Banate vs. Philippine Countryside Rural Bank (Liloan, Cebu), Inc., G.R. No. 163825, July 13, 2010
Banate vs. Philippine Countryside Rural Bank (Liloan, Cebu), Inc., G.R. No. 163825, July 13, 2010
Banate vs. Philippine Countryside Rural Bank (Liloan, Cebu), Inc., G.R. No. 163825, July 13, 2010
VI. ISSUE:
Whether or not the purported agreement between the petitioners and Mondigo novated the
mortgage contract over the subject properties and is thus binding upon PCRB.
VII. RULING:
No. The purported agreement did not novate the mortgage contract, particularly the cross-
collateral stipulation thereon.
As a general rule, a mortgage liability is usually limited to the amount mentioned in the
contract. However, the amounts named as consideration in a contract of mortgage do not
limit the amount for which the mortgage may stand as security if, from the four corners of the
instrument, the intent to secure future and other indebtedness can be gathered. This
stipulation is valid and binding between the parties and is known as the “blanket mortgage
clause” (also known as the “dragnet clause).”
In the present case, the mortgage contract indisputably provides that the subject properties
serve as security, not only for the payment of the subject loan, but also for “such other loans
or advances already obtained, or still to be obtained.” The cross-collateral stipulation in the
mortgage contract between the parties is thus simply a variety of a dragnet clause. After
agreeing to such stipulation, the petitioners cannot insist that the subject properties be
released from mortgage since the security covers not only the subject loan but the two other
loans as well.