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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Deposition Deadlines in Intra-Corporate Cases: Philippine Computer Solutions v. Hernandez
The Supreme Court clarifies the 15-day discovery period under the Interim Rules on Intra-Corporate Controversies and the rule on interlocutory orders.
Deposition Deadlines in Corporate Disputes: What Philippine Computer Solutions v. Manzo Teaches
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies deposition deadlines in intra-corporate disputes and why interlocutory orders must be raised on appeal.
Dismissal Disputes: Protecting Depositors From Illegal Dismissal Claims in Corporate Crises
The Supreme Court shields depositors who temporarily manage a distressed bank from personal liability for illegal dismissal claims, clarifying employer-employee relationships.
Cash Deposits in Election Protests: Individual or Joint Responsibility?
In Soriano v. COMELEC, the Supreme Court ruled that each protestant must pay the full cash deposit for ballot revision, not share it with co-protestants.
Unendorsed Checks and Bank Liability: Depositor Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on unendorsed checks, bank set-off rights, and depositor protection in banking disputes.
Dation in Payment and Perfected Contracts of Sale Under Philippine Law
When is a deposit earnest money? This case explains when a contract of sale is perfected and why a bank's qualified acceptance was only a counter-offer.
Court Fund Accountability: Clerk of Court Liabilities in the Philippines
Financial audit case clarifies the accountability of clerks of court and cash clerks for shortages, delayed deposits, and misuse of court funds.
When Courts Can Compel Disclosure of Foreign Currency Deposits in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when courts may compel banks to disclose foreign currency deposits despite the secrecy rule under RA 6426.
When Is a Contract of Sale Perfected? Lessons from Villanueva v. PNB
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when offers, counter-offers, and deposits create—or fail to create—a binding contract of sale.
Security Deposits in Lease Agreements: Clarifying Lessee and Sub-Lessee Obligations
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when security deposits must be returned and what lessors must prove to withhold them.
Bank Set-Off Rights: Limits and Liabilities in Loan Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when banks may validly offset deposits against loans, and the limits of contractual set-off rights.
Tax Exemptions for Philippine Airlines: Understanding the "In Lieu of All Other Taxes" Provision
The Supreme Court ruled that PAL's franchise tax option exempts it from all other taxes, including the 20% final withholding tax on bank deposits.
Security Deposits of Insurance Firms Shielded From Individual Claims Preserving Solvency FOR ALL Policyholders
Supreme Court rules insurance security deposits cannot be garnished by single claimants, protecting all policyholders' interests.
Cashier's Checks and Bank Insolvency: When a Holder's Claim Is Not a Preference
A depositor's unpaid cashier's checks from a failed bank are disputed claims in liquidation, not automatic preferences. The Supreme Court explains why.
Mayor's Personal Deposit of Municipal Checks: Official Misconduct and Probable Cause
Supreme Court ruling on when a mayor's deposit of municipal checks into a personal account constitutes probable cause for graft under RA 3019.
Preliminary Injunctions and Bank Deposits: Protecting Depositors' Rights
The Supreme Court clarifies that preliminary injunctions preserve the status quo and cannot be used to transfer bank deposits before trial.
Judicial Efficiency vs. Justice: The Price of Delayed Resolutions
A Supreme Court ruling shows why court clerks must deposit judiciary funds on time, and how delay can amount to gross misconduct and dishonesty.
Consignation and the Debtor's Right to Withdraw: Lessons from Banco Filipino v. Diaz
When can a debtor withdraw a consignated deposit? The Supreme Court explains the rules under Article 1260 of the Civil Code.
Immediate Deposit Rule for Court Clerks: Accountability Despite Full Restitution
Court clerks must deposit judiciary funds immediately. Restitution does not erase administrative liability, as this Philippine Supreme Court ruling shows.
When Sheriffs May Not Take Judgment Payments: Rule 39 and the Perils of Personal Deposit
A sheriff who allowed a P900,000 check to be made payable to him and tried to deposit it in his personal account was fined for simple neglect of duty under Rule 39.
Eminent Domain vs Rulemaking: Prioritizing Fair Compensation in Expropriation
The Supreme Court clarifies that RA 8974 governs expropriation of national infrastructure projects, prioritizing immediate payment to property owners over Rule 67's deposit system.
Bank Negligence and Dishonored Checks: When Is a Bank Liable?
A bank’s failure to credit a deposit can make it liable for damages when checks are dishonored. Lessons from Prudential Bank v. Lim.
Bank Employees, Breach of Trust, and Dismissal for Just Cause in the Philippines
The Supreme Court ruled that bank employees who divert depositor funds may be dismissed for loss of trust and confidence, even if the bank suffered no proven loss.
When Banks Breach Fiduciary Duty: Liability for Unauthorized Withdrawals
Supreme Court ruling on bank liability for unauthorized withdrawals by employees, moral damages, and the fiduciary duty of banks to depositors.