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 Banks Fail to Protect Vulnerable Parties: Mortgage in Bad Faith Under Philippine Law
Philippine National Bank v. Spouses Anay: banks cannot claim good-faith mortgagee status when they ignore obvious signs of vitiated consent.
Mutuality of Contracts: Banks Cannot Unilaterally Impose Interest Rate Hikes on Loans
Philippine National Bank v. Manalo clarifies that banks cannot unilaterally raise loan interest rates without borrower consent under Article 1308 of the Civil Code.
Motion for Reconsideration: A Prerequisite Before Certiorari in Labor Disputes
Philippine National Bank v. Arcobillas: a party must file a motion for reconsideration with the NLRC before seeking certiorari from the Court of Appeals.
Trust Receipts vs Ordinary Loans: When Debt Restructuring Does Not Erase Criminal Liability
Philippine National Bank v. Soriano clarifies when restructuring a trust receipt loan does not extinguish criminal liability for estafa under PD 115.
Restrictive Custody vs Illegal Detention: Habeas Corpus in Philippine National Police Custody
Understand the difference between restrictive custody and illegal detention, and when habeas corpus applies in Philippine National Police custody cases.
Res Judicata and Forum Shopping: When Repeated Motions Delay Justice
Philippine National Bank v. Intestate Estate of Francisco de Guzman clarifies res judicata, forum shopping, and the limits of repeated motions to dismiss.
Valid Publication in Extrajudicial Foreclosure: Reasserting Creditors' Rights
Philippine National Bank v. Maraya clarifies that publication of notice in extrajudicial foreclosure is mandatory, not excusable by the debtor's knowledge.
Citizenship by Election: Untangling the Complexities of Philippine Nationality Law
A look at how the Supreme Court handled a deportation case hinging on a father's belated election of Philippine citizenship under the 1935 Constitution.
Railroad Negligence: Defining the Scope of Duty and Liability at Railroad Crossings
Philippine National Railways v. Brunty clarifies railroad crossing safety duties, contributory negligence, and damage awards under Philippine tort law.
Loan Agreements: The Bank's Obligation to Release Funds and Consequences of Non-Compliance
When can a bank withhold loan proceeds? Philippine National Bank v. RBL Enterprises clarifies the rules on loan release, conditions precedent, and damages.
Good Faith in Land Disputes: When a Builder Loses Rights Under Article 448
Philippine National Bank v. De Jesus clarifies when a builder on another's land can claim good faith rights under Article 448 of the Civil Code.
The Right to Appeal in Administrative Cases: Safeguarding Integrity in Public Service
Philippine National Bank v. Garcia clarifies that the government may appeal decisions exonerating employees from administrative charges.
Security of Tenure vs Abandonment: Reinstatement Rights in the Philippine National Police
The Supreme Court clarifies when accepting another government post during a case does not waive a dismissed officer's right to reinstatement.
GOCC vs. Private Corporation: Labor Jurisdiction and the Philippine National Red Cross Case
Learn how the Supreme Court's charter test determines whether an employer is a GOCC and which tribunal—CSC or NLRC—has jurisdiction over labor disputes.
Due Process in Labor Appeals: Why Employers Cannot Be Ignored in NLRC Cases
Philippine National Construction Corp. v. NLRC clarifies that employers have a constitutional right to due process in labor appeals before the NLRC.
Untimely Appeal and NLRC Discretion: Jurisdictional Requirements in Labor Disputes
Philippine National Construction Corporation vs. NLRC: motion for reconsideration is mandatory before certiorari, and separation benefits are construed in favor of workers.
The Best Evidence Rule: Proving Payment and Authority in Philippine Law
Philippine National Bank v. Court of Appeals clarifies when the best evidence rule requires producing an original document to prove payment and agency authority.