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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Beyond the Sale: Illegal Delivery of Drugs Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies that handing over drugs without payment is illegal delivery under RA 9165, not mere possession.
Acceptance Fee vs Attorney's Fee: What Clients Should Know
The Supreme Court clarifies the difference between acceptance fee and attorney's fee in legal representation, and when a lawyer must return payments.
Just Compensation in Eminent Domain: Value at Time of Taking Plus Interest for Delay
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that just compensation is based on fair market value at the time of taking, plus legal interest for delayed payment.
Decoding Loan Payments: How Courts Apply Payments to Interest vs Principal in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how loan payments are applied to interest before principal, and when chattel mortgages cover future loans.
Lawyer Suspended for Non-Payment of Debt: Ethical Standards for Attorneys
A lawyer's deliberate failure to pay a just debt constitutes gross misconduct warranting suspension from the practice of law under Rule 1.01.
Redemption Rights and Bank Foreclosures: What GE Money Bank v. Spouses Dizon Teaches Us
Partial payments during the redemption period do not perfect a mortgagor's right to redeem foreclosed property, unless the bank's conduct clearly induces reliance.
Redemption of Foreclosed Property: Full Payment Within Period Is Required
Partial payments during the redemption period do not constitute valid redemption; full tender of the redemption price is required.
Redemption of Foreclosed Property: Full Payment Required, Good Intent Not Enough
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that redeeming a foreclosed property requires full payment of the redemption price within the one-year period, not just partial payments or good intentions.
Earnest Money and Perfected Sales: When Payment Cannot Bind a Reluctant Seller
The Supreme Court explains when earnest money cannot create a binding contract of sale, protecting property owners from irregular payment schemes.
Surety Agreements, Demand Requirements, and Interest on Delayed Payments: G.R. No. 280513 Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies when a demand for deficiency payment is valid, and why a statement of account must be substantiated.
When Paying a Bounced Check Before Charges Are Filed Can Mean Acquittal in BP 22 Cases
The Supreme Court explains when full payment of a dishonored check before the filing of an Information can lead to acquittal from BP 22 charges.
B.P. 22 Defense: Payment Before Information Filing Can Defeat Dishonored Check Charges
The Supreme Court explains when paying a dishonored check before charges are filed can defeat a B.P. 22 prosecution.
Cashier's Checks and Contractual Disputes: Bank Obligations and Purchaser Rights in Philippine Law
When can a purchaser stop payment on a manager's or cashier's check? The Supreme Court explains in Chiok v. Metrobank.
Court Employee Dismissed for Breach of Public Trust in Extorting Litigants
Supreme Court dismisses court employee for blocking ATM card to evade loan payments, ruling it dishonesty and grave misconduct.
Loan vs Donation: Proving Intent in Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when payments for another's property are loans, not donations, and the formal requirements for valid donations.
Consignation Without Tender of Payment: A Cautionary Tale on Judicial Deposits
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that judicial deposit requires prior tender of payment unless exceptions apply, in Del Carmen v. Sabordo.
Burden of Proof in Labor Disputes: Employers Must Substantiate Claims of Payment
Employers who claim they paid workers' wages and benefits must prove it with payroll records. Learn the rule from a 2014 Supreme Court case.
Proving Wage Payment: Employer's Burden and the Cost of Missing Records
Employers must prove wage payment with payroll records. Missing records can defeat defenses and lead to liability for money claims.
Breach of Contract: Conditional Sales, Contracts to Sell, and the Right to Rescind
Understand when a buyer's non-payment lets a seller cancel a property deal, and the difference between a conditional sale and a contract to sell.
Partial Payment of Filing Fees in BP 22 Cases: The Supreme Court’s Ruling on Access to Justice
The Supreme Court allows complainants in multiple BP 22 cases to pay filing fees per case, ensuring access to justice.
Possession Is Key: Unpaid Trust Certificates and Bank Liability in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court rules that a bank client holding original unpaid trust certificates can enforce payment, even years after maturity.
SEC Suspension Order as Defense in B.P. 22 Cases: Gidwani v. People
Supreme Court rules SEC suspension of payments order excuses check dishonor under B.P. 22, reversing conviction of corporate officer.
When a Company Car Plan Lacks Terms: Refund of Employee Payments Explained
Philippine Supreme Court rules on employee car plan refunds when no forfeiture terms exist, citing unjust enrichment principles.
Contractual Obligations: The Imperative of Complete Performance in Reciprocal Agreements
In reciprocal contracts, a party cannot collect payment without first completing its own obligations—a lesson from a medical pipeline dispute.