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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SALN Non-Disclosure: Intent Matters in Administrative Penalties for Public Officials
The Supreme Court clarifies that mere SALN omissions do not automatically mean dishonesty—intent to deceive must be shown.
When Can the Military Publicly Disclose Disbarment Proceedings? The Roque Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when public disclosure of disbarment proceedings violates the confidentiality rule, balancing free speech with lawyer protections.
Procedural Due Process in Termination: Proper Notice When a Business Closes
The Supreme Court rules that paying salaries cannot replace the one-month written notice required before business closure terminates employees.
Duty of Disclosure in Insurance Contracts: Insurers Must Prove Concealment
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that insurers bear the burden of proving concealment or misrepresentation by convincing evidence before rescinding policies.
When Can Arbitration Statements Be Withheld? The Confidentiality Rule Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies when arbitration testimony and witness statements are confidential and protected from disclosure in other proceedings.
Joinder of Transferee in Pending Foreclosure Case: Cameron Granville v. Chua
When a bank sells a foreclosed debt, can the buyer join the pending case? The Supreme Court clarifies joinder and substitution rules.
Priority of Interest Payments in Foreclosure: When Debt Settlement Falls Short
Learn how the Supreme Court applies Article 1253 in foreclosure cases—payments first cover interest and penalties before principal.
Solidary Liability in Real Estate Contracts: Understanding Co-Sellers' Obligations
When do co-sellers remain liable after foreclosure? The Supreme Court clarifies deficiency obligations, payment application, and solidary liability.
Possession Disputes When Foreclosure Sales Meet Adverse Claims
When can a third-party possessor block a writ of possession after foreclosure? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules in Hernandez v. Ocampo.
Amending Pleadings: When Courts Should Grant Leave to File Amended Complaints
Explore when Philippine courts should allow amended pleadings, based on a Supreme Court ruling on a bank foreclosure case.
Unconscionable Penalties: Reassessing Loan Obligations in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may reduce penalty charges and attorney's fees in deficiency claims after foreclosure.
Deficiency Claims After Foreclosure: Banks' Rights and Limits on Penalties
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that banks may collect deficiency after extrajudicial foreclosure, but courts can reduce excessive penalty charges.
Ejectment Actions Proving Unlawful Detainer After Contract Termination
Understand when a complaint for damages after foreclosure is a personal action, not a collateral attack on title, under Philippine law.
Demand Is Key: Prescription in Unlawful Detainer and Mortgage Foreclosure Contexts
When does the one-year period to file unlawful detainer start? The Supreme Court clarifies the rule on demand and prescription.
Breach of Trust: Upholding Termination for Unauthorized Disclosure and False Certifications in Banking
Philippine Savings Bank v. Barrera clarifies when banks may validly dismiss officers for breach of trust, unauthorized disclosures, and false certifications.
Reinstatement Salaries After Business Closure: Employer Liability Rules
When a company validly closes, can workers still claim reinstatement salaries from a reversed Labor Arbiter ruling? The Supreme Court explains.
Forfeiture vs Foreclosure: Due Process in Ill-Gotten Wealth Cases
The Supreme Court rules that the State, as subrogee-creditor of forfeited assets, cannot sell mortgaged shares without foreclosure proceedings.
Notice Requirement in Business Closure: Protecting Employee Rights
Learn the 30-day notice rule for business closure under Philippine labor law, and what counts as compliance.
Chattel Mortgage Foreclosure: Lender's Duty After Repossession in the Philippines
Learn the lender's obligations after chattel mortgage foreclosure and repossession in the Philippines, including redemption rights and borrower protections.
Surety Liability After Foreclosure: Carodan v. China Banking Corporation
When a bank releases a principal debtor's collateral, a surety may still be liable for the deficiency if the surety agreement expressly allows it.
Assignment of Mortgage and BSP’s Foreclosure Authority Hinges on Valid Deed
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a bank may foreclose a mortgage assigned to it, requiring a valid deed of assignment.
Sheriffs Cannot Bill or Collect Extrajudicial Foreclosure Fees—Only the Clerk of Court May
A sheriff who billed a bank P3,000 per extrajudicial foreclosure case was suspended. Only the Clerk of Court may collect these fees.
Writ of Possession: Absolute Right After Ownership Consolidation
Foreclosure buyers gain an absolute right to possession once title consolidates. The Supreme Court explains the limits of appeals and stay orders.
Possession Follows Ownership: Enforcing Writs After Foreclosure
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that a writ of possession is a ministerial duty once title is consolidated, even against third-party claimants.