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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Court Employees and Private Loans: When Public Office Creates a Conflict of Interest
A Supreme Court ruling explains when a court or government employee's private loan becomes an administrative offense, and the proper remedy for dismissed complaints.
Understanding Acceleration Clauses in Loan Agreements: A Guide to Immediate Debt Repayment
The Supreme Court explains how acceleration clauses work in loan agreements, allowing creditors to demand full payment upon default.
Mortgagee in Good Faith: Protecting Banks and Borrowers in Property Transactions
Supreme Court ruling on mortgagee in good faith doctrine and banks' duty of diligence in property loans.
When Does Government Bidding Apply to Credit Programs? A Procurement Law Guide
The Supreme Court clarifies that government procurement rules do not apply to credit programs where the agency merely facilitates loans, not purchases.
Investment Contracts in Lending Businesses: Rights, Risks, and Recovery of Principal
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when investors in lending businesses can recover their principal and how courts distinguish investments from loans and partnerships.
Investment vs. Loan: Supreme Court Rules on Return of Capital in Lending Business
When is an investment really a loan? The Supreme Court clarifies when investors can demand return of principal.
Investment vs Loan: When a "Pay on Demand" Promise Binds the Investor
The Supreme Court clarifies when an investment becomes a recoverable obligation, and how the parties' own acts define their contract.
Consent in Contracts: Supreme Court Voids Mortgage for Lack of Genuine Agreement
Supreme Court voids mortgage where a bank misled an elderly woman into signing a loan document she believed was a mere guarantee.
Surety Agreements and Solidary Liability: Lessons from a Philippine Loan Dispute
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when sureties become liable for corporate loans and why economic crises do not excuse payment.
Unconscionable Interest Rates: When 5% Monthly Loan Interest Is Void in the Philippines
Philippine courts void unconscionable loan interest rates even if borrowers agreed to them. Learn the rules, the legal interest substitute, and foreclosure effects.
Lawyer Suspended for Dishonored Loan and Disregard of Legal Processes
A lawyer was suspended one year and fined for failing to pay a loan, issuing a bouncing check, and ignoring IBP proceedings.
Loan Assignment vs Guaranty: Bank Liability for Assigned Loan Proceeds
When is a bank liable for assigned loan proceeds? The Supreme Court clarifies the difference between assignment and guaranty.
Forged Signatures and Bank Liability: Upholding Due Diligence in Loan Transactions
When a bank honors a forged check, it bears the loss. The Supreme Court explains why in PNB v. Giron-Roque.
Forged Check Nullifies Loan and Foreclosure: Lessons from PNB v. Giron-Roque
A forged check voids a loan and its foreclosure. Learn the banking diligence rules and borrower remedies from this Philippine Supreme Court case.
Compromise Agreements VS Mortgage Rights CAN Banks Foreclose After Restructuring Loans
Limits of Mandamus: DepEd Not Compelled to Collect Loan Payments for Private Lenders
Supreme Court rules DepEd cannot be compelled by mandamus to collect and remit teacher loan payments for private lenders.
Public Office vs Private Interests: When Loans Become Unlawful Under RA 6713
The Supreme Court clarifies when public officials violate RA 6713 by obtaining loans from cooperatives they regulate, and why membership rights do not exempt them.
Ombudsman's Discretion Upheld in Probable Cause Determinations for Anti-Graft Cases
Supreme Court affirms Ombudsman's dismissal of behest loan complaint, respecting prosecutorial discretion absent grave abuse.
Loan Restructuring and Surety Obligations: Understanding Novation and Continuing Guarantees
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when loan restructuring extinguishes a surety's obligation and the binding effect of continuing guarantees.
Judicial Demand as Cure for Default and Foreclosure Rights in Loan Agreements
How filing a complaint can cure lack of extrajudicial demand, and why collection and foreclosure are mutually exclusive remedies.
Equitable Mortgage VS Sale Protecting Property Rights IN Loan Agreements
Hidden Car Defects and Loan Obligations: What Buyers Should Know
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when car buyers can rescind a sale for hidden defects and why loan obligations remain separate.
CBA vs Company Policy: Protecting Employee Rights in SSS Loan Availment
Supreme Court rules company policy capping employee loans at 50% of pay violates CBA and Labor Code.
Deed of Assignment Validity and Loan vs. Sale: Key Contract Lessons from the Supreme Court
The Supreme Court clarifies when a Deed of Assignment establishes ownership, and how courts distinguish a loan from a sale.