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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Foreclosure Suit as Sufficient Demand: Goldland Tower Ruling Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies when filing a foreclosure lawsuit itself serves as the legal demand required to put a debtor in default under Philippine law.
Default Orders and Affidavit of Merit: Lessons from Far East Fuel v. Airtropolis
A default order can be lifted only with an affidavit of merit and proof of excusable negligence. Learn the rules from a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Brokers' Commissions Survive Property Buy-Backs: Lessons from Malate Construction v. ERABCO
Philippine Supreme Court rules brokers earn commissions once sale conditions are met, even if buyers later default and properties are bought back.
Reconveyance of Property Under Implied Trust and the 10-Year Prescription Period
The Supreme Court clarifies when the prescriptive period runs for reconveyance based on implied trust and the effect of default orders.
Navigating Default Orders in Philippine Extradition Cases: Key Insights From a Landmark Supreme Court Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when default orders are valid in extradition cases, protecting the right to due process.
Understanding Default Judgments When Courts Must Allow Late Answers
When can courts allow late answers? This article explains default judgment rules and when courts must permit a defendant to file a late answer.
Understanding Acceleration Clauses in Loan Agreements: A Guide to Immediate Debt Repayment
The Supreme Court explains how acceleration clauses work in loan agreements, allowing creditors to demand full payment upon default.
Contract to Sell Default Extinguishes Buyer's Right to Possess Property
When a buyer defaults in a contract to sell, the buyer loses the right to possess the property. The Supreme Court explains why.
Default Judgments and Due Process: How Actual Receipt of Summons Cures Defective Service
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how actual receipt of summons cures defective substituted service and the requirements for lifting default orders.
Certiorari as a Remedy Against Default Judgments for Grave Abuse of Discretion
When can a party use certiorari instead of appeal to challenge a default judgment? The Supreme Court clarifies the rule.
Conditional Sales and Default: When Unpaid Balances Void Property Claims
A buyer who fails to pay the balance in a contract to sell loses rights to the property, as the Supreme Court affirmed in Mandin-Trotin v. Bongo.
Certiorari as an Improper Remedy: Interlocutory Orders and Grave Abuse of Discretion in Recovery of Possession
A party cannot use certiorari to challenge interlocutory orders like a denied motion to dismiss or default order when ordinary remedies exist.
Compromise Agreements and Foreclosure: Reasserting a Bank's Right to Possess
When borrowers default on a compromise agreement after foreclosure, a bank can secure a writ of possession as a matter of right.
Default Judgments and Due Process: Reclaiming Rights After a Missed Court Appearance
Learn how the Supreme Court protects due process rights when a party misses a court appearance and faces a default judgment.
Judicial Demand as Cure for Default and Foreclosure Rights in Loan Agreements
How filing a complaint can cure lack of extrajudicial demand, and why collection and foreclosure are mutually exclusive remedies.
Contract to Sell vs. Sale: When Cancellation Is Valid Without Maceda Law
Supreme Court clarifies contract to sell rules, default judgments, and when Maceda Law does not apply to commercial property buyers.
Rehabilitation or Liquidation: When Corporate Revival Is Not Feasible
A corporation in default may still seek rehabilitation, but a plan built on speculative promises will not pass judicial scrutiny.
Investment House Liable to Investor for Money Market Placement Default
Supreme Court holds investment house liable to investor for defaulted money market placement, clarifying lender-borrower relationship and damages.
Master's Degree Requirement for College Faculty: Educational Standards Prevail Over CBA Tenure Provisions
Supreme Court rules CHED faculty qualification requirements prevail over CBA tenure-by-default provisions, upholding dismissal of professors without master's degrees.
Debt Default and Court Personnel: Ethical Standards for Court Employees
A court stenographer's unpaid debt to a lawyer with a pending case leads to suspension, underscoring ethical standards for court personnel.
Rehabilitation for Defaulting Corporations Upholding Economic Recovery
The Supreme Court clarifies that corporations in default may still seek rehabilitation under the Interim Rules, promoting economic recovery.
Construction Contracts Default Rules and Unjust Enrichment in Equipment Leases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies default rules on minimum contract amounts, quantum meruit, and unjust enrichment in construction equipment lease disputes.
Lease Default and Lessor Rights: Reading Contract Clauses Literally
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on lessor rights upon lessee default, contract interpretation, and enforcement of claims against a deceased lessee's estate.
Rescission Rights Enforcing Compromise Agreements In Property Sales
When a buyer defaults on a court-approved compromise agreement, the seller may rescind and enforce the original contract without a separate action.