depositors' Funds: What the Law Requires
Philippine law imposes a strict fiduciary duty on banks to protect depositors' funds. This article explains the legal standards and consequences of breach.
Tenant Redemption Rights and Land Bank Certification Requirements
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a Land Bank certification suffices for tenant redemption under R.A. 3844, and when it fails.
Execution of Judgment: The Writ Must Mirror the Decision’s Terms
A writ of execution that varies from the final judgment is void. DBP v. Union Bank explains why precision matters.
Estoppel in Jurisdiction: Participating in Court Waives Right to Later Challenge It
A party who actively participates in court proceedings cannot later question the court's jurisdiction. Learn the rule from Manila Bankers Life v. Eddy Ng Kok Wei.
When Corporate Notices Are Not Libel: The Novicio Case on Privileged Communication
A look at Novicio v. Aggabao, where the Supreme Court ruled that a corporate officer's notice to banks about changed signatories was not libel.
Foreclosure Publication Requirements: Protecting Property Rights in Rural Bank Loans
Learn how strict publication rules in rural bank foreclosures protect property owners, and why buyers must verify possession before purchasing.
Gross Receipts Tax: When Withheld Interest Income Still Counts for Banks
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether the 20% final withholding tax on banks' passive income forms part of gross receipts for the 5% gross receipts tax.
Bank Negligence in Foreclosure: Damages and Attorney's Fees Reassessed
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how courts compute actual, moral damages and attorney's fees when banks act negligently in foreclosure disputes.
Mistaken Identity Banks Liability FOR Negligent Levy OF Property
Good Faith in Land Disputes: When a Builder Loses Rights Under Article 448
Philippine National Bank v. De Jesus clarifies when a builder on another's land can claim good faith rights under Article 448 of the Civil Code.
Bank Liability for Unauthorized Withdrawals: Fiduciary Duty and Negligence
When a bank's negligence allows an impostor to withdraw funds, the bank may be liable. This case explains the rules on fiduciary duty and contributory negligence.
Valid Service of Summons: Protecting Due Process in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies rules on personal service of summons, due process, and annulment of judgments in Lazaro v. Rural Bank.
Personal Surety Liability vs Corporate Rights: When Banks Lose Their Claim
A bank's unauthorized extension of credit deadlines releases personal sureties from liability, even when they signed a continuing guaranty.
Service of Court Decisions: When Notice to a Party Trumps Notice to Counsel
Philippine Commercial International Bank v. Court of Appeals clarifies when service of a CIAC decision on a party, not counsel, starts the appeal period.
Gross Receipts Tax on Banks Includes Withheld Interest Income
Supreme Court rules the 20% final withholding tax on interest income forms part of a bank's gross receipts for gross receipts tax purposes.
Deposit Insurance Coverage and the Usual Course of Business Rule in Bank Transactions
Supreme Court ruling on PDIC coverage for deposits made before a bank's closure, defining "usual course of business."
Banks' Due Diligence in Foreclosure Sales and Rights of Land Reform Beneficiaries
A bank that forecloses on land without ocular inspection cannot eject land reform beneficiaries, as the Supreme Court ruled in Rural Bank of Sta. Ignacia v. Dimatulac.
Bank of America v. Litonjua: When Courts May Keep a Case Despite Foreign Ties
Explaining when Philippine courts may keep a case despite foreign connections, and why denial of a motion to dismiss is not appealable via certiorari.
Forum Non Conveniens and Philippine Courts: Discretion in International Disputes
Philippine courts may assume jurisdiction over international disputes when convenient, fair, and enforceable—explained through Bank of America v. Court of Appeals.