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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Corporate Rehabilitation vs. HLURB Jurisdiction in Real Estate Rescission Cases
When a developer under corporate rehabilitation faces rescission claims, SEC suspension rules may prevail over HLURB jurisdiction. Learn from this case.
Estate Mortgage Invalidity Securing Court Approval FOR Estate Property Transactions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why estate property mortgages require court approval under Rule 89, with practical guidance.
HLURB Jurisdiction and Protecting Homebuyers' Rights in Real Estate Disputes
The Supreme Court ruled that the HLURB has exclusive jurisdiction over disputes involving the rights and obligations of buyers and developers under PD 957, even if the developer files the case.
The Critical Role of Indispensable Parties in Philippine Estate Disputes
Learn how the Supreme Court protects Torrens titles against laches claims, and why registered owners must act promptly.
Dragnet Clauses in Mortgages: Limits on Securing Future Debts with Existing Collateral
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a dragnet clause in a real estate mortgage covers future loans, and when separate security prevails.
Conditional Sales of Land: Upholding Contractual Obligations in Real Estate Transactions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on foreclosure, redemption rights, and the consequences of failing to prosecute a case for injunction.
Retroactivity of Procedural Rules: Timely Justice in Estate Administration
The Supreme Court clarifies that procedural amendments apply retroactively, ensuring timely justice in estate administration cases.
Upholding Agrarian Reform Land Classification and Beneficiary Rights Under CARP
Supreme Court affirms CARP coverage of agricultural land in Canlubang Estate, protecting farmer-beneficiaries' rights to land distribution.
Intestate Succession Under the Old Civil Code: Equal Rights for Illegitimate Children
How the Supreme Court applied the old Civil Code's succession rules to protect the inheritance rights of illegitimate children in a landmark 2005 ruling.
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.
Estate Claims and Heir Liability: Filing Requirements and Partition Validity
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified Rule 16 on motion to dismiss resolution, estate claims, and heir liability in Lu Ym v. Nabua.
Unlawful Detainer and Estate Possession: Lessons from Umpoc v. Mercado
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on unlawful detainer, estate administrators' possessory rights, and unregistered deeds in ejectment cases.
Duty to Account: Co-Administrators' Responsibilities in Estate Settlement
Supreme Court clarifies co-administrators' duty to render accounting in estate proceedings, and limits of certiorari.
When Real Estate Disputes Belong in Regular Courts, Not HLURB
The Supreme Court clarifies when a lot sale dispute falls under regular court jurisdiction rather than HLURB's exclusive authority.
Real vs Personal Action: Venue in Mortgage Cancellation Cases
When is a suit to cancel a real estate mortgage a real action? The Supreme Court explains how venue is determined.
Defining Real Estate Jurisdiction When IS A Sale A Subdivision Under Hlurb Authority
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.
Piercing the Corporate Veil When Tax Avoidance Becomes Evasion
The Supreme Court explains when tax planning crosses the line into tax evasion, and when a stockholder's estate can be held liable for corporate tax deficiencies.
When Language Barriers Invalidate Estate Settlement Agreements
A Supreme Court ruling on when signing an English document without understanding it can void an estate settlement under Article 1332.
Court Approval Required Prior Rights Prevail IN Estate Property Sales
Lawyer Suspended for Deceit and Unauthorized Representation in Estate Case
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for six months for deceiving clients into signing an authority that let him file unauthorized estate proceedings.
Protecting Marital Property: Understanding Consent Requirements in Real Estate Sales
The Supreme Court clarifies when spousal consent is required for real estate sales and the difference between contracts to sell and deeds of sale.
Protecting the Vulnerable: Upholding Consent and Preventing Fraud in Property Sales
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on void property sales, fraud, and the importance of genuine consent in real estate transactions.