PG 11 #1 Sps. Andal vs. PNB
PG 11 #1 Sps. Andal vs. PNB
PG 11 #1 Sps. Andal vs. PNB
does not entitle petitioners-spouses to stop payment of interest. It should be emphasized that only
the rate of interest was declared void. The stipulation requiring petitioners-spouses to pay interest
on their loan remains valid and binding.
FACTS:
Sept. 7, 1995, petitioners obtained a loan from respondent bank (P21.8M) for which 12
promissory noteswere executed, with varying interest rates (17.5-27%). It was agreed that the
rate of interest may beincreased or decreased with prior notice to the petitioners in the event of
changes in interest ratesprescribed by law or the Monetary Board.Petitioners also executed a real
estate mortgage in favor of the respondent bank over 5 parcels of lands,including all
improvements thereon, covered by Transfer of Certificate Titles of the Registry of
Deeds.Respondent bank advised petitioners to pay their loan, otherwise they would declare it due
anddemandable. Petitioners paid P14.8M to avoid foreclosure. Respondent bank executed a
release of realestate mortgage over two of the parcels of land. Despite payment, respondent
foreclosed the remainingreal estate mortgage over the remaining three parcels of land. A public
auction sale resulted in respondent bank as the winning bidder. A Certificate of sale of
theproperties was issued. Petitioners filed a complaint for annulment of mortgage, sheriff’s
certificate of sale, declaration of nullity of the increased interest rates and penalty charges plus
damages.
ISSUE:
HELD:
Yes.
It is clear from the contract of loan between petitioners-spouses and respondent bank that
petitioners-spouses, as borrowers, agreed to the payment of interest on their loan obligation. That
the rate of interest was subsequently declared illegal and unconscionable does not entitle
petitioners-spouses to stop payment of interest. It should be emphasized that only the rate of
interest was declared void. The stipulation requiring petitioners-spouses to pay interest on their
loan remains valid and binding. They are, therefore, liable to pay interest from the time they
defaulted in payment until their loan is fully paid.