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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
Deposit Insurance Claims When Banks Fail Are Your Deposits Protected
Learn how PDIC deposit insurance works when a bank fails, and why a certificate of time deposit does not guarantee payment.
Behest Loans and Criminal Liability: When a Bank Officer's Recommendation Is Not a Crime
Supreme Court clarifies that a PNB officer's flawed loan recommendation is not automatically a crime under the Anti-Graft law absent authority to bind the bank.
Pledge vs. Corporate By-Laws: Who Wins in Stock Ownership Disputes?
A bank's pledged shares were sold by a club for unpaid dues. The Supreme Court ruled on who prevails.
When Banks Cannot Unilaterally Raise Interest Rates: The Florendo Rule
The Supreme Court ruled that banks cannot unilaterally raise loan interest rates without a valid Central Bank issuance, upholding mutuality of contracts.
Loan Interest Rates CAN Banks Unilaterally Increase Them
Diplomatic Immunity in the Philippines: Protecting International Organizations From Legal Suits
The Supreme Court explains how diplomatic immunity shields international organizations like the Asian Development Bank from local lawsuits, and why courts must respect it.
Preliminary Injunctions and Diplomatic Immunity: The ADB Case Explained
Learn how the Supreme Court protected the Asian Development Bank's diplomatic immunity from labor suits and what this means for legal remedies.
When Can an Employee Be Dismissed for Loss of Trust and Confidence: A Philippine Guide
Philippine Savings Bank v. NLRC explains when loss of trust and confidence justifies dismissal and when it does not.
When Can a Bank Seize Funds? Understanding Set-Off Rights in the Philippines
Learn when Philippine banks can legally seize deposits through set-off, and the limits on this right under Philippine law.
Mutuality of Contracts: Why Banks Cannot Unilaterally Change Interest Rates
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains why banks cannot unilaterally raise loan interest rates without borrower consent, citing mutuality of contracts.
Solidary Liability in Promissory Notes: Inciong v. Philippine Bank of Communications
A co-maker who signs a promissory note cannot escape solidary liability by claiming fraud without clear evidence, as explained in this Philippine case.
Unilateral Interest Rate Hikes When Banks Overstep Their Bounds
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when banks cannot unilaterally raise loan interest rates, and the limits of escalation clauses.
The Best Evidence Rule: Proving Payment and Authority in Philippine Law
Philippine National Bank v. Court of Appeals clarifies when the best evidence rule requires producing an original document to prove payment and agency authority.
Injunctions and Property Rights: When Courts Will Intervene
A clear property right is essential for an injunction. The Supreme Court explains the rules in Far East Bank v. Court of Appeals.
Unregistered Land Rights Trump Mortgages: Due Diligence for Banks in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on State Investment House v. CA: banks must inspect property beyond Torrens title or risk losing to unregistered buyers.