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.
Upholding Contractual Obligations: The Imperative of Timely Performance in Compromise Agreements
A Supreme Court ruling on continuing suretyship, assignment of credit, and trust receipts—clarifying that debtors cannot escape liability through technical defenses.
Surety's Solidary Liability: The True Extent of Guarantees in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a "guarantee" becomes a suretyship, making the surety solidarily liable with the principal debtor.
Can Debts Be Paid in Palay? The Rule on Legal Tender in the Philippines
Learn from a Supreme Court ruling why palay cannot be used to pay money damages, and what this means for obligations in the Philippines.
Accion Pauliana: When the Four-Year Clock Starts on Fraudulent Transfers
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when the four-year prescriptive period for accion pauliana begins, protecting creditors from fraudulent conveyances by debtors.
Accommodation Mortgages and Redemption Rights: Limits of Debtor Liability
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on accommodation mortgagors' redemption rights and liability limits under P.D. 694 and Act 3135.
Novation by Implied Consent: When a Creditor's Silence Speaks Volumes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how a creditor's failure to object to a debtor substitution can constitute implied consent to novation.
Novation and Suretyship: Understanding Debt Substitution in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when debt substitution is novation versus suretyship, and why accommodation parties remain liable.
When Can a Lawyer Be Disciplined? IBP Jurisdiction Over Attorney Misconduct and Private Debts
A lawyer who ignores IBP orders can face sanctions even when the underlying complaint involves a private debt. Learn the rules.
Payment Application and Tenant Rights: Paculdo v. Regalado on Wrongful Ejectment
Learn how the Supreme Court protected a tenant from wrongful ejectment when a landlord misapplied rental payments to other debts.
Piercing the Veil of Unregistered Organizations When Philippine Representatives Become Personally Liable
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when officers of unregistered associations face personal liability for organizational debts.
Proving Bouncing Checks Cases in Philippine Courts: Actions Speak Louder Than Words
B.P. 22 convictions don't require proving intent or a pre-existing debt. Learn what courts actually look for in bouncing checks cases.
Nationwide Reach of Replevin Writs: Jurisdiction and Enforcement in Philippine Courts
Philippine courts can enforce replevin writs nationwide. Learn how jurisdiction is determined and what it means for creditors and debtors.
Suing a Deceased Person in the Philippines: Estate Claims and Legal Personality Rules
Can you sue a deceased person's estate in the Philippines? Learn the legal personality rules and proper probate procedure for collecting debts from an estate.
Legal Compensation of Debts in the Philippines: When Can You Offset Dues?
Learn when Philippine law allows compensation or set-off of debts, and why unliquidated claims cannot offset condominium dues.
Mortgage Foreclosure After Death of a Debtor: Creditor Options in the Philippines
When a mortgagor dies, creditors have three legal options. Learn how extrajudicial foreclosure works under Philippine law.
Business Records as Evidence: Proving Contractual Debt in Philippine Courts
Learn when business records like computer printouts are admissible evidence in Philippine courts, and why authentication matters in proving contractual debts.
When Is a Spouse's Debt Chargeable to the Conjugal Partnership
Supreme Court clarifies when a husband's surety agreement binds the conjugal partnership, distinguishing corporate debts from family obligations.
Successor Liability in Philippine Labor Law: When a New Company Inherits Old Debts
When a new company takes over a business, it may inherit the old firm's labor liabilities. The Alfante v. NLRC ruling explains.
Subrogation in Philippine Law: Recovering Debt After Paying Another's Mortgage
Explaining subrogation under Philippine law through a Supreme Court ruling on a partner who paid a co-debtor's mortgage.
Sheriff Misconduct in Execution of Judgment: When Enforcing a Writ Goes Wrong
A sheriff who took judgment debtors' property for himself and the creditor was dismissed for gross misconduct. Learn the rules on execution sales.
Redemption After Execution Sale: Ownership Disputes Do Not Stop the Clock
Philippine law gives judgment debtors one year to redeem property sold at execution. Ownership disputes do not suspend that deadline.
Corporate Liability vs Personal Guarantee: Surety Agreements in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a continuing surety agreement covers corporate debts and when it does not bind the surety.
Sheriffs' Duty in Executing Writs of Attachment: Lessons from NBI v. Tuliao
A sheriff who leaves attached property with the debtor or creditor violates Rule 57. Learn the proper way to execute writs of attachment.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When Are Company Officers Liable for Corporate Debts in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when corporate officers and close corporation stockholders can be held personally liable for separation pay.