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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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.
Lawyer Suspended for Dishonesty and Failure to Pay Debt: A Lesson in Ethical Conduct
The Supreme Court affirms a lawyer's suspension for issuing worthless checks and failing to pay a debt, underscoring lawyers' ethical duty to honor financial obligations.
Contractor Liability for Substandard Electrical Installations: Mackay v. Caswells
When can a contractor be held liable for defective work? The Supreme Court clarifies contractor obligations under Article 1715 of the Civil Code.
Housing Loan Foreclosure: Employee Rights and Lender Obligations Under Philippine Law
When can a bank foreclose on an employee housing loan? The Supreme Court explains the limits of RA 6552 and lender rights.
Mergers and Documentary Stamp Tax: Clarifying Tax Obligations in Corporate Restructuring
The Supreme Court clarifies when documentary stamp tax applies to property transfers in corporate mergers under the National Internal Revenue Code.
When a Bank's Failure to Release Full Loan Invalidates a Mortgage: PNB v. Tajonera
A bank that fails to release the full approved loan breaches its reciprocal obligation, making the mortgage securing that loan unenforceable.
Upholding Ethical Standards Lawyer Suspended FOR Dishonoring Financial Obligations AND Disrespecting Legal Processes
Closure Due to Losses: Employee Rights and Employer Obligations in the Philippines
Understand the rules on business closure due to losses in the Philippines—what employees are entitled to and what employers must do.
Closure Due to Losses: Employer's Duty and Employee Rights in Termination Cases
Understand the rules on closure due to business losses, including employer obligations and employee rights in termination cases.
Failure to Prove Monetary Obligation Justifies Dismissal With Prejudice in Small Claims Case
Supreme Court rules that failure to prove a claim by preponderance of evidence warrants dismissal with prejudice in small claims cases.
Minimum Wage vs Facilities: Employer Obligations for Fair Compensation and Workplace Standards
The Supreme Court clarifies when employers may count board and lodging as wages, protecting workers from minimum wage circumvention.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When Can a Company Be Held Liable for Another's Debts?
Philippine Supreme Court explains when courts may disregard corporate personality and hold one company liable for another's obligations.
Novation vs Alternative Obligations: Clearing the Confusion in Contract Law
When does a new agreement extinguish an old debt? The Supreme Court clarifies novation versus alternative obligations in this contract law case.
Accrued Wages and Reinstatement: Employer's Obligation Despite Appeal
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that employers must pay accrued wages when they delay reinstatement pending appeal, even if the dismissal is later upheld.
Burden of Proof in Illegal Dismissal: Employer's Duty vs Employee's Obligation
Who must prove what in illegal dismissal cases? A Supreme Court ruling clarifies the burden of proof for employers and employees.
Casino Franchise Agreements: PAGCOR Obligations and Investment Protection
Supreme Court guidance on casino franchise agreements, PAGCOR's licensing powers, and the limits of court intervention in administrative disputes.
Legal Compensation in Philippine Law: When Can Debts Be Offset?
Philippine law on legal compensation explained through a Supreme Court case on contingent obligations and when debts can be offset.
Breach of Fiduciary Duty Banks Must Uphold Transparency in Trust Accounts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on Land Bank v. Oñate clarifies banks' fiduciary duties, transparency obligations, and liability for undocumented trust account withdrawals.
Contractual Obligations Prevail Enforcing Notice Requirements In Foreclosure Sales
When a mortgage contract requires personal notice of foreclosure, the bank must comply—or the sale may be void.
Breach of Contract vs Loan Obligations: Independent Liabilities in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a debtor's separate contract breach does not extinguish loan obligations to a creditor.
Tenancy Rights vs Ejectment: Landowner Obligations in Philippine Property Law
Understand the 2013 Mirallosa ruling on unlawful detainer, landowner rights, and good faith builders in Philippine property disputes.
Contractual Obligations Upholding Written Agreements in Property Sales
Supreme Court ruling on unlawful detainer, unconstitutional decrees, and good faith in property possession disputes.
GSIS Funds and Contractual Obligations: When State Policy Yields to Private Rights
The Supreme Court clarifies when GSIS funds may be garnished and when execution pending appeal is proper.
Burden of Proof in Loan Obligations: Notice of Loss in Chattel Mortgage Agreements
When a mortgaged vehicle is stolen, borrowers must prove they notified the bank. Learn the burden of proof rules from a Supreme Court ruling.