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.
Financial Abuse Under VAWC: Why Intent Matters in RA 9262 Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies that financial abuse under RA 9262 requires proof of intent to cause emotional anguish, not just denial of support.
Conjugal Property vs Separate Insurance: When a Spouse's Death Does Not Pay Off the Mortgage
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a mortgage redemption insurance payout applies after a spouse's death, and how conjugal property is determined.
Loan Agreements and Interest Rates: Lessons from a Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies when banks may impose penalty charges and compound interest under loan restructuring agreements.
The Fiduciary Duty of Banks in Loan Accounting: A Guide to Metrobank v. Cruz
The Supreme Court affirms that banks owe clients a fiduciary duty to keep accurate loan records and render full accounting, beyond any internal retention policy.
Bank Liability for Counterfeit Currency: Due Diligence and Customer Protection
When a bank releases counterfeit foreign currency, when is it liable for damages? The Supreme Court clarifies the standard of diligence.
Assignees of Bank Mortgagee Entitled to Shorter Redemption Period Under General Banking Law
Supreme Court rules assignees of a bank mortgagee benefit from the shorter three-month redemption period under the General Banking Law.
Unconscionable Penalties: Reassessing Loan Obligations in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may reduce penalty charges and attorney's fees in deficiency claims after foreclosure.
Loan Transfers and Corporate Rehabilitation: Clarifying Creditor Rights in Philippine Law
Supreme Court ruling on whether loan sale proceeds deposited with a creditor are covered by a loan transfer during corporate rehabilitation.
Dispositive Portion Prevails When DOJ Resolution Body Conflicts With Fallo
When a DOJ resolution's body conflicts with its dispositive portion, the fallo controls. Learn the rule from Santiago v. Bello IV.
Upholding Finality: Supreme Court Reaffirms Requirements for Valid Motions for Reconsideration in Property Dis
Learn how the Supreme Court protected the finality of judgments and clarified the limits of appellate review in a property mortgage dispute.
Cashier's Checks and Contractual Disputes: Bank Obligations and Purchaser Rights in Philippine Law
When can a purchaser stop payment on a manager's or cashier's check? The Supreme Court explains in Chiok v. Metrobank.
Pre-Trial Representation: When a Special Power of Attorney Is Required
Learn why the Supreme Court requires a Special Power of Attorney for pre-trial representation, and how lacking one can lead to default.
Falsification of Public Documents: Balancing Expert Testimony and Due Process
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies how NBI expert reports and due process rights interact in falsification preliminary investigations.
Breach of Contract and Banks' Liability: Understanding Hold Out Clauses in Deposit Agreements
When can a bank freeze a depositor's account? The Supreme Court explains the limits of "hold out" clauses in deposit agreements.
When a Trust Receipt Is Really a Loan: Acquittal in Estafa Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a corporate officer of estafa under the Trust Receipts Law, ruling that transactions the bank knew were not for resale are simple loans, not trust receipts.
Trust Receipts vs Loans: When Intent Defines the Contract
Supreme Court clarifies when a trust receipt is really a loan, acquitting a corporate officer of estafa under PD 115.
Preliminary Injunction and Foreclosure: When Mortgagors Can Stop a Sale
The Supreme Court clarifies when a mortgagor may obtain a preliminary injunction to stop an extrajudicial foreclosure sale.
Foreclosure vs Rehabilitation: When a Stay Order Takes Effect
A stay order in corporate rehabilitation does not undo a foreclosure completed before the petition. Ownership matters.
Corporate Rehabilitation Separate Juridical Personality Prevails Over Third Party Mortgages
Supreme Court clarifies that corporate rehabilitation stay orders do not cover properties owned by third-party mortgagors.
Subrogation Rights Protecting Banks in Loan Agreement Reversals
When a bank pays another party's debt, legal subrogation may let it recover. Learn how the Supreme Court applied this rule.
Trust and Tax: Protecting Pension Funds Through Beneficial Ownership
How the Supreme Court protected a pension fund's tax-exempt income by recognizing beneficial ownership under Article 1452 of the Civil Code.
Docket Fees and Estoppel in Lease Termination: Metrobank v. Perez
Supreme Court clarifies when late payment of docket fees is allowed and when a party is barred from raising jurisdiction.
Tax Amnesty vs Documentary Stamp Tax: When Can a Bank Claim Immunity
Supreme Court rules on DST liability for special savings accounts and whether tax amnesty covers deficiency assessments.
Mortgagor's Stipulated Right to Notice Prevails in Foreclosure Proceedings
Supreme Court rules banks must honor contractual stipulations requiring personal notice to mortgagors before extrajudicial foreclosure, or risk nullifying the sale.