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.
When Bank Receivership Suspends B.P. 22 Liability: What Creditors Should Know
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how bank receivership suspends check payment obligations and bars B.P. 22 criminal liability for bank officers.
Perjury and Bouncing Checks in the Philippines: What Saulo v. People Teaches
Understand perjury and BP 22 bouncing check liability through the Supreme Court's ruling in Saulo v. People.
B.P. 22 and the Corporate Veil: When Corporate Officers Face Personal Liability
The Supreme Court pierces the corporate veil in B.P. 22 cases, holding officers personally liable for bouncing checks—but only with proper notice of dishonor.
Real Party in Interest: Who Can Sue in Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court clarifies the real party in interest rule in G.R. No. 205179, explaining who may properly bring suit.
SEC Suspension Order as a Valid Defense in B.P. 22 Cases: Gidwani v. People
When a lawful SEC suspension order precedes check presentment, the drawer may be excused from B.P. 22 liability.
Proof of Notice in B.P. 22 Cases: Registry Receipt Alone Insufficient
In B.P. 22 cases, a registry return receipt alone cannot prove notice of dishonor. Learn what evidence the prosecution must present.
When Can You Intervene in a Philippine Case? Cayanan v. North Star Analysis
Learn when courts allow intervention in Philippine cases through Cayanan v. North Star, and how civil liability survives criminal acquittal.
Res Judicata and Final Judgments: What Torres v. Medina Means for Litigants
The Supreme Court explains when a final judgment bars a new lawsuit, using a foreclosure dispute to illustrate res judicata's elements and limits.
Corporate Liability and Bouncing Checks: Clarifying the Scope of B.P. Blg. 22
The Supreme Court clarifies that corporations cannot be impleaded in B.P. 22 cases, but creditors may still pursue separate civil actions against them.
New Trial After Final Judgment: The Dinglasan Case on B.P. 22 and Procedural Remedies
When can a convicted accused seek a new trial based on newly discovered evidence? The Supreme Court explains the limits.
B.P. 22 Conviction Requires Proper Presentation of Notice of Dishonor: The Tan Case
A B.P. 22 conviction requires the prosecution to properly present the notice of dishonor in court; failure to do so negates the presumption of knowledge of insufficient funds.
Conspiracy and Overt Acts in Bouncing Check Cases: Ladonga v. People
When can a non-signatory spouse be liable for bouncing checks? The Supreme Court clarifies conspiracy rules under B.P. 22.
B.P. 22 Liability: Severing Accommodation Deals Does Not Erase Knowledge of Insufficient Funds
Signing blank checks for an accommodation arrangement can create B.P. 22 liability even after severing ties. Learn the rules from Benjamin Lee v. CA.
Partial Payment and Fulfillment of Obligations: Creditor Rights Under B.P. 22
When does partial payment satisfy a debt? The Supreme Court clarifies creditor rights and the Bouncing Checks Law in Alonto v. People.
B.P. 22 Conviction Requires Proof of Written Notice of Dishonor: The Sia Case
Conviction under the Bouncing Checks Law requires proof the accused received written notice of dishonor. The Sia case explains why.
Bouncing Checks Under B.P. 22: When a Check Used as Loan Security Still Leads to Criminal Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies that issuing a bouncing check is a crime under B.P. 22, even if the check was only security for a loan.
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.
Checks Issued as Guarantee Still Fall Under B.P. 22; Judge Suspended for Partiality
Supreme Court rules checks issued as guarantee are still covered by B.P. 22, and suspends a judge for partiality and gross ignorance of the law.
Liability for Dishonored Checks: When Civil Damages Can Be Recovered
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a party can recover civil damages from a check issuer even if criminal liability under B.P. 22 is not established.