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.
Just Compensation Under CARP: Courts Must Follow DAR Valuation Formula
Supreme Court clarifies that courts determining just compensation under CARP must strictly apply the DAR valuation formula, not substitute their own methods.
Untangling Agrarian Appeals When Is a Petition for Review Required
The Supreme Court clarifies when a petition for review—not an ordinary appeal—is required in agrarian cases, and why procedural lapses may be excused.
Breach of Trust Dismissal for Mismanaging Court Funds in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling shows why clerks of court face dismissal for mishandling judiciary funds, with lessons for all accountable officers.
Bank Not Subsidiarily Liable for Loan Proceeds Released to Borrower
Supreme Court rules banks are not automatically liable when loan proceeds go to a borrower instead of a third-party seller.
Bank Not Liable for Employee's Promise to Seller: Relativity of Contracts in Loan Proceeds Release
Supreme Court rules bank not subsidiarily liable for employee's alleged promise to pay seller directly from loan proceeds, citing relativity of contracts.
Bank Not Subsidiarily Liable Without Clear Obligation: Prudential Bank v. Abasolo
Supreme Court rules a bank is not subsidiarily liable for a loan officer's alleged promises absent a clear obligation or written request.
Valid Service of Summons: Ensuring Corporate Officers Are Notified
Learn when substituted service of summons on a corporate officer is valid under Philippine rules, and how courts protect due process.
Just Compensation in Agrarian Reform: Courts Must Follow DAR Valuation Formula
Philippine Supreme Court rules that courts must apply DAR's mandatory valuation formula under RA 6657 in determining just compensation for agrarian reform lands.
Unjust Enrichment: Security Agency Must Return Illegally Garnished NFA Funds
Supreme Court rules security agency must return P8.4M garnished from NFA under a void writ of execution, citing unjust enrichment.
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.
Contract to Sell Default: When Sellers Can Cancel and Keep the Property Off the Market
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a buyer's failure to pay installments in a contract to sell justifies cancellation by the seller.
Rehabilitation Stay Orders and Foreclosure Rights: The Equitable PCI Bank v. DNG Realty Ruling
When a corporate rehabilitation stay order does not stop post-foreclosure steps like title consolidation and writs of possession.
Sales Invoice Suffices for VAT Refund Claims: Disparity Between Goods and Services Eliminated
Supreme Court rules sales invoices can substantiate VAT refund claims for zero-rated services, not just official receipts.
Redemption Rights in Tax Sales: When the One-Year Period Starts in Quezon City
The Supreme Court clarifies when the one-year redemption period starts for tax-delinquent properties sold at auction in Quezon City.
Corporate Rehabilitation Dismissed for Rule Violations and Creditor Opposition
Supreme Court affirms dismissal of corporate rehabilitation petition where debtor violated procedural rules and faced substantial creditor opposition.
When Cross Collateral Clauses Clash With Verbal Agreements: Understanding Mortgage Obligations
The Supreme Court clarifies that bank branch managers cannot verbally alter mortgage contracts containing cross-collateral or dragnet clauses.
Subrogation Rights Protecting Banks in Loan Agreement Reversals
When a bank pays another party's debt, legal subrogation may let it recover. Learn how the Supreme Court applied this rule.
Mortgage Validity, Good Faith, and Due Diligence in Property Transactions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on mortgage validity, good faith, and the due diligence required of banks before accepting property as collateral.
Limits of DARAB Jurisdiction: Certiorari Power and Agrarian Dispute Resolution
Supreme Court clarifies DARAB jurisdiction limits, certiorari power, and the finality of agrarian dispute decisions in just compensation cases.
Trust and Tax: Protecting Pension Funds Through Beneficial Ownership
How the Supreme Court protected a pension fund's tax-exempt income by recognizing beneficial ownership under Article 1452 of the Civil Code.
Accretion vs Public Domain: Private Land Rights Along Waterways in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when accreted land along creeks belongs to private owners and when prescription applies.
Res Judicata and Forum Shopping: When Repeated Motions Delay Justice
Philippine National Bank v. Intestate Estate of Francisco de Guzman clarifies res judicata, forum shopping, and the limits of repeated motions to dismiss.
Rescission Rights When Leased Property Becomes Unusable Due to Natural Disasters
When a leased property becomes unusable due to floods or other natural causes, lessees may have the right to rescind the lease. The Supreme Court explains the rules.
Annulment of Judgment in Philippine Law: Why Procedural Remedies Must Come First
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that annulment of judgment under Rule 47 requires exhausting ordinary remedies first, or the petition fails.