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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The Fiduciary Duty of Banks in Loan Accounting: A Guide to Metrobank v. Cruz
The Supreme Court affirms that banks owe clients a fiduciary duty to keep accurate loan records and render full accounting, beyond any internal retention policy.
Bank Manager Discretion and Personal Liability: Insights from Philippine Banking Law
When can a bank manager be personally liable for losses? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of managerial discretion and solidary liability.
Abuse of Rights in Philippine Law: A Case Study on Mortgage and Property Transactions
The Supreme Court clarifies the abuse of rights principle under Article 19, showing when a bank employee's blunt remarks do not amount to bad faith.
Judicial Authority and Bank Liquidation: Understanding the Limits of Court Intervention
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when judges overstep their authority in bank liquidation proceedings, and the consequences of doing so.
Garnishment and Legal Compensation in Banking: The BPI v. Central Bank Case
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on bank liability, garnishment, and clearing house operations in BPI v. Central Bank.
When Bank Fraud Is Not the Bank's Fault: BPI v. Central Bank and the Limits of Employer Liability
The Supreme Court explains when a government bank is liable for employee fraud, and the limits of employer liability under Article 2180.
Just Compensation in Agrarian Reform: Lessons from Land Bank v. Hilado
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may deviate from DAR valuation formulas in agrarian reform just compensation cases.
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 a Bank Fails: Jurisdiction Over Claims Against Banks Under Liquidation
Philippine Supreme Court rules on which court hears claims against a bank placed under PDIC liquidation, voiding orders from a court without jurisdiction.
Bank Liquidation Jurisdiction and Claims Against Insolvent Banks in the Philippines
When a bank enters liquidation, all claims against it—including mortgage disputes—must be filed with the liquidation court, not regular courts.
Understanding Jurisdiction in Agrarian Reform Disputes: Insights from a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Case
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified jurisdiction over agrarian reform disputes in Land Bank v. Heirs of Divinagracia, a key Philippine property law case.
Foreign Bank Foreclosures in the Philippines: Lessons from Parcon-Song v. Parcon
A 2020 Supreme Court ruling clarifies when foreign banks may foreclose on Philippine property and why the timing of the foreclosure matters.
Just Compensation in Agrarian Reform: Lessons from Land Bank v. Nasser
The Supreme Court clarifies how just compensation is computed for agrarian reform lands, emphasizing the landowner's loss, not the taker's gain.
When a Surety Bond Must Be Honored: Cellpage v. Solid Guaranty Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies when a surety is liable despite no written principal contract, and how bank errors affect obligations.
Bank Liability for Forged Checks: Protecting Your Accounts in the Philippines
When a bank pays a forged check, it bears the loss. Learn the rules on bank liability and depositor rights.
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.
Expropriation and Heirship: Who Pays Commissioners' Fees in Just Compensation Claims
Supreme Court clarifies that landowners, not Land Bank, pay commissioners' fees in agrarian expropriation cases when they initiate just compensation claims.
When Landowners Pay Commissioners' Fees in Agrarian Cases: The LBP v. Heirs of Sanchez Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies who bears commissioners' fees in agrarian reform valuation cases, exempting the Land Bank from such costs.
Liability for Dishonored Bank Drafts: Holder in Due Course vs Drawer's Obligations
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies a bank drawer's liability on dishonored bank drafts, even after a stop payment order, when held by a holder in due course.
Holder in Due Course Rights Prevail Over Stop Payment Orders
Philippine Supreme Court rules a holder in due course can enforce bank drafts despite stop payment orders, explaining drawer liability under the Negotiable Instruments Law.
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.
Compromise Agreements VS Mortgage Rights CAN Banks Foreclose After Restructuring Loans
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.
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.