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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Guaranty vs Direct Liability: Who Pays the Debt When Loans Go South
Philippine law distinguishes guaranty from direct liability. Learn who pays when a borrower defaults and what this means for creditors and guarantors.
Foreclosure Publication Requirements: Protecting Property Rights in Rural Bank Loans
Learn how strict publication rules in rural bank foreclosures protect property owners, and why buyers must verify possession before purchasing.
Court Employee Reprimanded for Willful Failure to Pay Just Debts
Supreme Court rules on administrative liability of court employee who refused to pay cooperative loans, citing ethical standards.
Negligence in Guaranteeing Loans: A Public Official's Duty of Care
Court employee suspended for negligently guaranteeing loans for an impostor. Learn the duty of care for public officials.
Unraveling Behest Loans Discovery Rule AND Ombudsmans Discretion
Untangling Behest Loans, Prescription, and the Ombudsman's Discretion in PCGG v. Desierto
The Supreme Court clarifies when behest loan cases prescribe and limits the Ombudsman's dismissal power in PCGG v. Desierto.
Usurious Loans and Mortgage Validity When Interest Exceeds Legal Limits in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on usurious loans: when hidden interest voids a mortgage and what borrowers and lenders should know.
Due Diligence in Real Estate Mortgages: A Lender's Responsibility
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why mortgage lenders must verify borrower identity and property status before approving real estate loans.
Behest Loans, Prescription, and Ombudsman Discretion in Anti-Graft Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies the discovery rule for behest loan offenses and the Ombudsman's broad discretion to dismiss complaints lacking probable cause.
Unmasking Corruption: Statute of Limitations and the Discovery Rule in Graft Cases
When does the 15-year prescription period for graft cases begin? The Supreme Court explains the discovery rule for behest loans.
Pactum Commissorium: Why Automatic Property Grab in Loan Agreements Is Illegal in the Philippines
Philippine law bans pactum commissorium—automatic property forfeiture in loans. Learn the rule, the Marino v. Salcedo case, and your rights.
Prescription Periods for Behest Loans: When Does the Clock Start Ticking?
When does prescription begin for behest loan offenses? The Supreme Court clarifies the discovery rule under Act No. 3326.
Equitable Mortgage vs. Pacto de Retro Sale: When a "Sale" Is Really a Loan
Philippine courts look beyond contract labels. Learn how Articles 1602 and 1603 protect borrowers from disguised loans and unfair foreclosure.
Legal Interest Rates in the Philippines: When Does 6% vs 12% Apply
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when 6% or 12% legal interest applies—loans and forbearance versus other obligations. Learn the rules.
Philippine Legal Interest on Loans: When Does 12% Apply? Villanueva v. CA Explained
Learn when 12% legal interest applies to unpaid loans in the Philippines, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Villanueva v. Court of Appeals.
Don't Get Trapped by Your Signature: How Estoppel Affects Home Construction Loans in the Philippines
A homeowner signed loan release documents, then tried to disown them. The Supreme Court applied estoppel—here's what that means for borrowers.
Surety vs Guarantor: Co-Maker Liability in Philippine Loans Explained
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the difference between a surety and a guarantor in co-maker loan agreements, and when a creditor may sue one alone.
Mortgage Contracts and Future Advances: Understanding the Scope of Security in Philippine Law
When does a real estate mortgage cover future loans beyond the stated amount? The Supreme Court explains in Quintanilla v. RCBC.
Behest Loans and Criminal Liability: When a Bank Officer's Recommendation Is Not a Crime
Supreme Court clarifies that a PNB officer's flawed loan recommendation is not automatically a crime under the Anti-Graft law absent authority to bind the bank.
Continuing Security in Mortgages: When Future Loans Are Covered
Philippine Supreme Court explains when real estate mortgages secure future loans beyond stated amounts, and the limits of injunctions against foreclosure.
Usury Law Interest Rates: When Courts Can Intervene in Stipulated Loan Interest
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when courts can reduce stipulated interest rates on loans under the Usury Law and CB Circular 905.
Chattel Mortgage Coverage of Future Loans: The Acme Shoe Ruling
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a chattel mortgage can cover future loans and why full payment extinguishes the security.