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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Redemption Rights DBP Foreclosures AND THE Imperative OF Full Debt Repayment
Eminent Domain and Just Compensation: Interest for Delayed Payment in Agrarian Reform
When government takes land for agrarian reform, just compensation must be paid without delay; otherwise, 12% interest accrues from taking until full payment.
Tax Refunds vs. Tax Liabilities: Understanding Set-Offs in Philippine Tax Law
The Supreme Court explains when a tax refund claim can be denied due to an underpayment—and why set-off rules apply differently in tax cases.
Forfeiture of Downpayment: When a Buyer's Stop Payment Is Justified
Supreme Court ruling on when sellers cannot forfeit a buyer's downpayment due to adverse claims on property title.
Buyers Can Suspend Payments When Title Is Clouded: Daleon v. Tan
When a property's title is clouded by an adverse claim, buyers may stop paying installments without risking forfeiture of their downpayment.
Guaranty Obligations DBP's Liability Despite Supplier Change
Supreme Court rules on guaranty liability when supplier changes, implied approval, and burden of proof in payment claims.
Novation Requires Clear Agreement: Loan Restructuring and Foreclosure Rights
Supreme Court clarifies that accepting partial payments does not automatically novate a loan, and banks may still foreclose on defaulted mortgages.
Burden of Proof in Labor Disputes: Employers Must Show Wage Compliance
In Dansart Security Force v. Bagoy, the Supreme Court ruled that employers bear the burden of proving payment of wages and monetary benefits to employees.
Appeal Dismissed: The Imperative of Timely Docket Fee Payment in Philippine Courts
Explore the Supreme Court's ruling on docket fees, emphasizing the strict requirement for timely payment to perfect an appeal in Philippine courts.
Employer Liability: Proving Payment of Wages and Benefits in Employee Claims
Learn how Philippine courts weigh employer evidence in labor claims, and why DOLE certifications alone may not prove payment of wages and benefits.
Unliquidated Claims When Repair Costs Cannot Offset Rental Payments IN Lease Agreements
When can a lessee offset repair costs against unpaid rent? The Supreme Court explains the rule on legal compensation in lease disputes.
Contractual Interest Enforceability of Bank Lending Rates in Delayed Payments
Supreme Court rules stipulated bank lending rates apply automatically to delayed payments without need for separate consent.
Default Orders and Due Process: Protecting Contractors' Rights in Construction Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on default orders, due process, and corporate officer liability in construction payment disputes.
Protecting Buyers' Rescission Rights in Philippine Condominium Purchases
Learn how Philippine law protects condominium buyers' right to rescind purchases and recover payments under RA 9646 and Civil Code provisions.
Upholding Contractual Obligations Denying A Debtors Attempt TO Evade Payment
Sheriffs Must Follow Rules in Executing Money Judgments
A sheriff's failure to remit collected judgment payments to the clerk of court led to a one-year suspension. Learn the proper procedure under Rule 39.
Eminent Domain and Just Compensation: Lessons from City of Iloilo v. Javellana
The Supreme Court clarifies when just compensation is reckoned in expropriation cases and penalizes the government for delayed payment.
In Land Sales, Survey Duty Prevails Over Payment Deadlines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a seller must survey land before demanding payment, and when rescission is improper.
Docket Fees and Estoppel in Lease Termination: Metrobank v. Perez
Supreme Court clarifies when late payment of docket fees is allowed and when a party is barred from raising jurisdiction.
Franchise TAX Exemptions Actual Payment NOT Required FOR Availment
Landowners Can Withdraw Revalued Compensation Pending Agrarian Dispute Resolution
Supreme Court affirms landowners' right to withdraw revalued compensation pending appeal in agrarian cases, citing just and timely payment principle.
Just Compensation and Timely Payment: Landowners' Rights in Eminent Domain
Apo Fruits v. Land Bank clarifies when interest and attorney's fees may be awarded in agrarian expropriation cases and why final judgments cannot be reopened.
GSIS Held in Contempt for Delaying Payment of Permanent Total Disability Benefits Under RA 8291
Supreme Court cites GSIS for indirect contempt for delaying payment of a member's permanent total disability benefits under RA 8291.
Contempt of Court: Upholding Judicial Authority and Enforcing Final Judgments
The Supreme Court held GSIS in indirect contempt for delaying payment of a final disability award, reaffirming that final judgments must be obeyed.