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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Upholding Contractual Obligations: The Validity of a Special Power of Attorney in Property Transfers
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies jurisdiction in property disputes, the statute of frauds, and rights of first refusal in Philippine real estate law.
Express Trusts in Property Disputes: When Co-Ownership Prevails Over Title
Learn how express trusts can override technical title in Philippine property disputes, and what co-owners must prove.
Consignation Denied: Strict Compliance With Court Orders in Property Disputes
Supreme Court rules that consignation must be made within judicially prescribed periods; mere tender of payment is insufficient.
Res Judicata and Property Disputes: Why a Final Judgment Bars a Second Suit
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains how res judicata prevents relitigation of property ownership after a final judgment.
Overcoming Documentary Evidence Proving True Ownership IN Philippine Property Disputes
Learn how Philippine courts weigh documentary evidence in property disputes, and how to overcome challenges to prove true ownership.
Estoppel BY Silence When Remaining Silent Nullifies Ownership Claims IN Property Disputes
Forged Signatures VS Notarized Deeds Upholding Authenticity IN Property Disputes
Right of Way and Fair Compensation: When Attorney's Fees and Exemplary Damages Are Not Warranted
The Supreme Court clarifies when attorney's fees and exemplary damages may be awarded, reversing an award against Petron Corporation in a property dispute.
Unmasking Land Title Fraud Evidence and Due Diligence in Philippine Property Disputes
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling on proving forged deeds, church death certificates as evidence, and due diligence in property disputes.
Binding Compromises: Why a Portion of Fort Bonifacio Meant All in Philippine Property Disputes
The Supreme Court ruled that BCDA validly owns Fort Bonifacio, allowing eviction of illegal occupants. A case on property rights and the Lina Law.
Preliminary Mandatory Injunction in Property Disputes: Protecting Prior Possessory Rights
Learn when Philippine courts issue preliminary mandatory injunctions in property disputes, and how prior lawful possession can be protected.
When Injunctions Expire: Understanding Functus Officio in Philippine Courts
When a court injunction loses its legal basis, it becomes functus officio. Learn how this doctrine applies in Philippine property disputes.
Homeowner Disputes and Attorney's Fees: When Courts Uphold Compromise Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on attorney's fees, jurisdiction, and the binding effect of compromise agreements in property disputes.
Unprobated Wills and Ejectment: Why Probate Is Required Before Claiming Property Rights in the Philippines
An unprobated will has no legal effect in Philippine courts. Learn why probate is mandatory before asserting inheritance rights in property disputes.
When a Waiver Revives Rights: Property Disputes and Quitclaims in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that a default order in land registration cases does not bar the government from appealing, and explains the limits of waiver in property disputes.
Acquisitive Prescription and Laches in Property Disputes: Aguirre v. Heirs of Villanueva
Learn how the Supreme Court applied ordinary acquisitive prescription and laches in a property dispute between heirs and buyers.
Forcible Entry: Actual Possession Trumps Claimed Ownership in Property Disputes
In forcible entry cases, prior physical possession—not ownership—decides who stays. The Supreme Court explains why a deed alone is not enough.
Breaking Down Land Ownership Disputes When Hearsay Clouds Real Estate Claims
A Supreme Court ruling explains why hearsay evidence fails in property disputes, and how Torrens titles protect registered owners.
Void Judgments Protecting Real Parties in Interest in Property Disputes
When a court decides a property case without the true owner, the judgment is void—protecting buyers who were never impleaded.
Possession vs Ownership: Choosing the Right Court Action for Property Disputes
Learn from a Supreme Court case why possession and ownership require different legal actions, and why choosing the wrong remedy can be fatal.
Torrens Title Indefeasibility Protection Against Collateral Attacks IN Property Disputes
Ejectment Actions Tolerance and the One-Year Filing Rule in Property Disputes
Learn how the one-year filing rule for ejectment cases works, and why mere allegations of tolerance are not enough in unlawful detainer suits.
Forcible Entry and Prior Possession: What Must Be Proven in Philippine Property Disputes
Learn how Philippine courts decide forcible entry cases by examining prior physical possession, evidence rules, and the limits of ownership claims.
When One Case Is Enough: Res Judicata and Splitting a Cause of Action in Property Disputes
A Supreme Court ruling explains why filing separate cases for the same property dispute is barred by res judicata and the rule against splitting a cause of action.