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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Bank Set-Off Rights: Limits and Liabilities in Loan Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when banks may validly offset deposits against loans, and the limits of contractual set-off rights.
When Public Duty and Private Conduct Collide: A Judge’s Venue Ruling Upheld
The Supreme Court affirms a judge’s dismissal of a case for improper venue, clarifying exclusive venue stipulations in loan contracts.
Corporate Authority and Debt: When a Corporation Is Not Liable for Its President’s Loan
A corporation is not liable for a president’s personal loan unless authorized or ratified. Learn the rules from a 2006 Supreme Court case.
Equitable Mortgage Prevails Protecting Borrowers From Disguised Loan Agreements
Behest Loans and the Ombudsman's Discretion: When Courts Refuse to Intervene
The Supreme Court affirms the Ombudsman's dismissal of behest loan charges against DBP officials, underscoring the wide discretion given to the Ombudsman in determining probable cause.
Usury Law and Contractual Obligations: Striking the Balance in Loan Agreements
The Supreme Court clarifies how the Usury Law interacts with loan restructuring, refinancing, and the binding force of contracts in DBP v. CA.
Interest on Interest in Philippine Mortgages: The Cuyco Case Explained
The Supreme Court explains when unpaid interest earns further interest in mortgage foreclosures, and when future loans need not be secured.
Mortgage Still Valid Loan Restructuring AND Novation IN THE Philippines Reyes V BPI Family Savings Bank
When does loan restructuring cancel a real estate mortgage? The Supreme Court explains novation rules in Reyes v. BPI Family Savings Bank.
Personal Liability for Business Debts: Surety and Co-Maker Obligations in Philippine Loans
Learn when Philippine courts hold corporate officers personally liable as sureties or co-makers on business loans, based on a Supreme Court ruling.
Dismissed on Technicality: Why Proper Procedure Is Key in Philippine Certiorari Cases
A behest-loan case dismissed as moot shows why choosing the right remedy—Rule 65, not Rule 45—matters in Philippine procedure.
Equitable Mortgage vs Absolute Sale: Protecting Your Property Rights in the Philippines
When is a deed of absolute sale actually an equitable mortgage? Philippine law protects borrowers who sign sale documents to secure loans.
Corporate Officer Liability When Signing Loan Documents Leads to Criminal Charges in the Philippines
Learn when signing loan documents as a corporate officer can trigger criminal liability in the Philippines, based on Supreme Court rulings.
Can a Bank Reverse Its Acknowledgment of Full Payment? Philippine Law Explained
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether a bank can correct a mistaken acknowledgment of full loan payment and demand the balance.
Loan Agreements and Chattel Mortgages: When Can a Signed Contract Be Challenged
A signed loan document isn't always binding. Learn when Philippine courts allow borrowers to challenge promissory notes and chattel mortgages.
Oral Loan Agreements in the Philippines: When a Verbal Promise Is Legally Binding
Oral loan agreements can be enforceable in the Philippines. Learn the rules, evidence needed, and key Supreme Court ruling on verbal contracts.
Presidential Power Limits on Foreign Debt Contraction in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the President's power to contract foreign loans, including debt buybacks and bond conversions, under Section 20, Article VII of the Constitution.
Equitable Mortgage vs Absolute Sale: Protecting Borrowers in Land Transactions
When is a deed of sale actually a loan secured by property? The Supreme Court explains equitable mortgage protections for borrowers.
Parol Evidence Rule Bars Verbal Conditions on Written Contracts: Allied Banking v. Cheng Yong
Supreme Court clarifies that clear written contracts cannot be varied by verbal stipulations, applying the parol evidence rule to loan and mortgage agreements.
Venue Disputes Distinguishing Real From Personal Actions In Contract Annulment
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when an action to annul a loan and mortgage contract is personal or real for venue purposes.
Equitable Mortgage: When a Deed of Sale Disguises a Loan Security
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a deed of absolute sale is really an equitable mortgage securing a debt.
Equitable Mortgage vs Absolute Sale: When a Deed of Sale Is Really a Loan Security
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a deed of absolute sale is actually an equitable mortgage protecting borrowers from predatory lending.
Upholding Ethical Conduct Public Servants AND THE Obligation TO Pay Just Debts
Court personnel must pay just debts even in private transactions. A stenographer's loan default led to reprimand under Civil Service rules.
Promissory Notes and Specific Denial: Upholding Loan Obligations in Philippine Law
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on promissory notes, specific denial requirements, and the best evidence rule in loan recovery cases.
Dragnet Clauses in Mortgages: Limits on Securing Future Debts with Existing Collateral
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a dragnet clause in a real estate mortgage covers future loans, and when separate security prevails.