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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Usury Under Scrutiny: How the Supreme Court Uncovers Hidden Interest in Loan Agreements
In First Metro Investment Corp. v. Este del Sol, the Supreme Court exposed underwriting and consultancy fees as cloaks for usurious interest in a 1978 loan.
Upholding Contractual Agreements: Trust Receipts and Surety Agreements in Loan Obligations
The Supreme Court reaffirms that contracts are the law between parties, enforcing stipulated interest, penalties, and service charges in trust receipt loan transactions.
Interest on Penalties: The Limits of Compounding in Loan Obligations
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when interest may be charged on unpaid penalty charges in loan contracts, and when courts may reduce unconscionable penalties.
Estate Tax Deficiency Assessments: Balancing Government Revenue and Taxpayer Rights
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies when estate tax surcharges and interest apply, and how taxpayers can contest deficiency assessments.
Estate Tax Deficiency: When Surcharges and Interest Apply Under the NIRC
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on estate tax deficiency surcharges, interest, and penalties under the NIRC, explained for lay readers.
Redemption Rights vs Fraudulent Conveyance: Protecting Family Interests in Property Disputes
When a father assigns his right to redeem property to his son, can creditors later challenge it as fraudulent? The Supreme Court explains.
Unconscionable Interest Rates Balancing Lenders Rights AND Borrower Protection IN Mortgage Contracts
Custody Battles Weighing Parental Rights VS A Childs Best Interests IN Guardianship Disputes
Conflict of Interest and Informed Consent in Attorney Representation
The Supreme Court dismissed a disbarment complaint against a lawyer who represented clients with potentially conflicting interests, clarifying the written-consent rule.
Floating Interest Rates and Trust Receipts: Solidbank Ruling on Bank Obligations and Corporate Liability
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on invalid floating interest rates, trust receipt transactions, and corporate officer liability in banking.
Surety Bond Liability Limits Under Philippine Insurance Law: The R & B Surety Case
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies surety bond liability caps under Insurance Code Section 176, limiting exposure to face value plus legal interest.
Attorney Suspended for Representing Conflicting Interests in Corporate Dispute
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer for six months after finding she acted for conflicting interests in a corporation she helped organize and later led as president.
Who Can Sue? Understanding the Real Party in Interest Rule in Philippine Courts
Philippine courts explain the real party in interest rule and when a developer can still sue after selling property.
Equitable Reduction of Excessive Interests: Balancing Contractual Obligations and Fairness in Loan Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on reducing excessive interest rates in loan agreements, balancing contractual freedom with equity and fairness.
Malicious Prosecution: Protecting Reputation and Business Interests From Unfounded Legal Claims
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when filing a baseless lawsuit becomes malicious prosecution, entitling victims to moral, exemplary, and compensatory damages.
Rescission of Contract to Sell: Your Rights to Refunds and Interest in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on contract to sell rescission clarifies buyer's right to refund of installments and interest payments.
Attorney Conflict of Interest in the Philippines: Lessons from Sibulo v. Cabrera
Learn how the Supreme Court disciplined a lawyer for representing opposing parties in the same case, and the ethical rules on conflict of interest.
Absence of Conspiracy Leads to Acquittal in Estafa Case for Lack of Proof Beyond Reasonable Doubt
The Supreme Court acquits an accused in an estafa case, ruling that conspiracy must be proven beyond reasonable doubt, not merely inferred from presence or interest.
Escalation Clauses in Philippine Real Estate Mortgages: Limits and Borrower Rights
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on mortgage escalation clauses, unilateral interest rate hikes, and borrower rights to refunds.
Guarantee OF Refund Prevents Graft Conviction Protecting Government Interests IN Procurement
When Official Duty Shields a Lawyer from Personal Liability for Conflict Claims
Explaining when government lawyers cannot be held personally liable for alleged conflicts of interest under the Anti-Graft law.
Real Party in Interest and Proper Grounds for Unlawful Detainer Actions in the Philippines
Learn the rules on real party in interest and jurisdictional grounds for unlawful detainer cases under Philippine law.
Injunctions and Property Rights: Safeguarding Possession in Philippine Law
Philippine law protects possession through injunctions and property rights. This article explains how courts balance these interests.
Navigating Legal Interest From Breach of Contract to Final Judgment Satisfaction
Understand how Philippine courts compute legal interest on money judgments, from breach of contract until full payment, based on Eastern Assurance v. Court of Appeals.