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.
Tax Liens vs Judgment Credits: Priority Disputes in Philippine Law
Supreme Court ruling on when a tax lien beats a judgment creditor's levy on real property under the National Internal Revenue Code.
Lawyer Suspended Five Years for Issuing Worthless Checks and Neglecting Professional Duties
A lawyer who issued bounced checks for decades-old debts and ignored disciplinary orders was suspended for five years and fined P10,000.
Solidary Liability and Interest Rates in Philippine Partnerships: Key Lessons from a Supreme Court Ruling
A look at a Supreme Court ruling on solidary liability, novation, and unconscionable interest rates in business loans and partnerships.
Equitable Interest: How Liquidating Dividends Impact Foreign Land Ownership in the Philippines
SC ruling on whether a foreign stockholder's liquidating dividends in Philippine land may be levied to satisfy judgment debts.
Mutuality of Contracts and Foreclosure Rights in Philippine Loans
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that void interest stipulations do not invalidate foreclosure when the principal debt remains unpaid.
Judicial Clemency Denied But Restitution Waived After Court Employee's Death
Supreme Court denies judicial clemency to guilty court clerk but waives unpaid restitution after death, applying compassionate justice.
Corporate Veil and Judgment Execution: Can a Successor Corporation Be Held Liable?
When a judgment debtor's assets pass to another corporation, can the winner enforce the judgment against the successor? The Supreme Court explains.
Unconscionable Interest Rates and Jurisdictional Amount in Loan Agreements
When does accrued interest count toward the jurisdictional amount? The Supreme Court clarifies in Domasian v. Demdam.
Understanding Suretyship: When Can a Surety Be Released From Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies when a surety may be released from liability and when material alterations to the principal contract do not extinguish the bond.
Dacion en Pago: How to Properly Extinguish Loan Obligations in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains how dacion en pago works, when loan obligations are extinguished, and the pitfalls lenders must avoid.
Loan Agreements and Dacion en Pago: Key Insights from a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies when a loan settlement agreement becomes a dacion en pago and what it means for borrowers and banks.
Property Claims in Probate: When Philippine Courts Can Decide Ownership
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when probate courts can rule on property claims against a decedent's estate, distinguishing money claims from ownership disputes.
Novation Requires Unequivocal Terms: Asian Construction vs Mero Structures
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when letters between parties create novation, and when an obligation remains unchanged.
Spousal Liability for Debts in the Philippines: The Zapanta Case Explained
When can one spouse be held liable for the other's debts? The Supreme Court's ruling in Zapanta v. Rustan clarifies the rules on family property liability.
Writs of Possession in Extrajudicial Foreclosures: What Borrowers Should Know
Learn when courts must issue writs of possession after extrajudicial foreclosure, the limited exceptions, and the proper remedies for borrowers.
Reviving Dormant Judgments: Understanding the 10-Year Window for Enforcement in the Philippines
Learn how long you have to enforce a final judgment in the Philippines, what happens when the 10-year prescriptive period lapses, and how to revive a dormant judgment.
Fraud and Writs of Preliminary Attachment: Lessons from a Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
When does non-payment of a debt amount to fraud justifying a writ of preliminary attachment? A recent Supreme Court ruling provides clear guidance.
Understanding Interest on Final Judgments: A Guide for Property Owners and Legal Professionals
The Supreme Court clarifies when legal interest begins to run on final money judgments against government agencies, protecting property owners' rights.
Rehabilitation Courts and Tax Disputes: The Power to Resolve Claims Tied to the Rehabilitation Plan
The Supreme Court clarifies when a rehabilitation court may resolve claims involving local tax disputes, distinguishing incidental claims from those requiring separate actions.
Bank Liquidation and Bounced Checks: When Receivership Suspends Criminal Liability
The Supreme Court explains how bank receivership and liquidation affect criminal liability for bounced checks under B.P. 22.
Property Transactions and Novation: Lessons from East West Banking v. Cruz
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a bank—or any party—can sue, and why choosing the wrong appeal can end a case.
When Foreclosure Is Valid Despite Pending Labor Case: HSBC v. Galang
The Supreme Court clarifies when a lender may foreclose despite a pending illegal dismissal case, applying debtor-creditor rules.
Unveiling Simulated Contracts When Loans Mask True Intentions in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when credit line agreements are simulated contracts, and how courts uncover the true intent behind loan documents.
Oral Contracts of Sale: Validity and Enforceability Under Philippine Law
When is a verbal sale agreement binding in the Philippines? Learn the rules on validity, enforceability, and vitiated consent from a recent Supreme Court ruling.