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.
Loan Interest Rates CAN Banks Unilaterally Increase Them
Navigating Telecommunications Franchises: Competition vs. Public Interest
A 1996 Supreme Court ruling on government telephone operations clarifies that franchises are not exclusive and competition serves the public interest.
Usury Law Interest Rates: When Courts Can Intervene in Stipulated Loan Interest
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when courts can reduce stipulated interest rates on loans under the Usury Law and CB Circular 905.
Liability for Damage to Stored Goods: Negligence and Interest Rates Explained
A warehouse operator's negligence can mean paying for damaged goods. Learn the rules on liability and the correct interest rates.
Court Employees and Conflicts of Interest: The Bagolbagol Case on Selling to Litigants
Court employees must avoid business dealings with litigants. The Bagolbagol ruling explains why, even when the employee claims the litigant initiated the arrangement.
Ethical Boundaries for Court Employees: Avoiding Conflicts of Interest
A court stenographer was fined for processing land titles for litigants. Learn the ethical rules for court personnel.
Mutuality of Contracts: Why Banks Cannot Unilaterally Change Interest Rates
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains why banks cannot unilaterally raise loan interest rates without borrower consent, citing mutuality of contracts.
Unilateral Interest Rate Hikes When Banks Overstep Their Bounds
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when banks cannot unilaterally raise loan interest rates, and the limits of escalation clauses.
Protecting Your Property Rights: The Importance of Notice in Title Cancellation Cases
A Supreme Court ruling reminds courts that property owners with annotated interests must be notified before cancellation of title entries.
When Can Witness Testimony Lead to Acquittal: A Philippine Case Study
Learn how Philippine courts weigh witness credibility, hearsay exceptions, and declarations against penal interest in criminal cases.
Conflict of Interest Under RA 3019: The Domingo Case on Public Office Integrity
A mayor's conviction for conflict of interest under RA 3019 Section 3(h) shows why public officials must avoid even the appearance of impropriety.