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.
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.
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.
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.