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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
Surety Bonds and Arbitration: When Is a Surety Bound by an Arbitration Agreement?
A surety may be bound by an arbitration clause in a construction contract if the bond incorporates that contract by reference.
When a Surety Bond Must Be Honored: Cellpage v. Solid Guaranty Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies when a surety is liable despite no written principal contract, and how bank errors affect obligations.
Surety Bonds and Written Principal Agreements: What the Supreme Court Says
When is a written principal agreement required before a surety bond can be enforced? The Supreme Court clarifies the rule in Cellpage v. Solid Guaranty.
Government Agencies and Surety Bonds in Real Property Tax Disputes: The PMO v. CTA Ruling
When can a government agency skip the surety bond in real property tax cases? The Supreme Court clarifies in PMO v. CTA.
Surety Bonds Liability Extends Until Case Termination Despite NON Renewal
A surety bond stays effective until a case is finally terminated, even without renewal. Learn the rule from Enriquez v. Mercantile Insurance.
Surety Bonds in Replevin: When Does a Bond Really Expire?
A surety bond in a replevin case remains valid until the case is finally terminated, even if the stated period has lapsed.
Contractual Negligence: Defining the Scope of Liability in Service Agreements
A Supreme Court ruling on surety bonds clarifies when a contractor's breach triggers full liability, and how compensation applies.
Taxation and Due Process: Balancing Government Power and Taxpayer Rights in Deficiency Assessments
The Supreme Court clarifies when the CTA may require a surety bond to suspend tax collection, protecting taxpayer rights.
Breach of Contract and Surety Bonds: When Extensions Don't Discharge a Surety
A contractor's failure to complete works on time triggers liability for breach and its surety's bond, even when extensions are granted.
Perfecting Appeals: Strict Compliance With Bond Requirements in Labor Disputes
Learn why the Supreme Court requires strict compliance with appeal bond requirements in labor cases, and how failing to post a proper surety bond can make a judgment final and executory.
Surety Bonds and Indemnity: Why Renewal Disputes Don't Erase Contractual Liability
Philippine Supreme Court rules that a deed of indemnity authorizing bond renewals binds signatories even without separate consent to each renewal.
Surety Bond Liability and Due Process in Wrongful Attachment Cases
Learn when surety bonds can be enforced after wrongful attachment, and the due process rules that protect sureties in Philippine courts.
Surety Bonds Solidary Liability Despite Contract Amendments In Construction Projects
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on surety bonds, solidary liability, and why contract amendments don't automatically release sureties.
Breach of Public Trust: Endorsing Irregular Bonds and Undue Advantage
Supreme Court affirms conviction of GSIS VP for endorsing irregular surety bond, giving undue advantage to private company.
Grave Misconduct in Public Office: Upholding Ethical Standards in Government Service
Supreme Court clarifies grave misconduct standards, reinstating Ombudsman's dismissal of GSIS executive for irregular surety bond issuance.
Surety Bonds and Execution Pending Appeal: What Lawyers Should Know
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when execution pending appeal may run against a surety and how far the bond covers damages.
Surety Bond Liability Survives Minor Contract Changes, High Court Rules
Supreme Court clarifies when contract modifications release a surety from liability—and when they do not.
Labor Appeals and the Appeal Bond: Strict Rules on Timely Perfection in Philippine Law
A surety bond issued but not received on time means no perfected appeal—what employers must know about the 10-day rule.
Surety Bonds Survive Debt Extension: Key Supreme Court Ruling on Article 2079
Extension of a principal's debt without a surety's consent does not automatically extinguish surety bonds, per the Supreme Court.
Procedural Pitfalls: Why Choosing the Right Appeal Matters in Surety Bond Disputes
GSIS v. Prudential Guarantee shows how procedural missteps in appeals and execution pending appeal can shape the outcome of surety bond disputes.
Surety Bond Accreditation: NLRC’s Duty to Dismiss Appeals with Invalid Bonds
When a surety bond is invalid due to expired accreditation, the NLRC must dismiss the appeal. Learn the rule from a 2013 Supreme Court ruling.
When an Agent Exceeds Authority: Surety Bonds and the Limits of Apparent Authority
The Supreme Court clarifies when a principal is liable for an agent's unauthorized surety bond, and when third persons must verify authority.
Neglect of Duty in the Judiciary: Upholding Diligence in Writ Execution
A branch clerk of court fined for delayed issuance of writs of execution on forfeited surety bonds, underscoring court personnel's duty of diligence.
Surety Bonds Solidary Liability Despite Contract Rescission
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on surety bonds: rescission of the principal contract does not automatically release the surety from liability.