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.
The Immutability of Final Judgments: A Supreme Court Lesson from the DBP-COA Dispute
The Supreme Court ruled that the COA cannot reopen settled accounts beyond the reglementary period, reinforcing the doctrine of immutability of final judgments.
Mortgage Sales and Interest Claims: Lessons from DBP v. Heirs of Danico
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when buyers of mortgaged property become liable for interest and how mortgage obligations are enforced.
Incidental Fraud Damages FOR Exclusion From Corporate Management
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling in Tankeh v. DBP on incidental fraud, damages, and exclusion from corporate management.
Sheriffs Must Execute Writs Promptly and File Periodic Returns: DBP v. Famero
The Supreme Court clarifies a sheriff's duty to execute writs with dispatch and file Section 14, Rule 39 periodic returns, imposing a fine for neglect.
Untangling Rescission: Prescription Periods in Philippine Property Sales
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when the four-year prescriptive period for rescission of a sale starts, using the Quirong v. DBP case.
When Foreclosure Is Not Bad Faith: DBP v. Doyon on Mortgagee Rights
Supreme Court clarifies when a bank's foreclosure after withdrawing an earlier case is not bad faith, and upholds mortgage possession and auction rules.
Mortgagee's Duty to Verify Buyers Under PD 957: DBP v. Capulong
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that banks financing real estate projects must verify subdivision lot buyers before foreclosing mortgaged properties under PD 957.
Redemption Rights Interest Computation CUT OFF In Foreclosure Sales
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that in DBP foreclosure redemptions, interest stops accruing at the auction date.
Fortuitous Events and Loan Obligations: DBP vs. Spouses Calina
A typhoon destroyed a financed fishing boat, but the borrowers still had to repay their loan. The Supreme Court explains why.
Breach of Contract: Enforcing Penalty Clauses in Government Projects
Explaining when penalty clauses bind contractors in government projects, based on a Supreme Court ruling on DBP and PD 1594.
Corporate Asset Purchases and Prior Presidential Approval: DBP v. COA
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling in DBP v. COA on prior presidential approval for government corporate vehicle purchases and disallowance.
Presidential Approval Required for Government Vehicle Purchases: DBP v. COA
Supreme Court affirms COA disallowance of DBP's vehicle purchases for lack of presidential approval under LOI 667 and Letter of Implementation No. 29.
Behest Loans and the Ombudsman's Discretion: When Courts Refuse to Intervene
The Supreme Court affirms the Ombudsman's dismissal of behest loan charges against DBP officials, underscoring the wide discretion given to the Ombudsman in determining probable cause.
Usury Law and Contractual Obligations: Striking the Balance in Loan Agreements
The Supreme Court clarifies how the Usury Law interacts with loan restructuring, refinancing, and the binding force of contracts in DBP v. CA.
When a Response to a Request for Admission Is Not Required: DBP v. Canadalla-Go
The Supreme Court clarifies when a party need not respond to a request for admission and when an unsworn response may be excused.
Res Judicata and Annulment of Titles: DBP v. La Campana Development Corporation
When does a prior final judgment bar a new case? The Supreme Court explains res judicata's limits in DBP v. La Campana.
Default Judgments and Proper Notice: Lessons from DBP v. Perez
A 2004 Supreme Court ruling clarifies when default judgments are valid and why notice requirements protect due process in Philippine courts.
Forum Shopping and Appeal Jurisdiction: Traverse Development Corp. v. DBP
When a dismissal order raises only legal questions, appeal lies with the Supreme Court, not the Court of Appeals.
Piercing the Corporate Veil in Philippine Foreclosures: DBP v. Remington
When can Philippine courts pierce the corporate veil? The Supreme Court clarifies the strict rule in DBP v. Remington.
Unregistered Lease vs Mortgage: Tenant Rights in Foreclosure Explained
When a lease is unregistered and the property is foreclosed, who wins? The Supreme Court clarifies tenant rights in Mercader v. DBP.
Execution Pending Appeal in Philippine Courts: When "Good Reasons" Are Not Enough
Philippine courts rarely allow execution of judgments pending appeal. Learn the strict "good reasons" rule from Maceda v. DBP.
When Can a Mortgage on Public Land Be Void: DBP v. Court of Appeals
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when mortgaging land under a free patent application is void and what makes a mortgage valid.