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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When a Lawyer's Mistake Binds the Client: Property Rights and Negligence
A lawyer's negligence generally binds the client. The Supreme Court explains when relief from judgment is available and when it is not.
Prescription and Reconveyance: Property Rights and Time Limits in the Philippines
Understand when actions for reconveyance prescribe in the Philippines, based on a Supreme Court ruling on property rights and time limits.
Due Process and Property Rights: When Notice of Legal Action Is Crucial
A Supreme Court ruling on administrative due process, notice, and property rights in tax declaration cancellations.
Property Rights vs Self-Help: Landowners Cannot Evict Holdover Tenants Without Due Process
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on accion reinvindicatoria, property identification, and the limits of self-help in land disputes.
Demolition Orders and Property Rights: Balancing Possession and Due Process in Unlawful Detainer Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on demolition orders in unlawful detainer cases, protecting property rights and due process.
Morality vs Constitutionality: Manila's Ermita-Malate Ordinance Struck Down
The Supreme Court nullified Manila Ordinance No. 7783 banning motels and similar establishments in Ermita-Malate, ruling it violated due process and property rights.
Property Rights and Due Process: Lessons from Barcenas v. Tomas on Appeals and Co-Ownership
A Supreme Court ruling reminds property owners that procedural rules on appeals are strict, and that a co-owner may validly sell an undivided share without the consent of the others.
Intestate Succession and Property Rights: Clarifying Inheritance Shares Under the Old Civil Code
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when heirs truly own inherited property, and why a parent's lifetime transfer can defeat a compromise agreement's promised shares.
Upholding Property Rights: Valid Ownership in Ejectment Cases
Supreme Court ruling clarifies that valid ownership is essential in ejectment cases, and only a true landowner can establish tenancy.
Void Marriages and Property Rights: Ownership in Cohabitation After Bigamous Marriage
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on property ownership when a marriage is void due to bigamy. Learn the rules on co-ownership and creditor claims.
Equitable Mortgage vs Pacto de Retro Sale: Property Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains the difference between equitable mortgage and pacto de retro sale, and why mortgagees cannot simply consolidate ownership.
Union Office Access Reconciling Labor Disputes AND Property Rights IN THE Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when union office disputes belong to labor tribunals or regular courts, balancing labor law and property rights.
Creek Ownership and Land Disputes: Public vs. Private Property Rights
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that creeks are public property, not private land, and how this affects boundary disputes.
Final Judgments and Immutability: Protecting Property Rights from Alteration
Why a final and executory judgment cannot be altered, and how courts protect property rights from void amendments.
Infrastructure Projects vs Property Rights: When Can the Government Proceed
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when courts cannot issue injunctions against government infrastructure projects, even amid property rights claims.
Public Land Cannot Be Burdened: Property Rights and Public Use in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on public dominion property, right of way easements, and possession claims over government land.
Eminent Domain and Due Process: Protecting Property Rights in Expropriation Cases
The Supreme Court nullified Cebu City's expropriation ordinance, reaffirming that due process and strict legal compliance limit local governments' power of eminent domain.
Option to Purchase vs Contract to Sell: Understanding Property Rights and Obligations
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between an option to purchase and a contract to sell, and the consequences of failing to comply with their terms.
Parental Love vs Property Rights: When Family Land Disputes Reach Court
A Supreme Court ruling on ejectment between parents and children, and when a builder in good faith may claim indemnity for improvements under Article 448.
When Payment Defaults Threaten Property Rights: Understanding Rescission in Real Estate Sales
A buyer's failure to pay the full purchase price can lead to contract rescission, even after years of partial payments. Learn the rules.
Contract of Sale vs Contract to Sell: Clarifying Obligations in Property Transactions
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies distinctions between contract of sale and contract to sell, and their impact on property rights and obligations.
Limits to Property Rights: Balancing Bank Security and Depositor Access
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a bank may bar a dismissed employee-depositor from its premises without abusing property rights.
Power Lines and Property Rights: Determining Just Compensation for Easements
When power lines cross private land, is the owner owed an easement fee or full property value? The Supreme Court clarifies.
Res Judicata and Property Rights: When a Prior Judgment Does Not Bar a New Case
The Supreme Court explains when res judicata applies and why a dismissed ejectment case does not bar a later action to recover ownership.