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.
Equitable Mortgage Prevails When A Deed Of Sale Masks A Loan Agreement
When a deed of sale actually secures a loan, Philippine law treats it as an equitable mortgage. The Supreme Court explains the rules.
Conjugal Property vs Separate Insurance: When a Spouse's Death Does Not Pay Off the Mortgage
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a mortgage redemption insurance payout applies after a spouse's death, and how conjugal property is determined.
When Silence Isn't Golden: Novation and Debtor Substitution in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when a creditor's silence or acceptance of payments amounts to novation and debtor substitution.
Foreclosure Jurisdiction: Assessed Value of Property Determines the Proper Court
In foreclosure suits, the property's assessed value—not the loan amount—determines which court has jurisdiction. Learn from a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Default Orders and Affidavit of Merit: Lessons from Far East Fuel v. Airtropolis
A default order can be lifted only with an affidavit of merit and proof of excusable negligence. Learn the rules from a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Writ of Possession: Ministerial Duty vs Third-Party Adverse Claims in Foreclosure Sales
The Supreme Court clarifies when a writ of possession is ministerial and when third-party adverse claims can stop it.
Piercing the Corporate Veil in Labor Cases: The Toledo Construction Ruling
When courts ignore corporate structures to enforce labor judgments, protecting workers from fraudulent asset transfers and evasion.
Financial Support and VAWC: Defining the Boundaries of Criminal Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies that mere failure to provide financial support is not enough for criminal liability under RA 9262.
Bank Negligence and Fiduciary Duty: PNBS Responsibility to Depositors
When banks fail depositors, liability follows. This case clarifies the fiduciary duty and negligence standards for Philippine banks.
Enforcing Debt Obligations: Promissory Notes and Checks as Evidence in Sales Transactions
Supreme Court rules promissory notes and dishonored checks can prove a sale and enforce payment, reversing the Court of Appeals.
When Is a Family Home Exempt from Execution? Key Lessons from Taruc v. Maximo
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a family home is exempt from execution and what evidence a judgment debtor must present to claim the exemption.
Family Home Exemption From Execution: What Philippine Law Requires
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies family home exemption from execution, requiring proof of actual occupancy and compliance with Family Code.
Appeal Bond for Labor-Only Contractors: Solidary Liability and NLRC Appeals
When must a labor-only contractor post an appeal bond? The Supreme Court clarifies solidary liability and appeal perfection rules.
Equitable Mortgage vs Sale: Protecting Possessory Rights in Philippine Property Law
When is a deed of sale actually an equitable mortgage? The Supreme Court explains how Article 1602 protects possessory rights.
Co-Ownership Rights and Provisional Ownership in Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that co-owners cannot eject each other from inherited property before partition, even with a Torrens title.
Sovereign Debt vs Constitutional Mandates: Balancing Loan Agreements With National Interests
The Supreme Court upheld two China-financed loan agreements, ruling on presidential immunity, Monetary Board concurrence, and procurement rules.
Escrow Funds and Execution of Judgments: Rights of Third-Party Banks Clarified
Supreme Court clarifies when escrow funds may be reached in executing money judgments, protecting third-party banks from premature court orders.
Solidary Liability in Labor Standards: Protecting Employee Wage Claims
When a contractor fails to pay wages, the principal employer can be held solidarily liable. The Supreme Court clarifies the rules.
Corporate Officers Held Liable for Customs Fraud Piercing the Corporate Veil
Learn how Philippine courts pierce the corporate veil to hold officers liable for customs fraud, and what this means for corporate governance.
Standby Letters of Credit vs Counter-Bonds: Safeguarding Preliminary Attachments in Philippine Litigation
A standby letter of credit cannot substitute a counter-bond to discharge a preliminary attachment under Rule 57, per the Supreme Court.
Estate vs Trustee: Intestate Courts Cannot Decide Ownership Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that intestate courts lack jurisdiction to adjudicate ownership of properties claimed by third parties under adverse title.
Equitable Mortgage vs Pacto de Retro: Protecting Borrowers From Unfair Loan Agreements
When is a "sale with right to repurchase" really a loan? The Supreme Court explains equitable mortgage and pactum commissorium.
Trust Receipts and Estafa: Why a Payment Agreement Does Not Erase Criminal Liability
The Supreme Court ruled that a new payment schedule cannot erase criminal liability for trust receipt violations, which are malum prohibitum.
Agricultural Tenancy Bars Foreclosure Writ of Possession: Land Bank v. Basilan
The Supreme Court rules that agricultural tenancy is a valid third-party claim that suspends a writ of possession over foreclosed land.