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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When Local Governance Meets Lending: Safeguarding Public Funds in Loan Transactions
Supreme Court clarifies when LGU loan agreements become "manifestly and grossly disadvantageous" under the Anti-Graft Law, acquitting local officials.
DOSRI Violations in Philippine Banking: Lessons from Apolinario v. People
The Supreme Court's ruling in Apolinario v. People clarifies DOSRI rules, insider lending limits, and director liability in Philippine banking.
Grave Misconduct and Serious Dishonesty: Lessons from Pantaleon v. Ombudsman-Mindanao
A revenue clerk's unauthorized lending of public funds led to dismissal. The Supreme Court explains grave misconduct and serious dishonesty.
Investment vs. Loan: Supreme Court Rules on Return of Capital in Lending Business
When is an investment really a loan? The Supreme Court clarifies when investors can demand return of principal.
Investment Contracts in Lending Businesses: Rights, Risks, and Recovery of Principal
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when investors in lending businesses can recover their principal and how courts distinguish investments from loans and partnerships.
Sheriffs and Moonlighting: When a Side Business Becomes Simple Misconduct
A sheriff's money-lending business during office hours constitutes simple misconduct. Learn the rules on court personnel and outside work.
Court Personnel Liability: When Moonlighting Becomes Simple Misconduct
A sheriff's money lending business during office hours constitutes simple misconduct. Learn the rules on court personnel conduct and penalties.
Lawyer Suspended for Lending Money to Client: Breach of Fiduciary Duty
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for three months for lending money to a client, citing Rule 16.04 of the Code of Professional Responsibility.
Lawyer Suspended for Lending Money to Client: A Lesson in Legal Ethics
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer for lending money to a client and foreclosing on the mortgage—a clear violation of the Code of Professional Responsibility.
Implied Trusts and Co-Ownership: Hidden Property Rights in Family Lending Businesses
When a family lending business buys property under one sibling's name, an implied trust may preserve everyone's share.
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.
Truth in Lending Disclosure in Promissory Note Valid for Penalty Charges
Supreme Court rules penalty charges disclosed in promissory note satisfy Truth in Lending Act, but courts may reduce unconscionable rates.
Pawnshops VS Lending Investors Clarifying TAX Obligations IN THE Philippines
Bouncing Checks AND Broken Partnerships THE Limits OF BP 22 IN Lending Disputes
Judiciary Employees and Private Business: Maintaining Public Trust in Philippine Courts
Why Philippine court employees cannot engage in private business, explained through a 2008 Supreme Court ruling on a clerk of court's lending venture.
UCPB Interest Rates, Mutuality of Contracts, and the Truth in Lending Act
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on void interest rates, mutuality of contracts, and Truth in Lending Act violations in bank lending.
Equitable Mortgage vs Absolute Sale: When a Deed of Sale Is Really a Loan Security
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a deed of absolute sale is actually an equitable mortgage protecting borrowers from predatory lending.
Truth IN Lending Substantial Compliance Sufficient When Borrower IS Knowledgeable
Insurance Companies Not Taxable as Lending Investors: CIR v. PHILAM Companies
Supreme Court rules insurance companies are not "lending investors" under the NIRC, clarifying tax obligations for lending activities.
Equitable Mortgage vs Absolute Sale: Protecting Borrowers in Five-Six Lending
When is a deed of sale actually a mortgage? The Supreme Court protects borrowers in five-six lending schemes.
Percentage Tax on Pawnshops: Defining Lending Investors Under Philippine Law
Supreme Court ruling on whether pawnshops are lending investors subject to 5% percentage tax under the NIRC.
Partnership vs Employment: Sharing Profits in Lending Ventures Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when profit-sharing in a lending business creates a partnership, not an employment relationship, and how profits are computed.
The High Cost of Negligence: Why Banks Must Exercise Due Diligence in Mortgage Transactions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on GSIS v. Salonga clarifies that banks and lending institutions cannot claim good faith by merely relying on titles.
Equitable Mortgage vs. Pacto de Retro Sale: When a "Sale" Is Really a Loan
Philippine law presumes certain "sales with right to repurchase" are equitable mortgages, protecting borrowers from unfair lending arrangements.