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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Writ of Possession in Foreclosure: Bank Rights Prevail Over Third-Party Claims
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled that a writ of possession in extrajudicial foreclosure is ministerial, and third-party claimants must use proper remedies.
Bank Negligence Bars Recovery: Solutio Indebiti and Unjust Enrichment in Check Clearing Errors
Supreme Court rules banks cannot recover funds lost to their own gross negligence in check clearing, explaining solutio indebiti and unjust enrichment.
Mortgage Release: Full Payment Trumps Bank's Restructuring Claim
Full payment of a loan obliges a bank to release the mortgage. The Supreme Court clarifies when a bank's restructuring claim fails.
Distinguishing Loan From Accommodation When Bank Negligence Leads to Liability
When is a deposit a loan or a mere accommodation? The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction and when banks face liability for employee negligence.
Contractual Obligations Prevail: Bank's Right to Offset Debts Despite Trustee-Beneficiary Claims
Supreme Court ruling on when a bank may validly apply a borrower's funds to settle debts, even amid trustee-beneficiary claims.
Mandamus and Bank Due Diligence in Tax Payment Mishaps
When a bank's tax payment goes astray, mandamus may not compel a treasurer to issue receipts. Learn the due diligence rule.
Torrens Title Prevails Over Unregistered Deeds in Land Ownership Disputes
When a property becomes registered under the Torrens System, prior unregistered claims are defeated. Learn the rules from Naawan Bank v. Spouses Lumo.
Indispensable Parties in Mortgage Annulment Cases: Insights from China Banking Corp. v. Oliver
When is a mortgagor indispensable in an annulment of mortgage case? The Supreme Court clarifies in China Banking Corp. v. Oliver.
The Right to Appeal in Administrative Cases: Safeguarding Integrity in Public Service
Philippine National Bank v. Garcia clarifies that the government may appeal decisions exonerating employees from administrative charges.
Balancing Corporate Discretion and Regulatory Oversight: The BCDA Compensation Case
The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of a government corporation's power to grant employee benefits beyond Central Bank standards.
Lawyer Suspended for Misappropriating Client Funds in Fake PNB Fixer Scheme
A Supreme Court ruling suspends a lawyer for six months for misappropriating P60,000 from a client through false claims of bank connections.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When a Bank Isn't Liable for a Foreclosed Firm's Debts
PNB acquired PASUMIL's foreclosed assets but wasn't liable for its debts. The Supreme Court explains when corporate veil piercing applies.
Accretion Rights and Land Ownership Along Riverbanks: Key Philippine Rules
Philippine Supreme Court explains how accretion rights along riverbanks determine land ownership, and why prior judgments bind future claims.
Tenant Redemption Rights, Land Bank Financing, and Notice Rules in Agrarian Reform
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on tenant right of redemption, Land Bank financing requirements, and written notice under agrarian reform law.
Execution of Judgment: Liability Limited to the Dispositive Portion of the Court Decision
A writ of execution must conform to the dispositive portion of a final judgment. Learn from Solidbank v. Court of Appeals.
Liability FOR Negligence Banks Duty TO Exercise DUE Diligence IN Handling Remittances
Dereliction of Duty and Dismissal Integrity in Public Service: Lessons from DBP v. Nequinto
The Supreme Court dismissed a sheriff for grave misconduct after he abused his authority in enforcing a writ of execution against a government bank.
Bearer Certificates: Banks Must Verify Payment and Prevent Loss
A bank that pays a bearer certificate of deposit without requiring surrender and indorsement remains liable to the true owner.
COA Oversight and Private Auditors in Government Banks: The DBP Case
Supreme Court rules COA audit power over government banks is not exclusive; private external auditors may conduct concurrent audits.
Contract TO Sell VS Contract OF Sale Insular Lifes Acquisition OF Home Bankers Savings AND Trust CO
Foreclosure Sales: Bank's Right to Possession After Redemption Period Ends
Supreme Court ruling on a bank's right to possession of foreclosed property after the redemption period expires without redemption.
Foreclosure and the Right to Possession: Protecting Bank Assets in Liquidation
A bank in liquidation can still seek a writ of possession over foreclosed property. Learn the rules on jurisdiction, intervention, and redemption.
Bank Liability for Premature Foreclosure and Dishonored Deposits
When can a bank be liable for damages? The Supreme Court rules on premature foreclosure, dishonored checks, and bad faith.
Ombudsman Bank Inquiries and Secrecy Laws: The Court’s Balancing Test
The Supreme Court clarifies when the Ombudsman may inspect bank accounts under R.A. 1405 and R.A. 6770, and why courts may hear declaratory relief on such orders.