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 Banks Can't Apply Loan Payments Across Different Debtors: Corporate Veil Rules
Supreme Court clarifies when a bank may apply a borrower's payment to another's debt, and why corporate separateness limits payment application.
Decoding Loan Payments: How Courts Apply Payments to Interest vs Principal in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how loan payments are applied to interest before principal, and when chattel mortgages cover future loans.
Theft vs. Estafa: When Employee Misappropriation Is Not Estafa (Benabaye Doctrine)
The Supreme Court in Benabaye v. People clarifies when an employee's misappropriation of funds is theft, not estafa, based on possession.
Reimbursement Rights When a Payor Can Recover Debt Paid on Another's Behalf
When can a co-maker recover payment made on a debtor's loan? The Supreme Court explains Article 1236 reimbursement rules.
Priority in Litigation: Determining Which Case Prevails in Overlapping Contract Disputes
Learn how Philippine courts resolve overlapping contract disputes and which case prevails when judgments appear to conflict.
Equitable Mortgage vs Absolute Sale: Protecting Borrowers in Financial Distress
When is a deed of absolute sale really a mortgage? The Supreme Court explains how courts protect borrowers who sign sale documents under financial pressure.