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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Foreclosure Validity: Banks Can Foreclose Despite Disputed Loan Agreements
Supreme Court ruling on when banks may foreclose despite disputed interest rates, and the legal interest that applies after default.
Mutuality of Contracts When Banks Unilaterally Impose Interest Rates
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when banks cannot unilaterally impose interest rates, and the legal interest that applies.
Novation, Verification, and Real Party in Interest: Lessons from S.C. Megaworld v. Parada
Explaining when accepting third-party payments does not release the original debtor, and why procedural objections must be raised early.
Upholding Client Loyalty Attorney Suspended FOR Conflict OF Interest IN Estate Case
A lawyer's switch from representing heirs to opposing the same heirs in one estate case leads to a three-month suspension for conflict of interest.
Unregistered Land Sales: Priority Rights and a Lawyer's Ethical Duty
When a lawyer buys his client's land, bad faith and conflict of interest can void the sale. Learn the rules on unregistered land priority.
Upholding Client Loyalty Disciplinary Action FOR Attorneys Representing Conflicting Interests IN THE Philippin
A lawyer cannot represent opposing clients even in unrelated cases. The Supreme Court explains the rule on conflicting interests and its consequences.
Interest on Installment Payments: When Does the Clock Stop Ticking
A buyer's mere letter of intent to pay does not stop interest from running. The Supreme Court explains tender of payment and consignation rules.
Ombudsman's Immunity Power Prevails in Protecting the State's Interest in Prosecuting Corruption
Supreme Court rules courts should defer to Ombudsman's grant of immunity to state witnesses in corruption cases, protecting prosecutorial discretion.
Just Compensation and Government Delay: Valuing Property at the Time of Taking
The Supreme Court clarifies when just compensation is valued and how legal interest accrues in expropriation cases involving government delay.
Waiver of Demand and Interest Rate Limits in Philippine Loan Agreements
The Supreme Court clarifies when demand is unnecessary before default and why courts reduce excessive stipulated interest rates.
Court Relaxes Forum Shopping Rule for Heirs Sharing Common Interest in Land Case
Supreme Court rules heirs with common interest may substantially comply with certification against forum shopping, remanding agrarian dispute for merits review.
Contract vs Affidavit: Intent and Demand Determine Enforceability
How Philippine courts distinguish contracts from affidavits by intent, and why demand matters for interest accrual.
Balancing Zealous Advocacy AND Honest Conduct Limits TO Protecting Client Interests
A lawyer’s duty to protect a client has limits: the Supreme Court reprimands counsel for using false statements in demand letters.
Gross Receipts Tax and the 20% Final Withholding Tax on Bank Income
The Supreme Court has ruled that the 20% final withholding tax on a bank's passive interest income forms part of its gross receipts for gross receipts tax purposes.
Just Compensation and Timely Payment: Landowners' Right to Interest for Delayed Agrarian Reform Payments
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when landowners may claim 12% interest on delayed just compensation in agrarian reform cases.
Execution of Judgment Must Conform to the Dispositive Portion: The Golez v. Navarro Ruling
A writ of execution cannot add interest that the judgment never awarded. The Supreme Court explains how far a court may go in enforcing a final decision.
Child Custody AND Welfare Prioritizing THE Childs Best Interest Over Prior Agreements
BSP Authority to Set Interest Rates and Protect Borrowers After Usury Law Suspension
The Supreme Court confirms the BSP's authority over interest rates, explains the Usury Law suspension, and protects borrowers from unconscionable charges.
Safeguarding Due Process: Annulment of Judgment for Excess Interest Rates
A default judgment granting 5% monthly interest when only 12% per annum was prayed for violates due process and may be annulled.
Rehabilitation vs Secured Interests: Balancing Creditor Rights in Corporate Recovery
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how corporate rehabilitation balances secured creditors' rights with the need for equal treatment and recovery.
Forcible Entry Cases: Prior Possession and Real Party-in-Interest Rules
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that in forcible entry cases, prior physical possession matters more than who holds title or certificate.
Quieting OF Title Establishing Legal OR Equitable Interest IN Property
Credit Card Obligations Without Signed Agreements: When Interest Rates Bind
Supreme Court rules on credit card debt when no signed agreement exists, and when interest charges may be unenforceable.
Injunction Against Bank Foreclosure: When Borrowers Cannot Stop the Sale
Supreme Court explains when courts may issue injunctions to stop extrajudicial foreclosure, and why defaulting borrowers cannot rely on disputed interest rates.