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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Piercing the Corporate Veil to Protect Conjugal Property Rights in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling explains when a corporation's separate personality may be set aside to reach property that really belongs to a married couple's conjugal estate.
Estate Sales Require Court Approval Protecting Heirs Rights In Property Transfers
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why estate property sales need court approval to protect heirs' rights.
Heirs May Sue to Protect Estate Before Administrator Appointment
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when heirs can file suit to protect estate property before an administrator is appointed.
Finality Prevails: When a Judge's Inhibition Becomes Moot in Estate Cases
Once an estate case is finally decided, a petition to inhibit the judge becomes moot. Learn the rule from this Supreme Court ruling.
Estate Creditors Can Demand Examination of Suspected Asset Concealment
Creditors may seek court examination of persons suspected of concealing estate assets, even if heirs present deeds of assignment.
Loan Agreements and Real Estate Mortgages: The Necessity of Actual Fund Transfer
A loan is perfected only upon actual delivery of funds. Checks that are never cashed do not complete a loan or its mortgage.
Perfecting Real Estate Sales: Vendee's Rights and Vendor's Obligations
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a buyer must pay the balance in a real estate sale and when a vendor can rescind.
Attorney Suspended for Acquiring Client's Property During Estate Proceedings
Lawyer suspended six months for acquiring property from client during pending estate proceedings, violating Article 1491 of the Civil Code.
Dead Man's Statute: Protecting Estates and Ensuring Fair Trials in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the Dead Man's Statute's scope, balancing estate protection against fair trial rights in claims against deceased persons.
Purchasers Beware: Rule 74 Section 4 Annotations and Real Estate Risk
A Supreme Court ruling explains why buyers cannot claim good faith when a title bears a Rule 74, Section 4 annotation.
Conditional Sales OF Real Estate Reinstatement Rights Under R A 6552
Agency and Real Estate Sales: The Necessity of Written Authority
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why an agent's authority to sell land must be in writing, or the sale is void.
Boundaries Defined Resolving Land Disputes in Sales of Real Estate
Lessees cannot question a landlord's title to land, even if they claim the property belongs to the State.
Brokers Entitlement Procuring Cause VS Consummation OF Sale IN Real Estate Transactions
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a real estate broker earns commission—procuring cause vs actual sale consummation.
Estate Administration Discretionary Power in Appointing Special Administrators
The Supreme Court clarifies that probate courts have sound discretion in appointing special administrators, and heirs have no absolute right to representation.
Sale vs Promise to Sell: When Ownership Passes in Real Estate Deals
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the difference between a contract of sale and a promise to sell, and when ownership actually transfers to the buyer.
Judge Fined for Acting as Real Estate Broker in Sale Within His Jurisdiction
A Philippine judge was fined for acting as a real estate broker in a sale within his jurisdiction, violating judicial conduct rules.
Upholding Integrity: Dishonesty and Misconduct in Public Service
A judge's side business as a real estate broker leads to administrative liability, reaffirming that judicial integrity must be beyond reproach.
Rescission Rights Protecting Buyers From Misrepresentation IN Real Estate Sales
Due Diligence in Real Estate Mortgages: A Lender's Responsibility
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why mortgage lenders must verify borrower identity and property status before approving real estate loans.
Disputed Birth Records and Filiation in Philippine Estate Administration
A Supreme Court ruling shows why a birth certificate from the local civil registry can be rejected as spurious when it conflicts with the copy kept by the Civil Registrar General.
Abandonment of Property Justifies Rescission of Real Estate Contract
Supreme Court rules buyer's abandonment and non-payment of amortizations justify rescission of contract to sell, despite developer's alleged breaches.
Upholding Contractual Obligations THE Enforceability OF Compromise Agreements IN Real Estate Disputes
Estate Tax Deficiency Assessments: Balancing Government Revenue and Taxpayer Rights
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies when estate tax surcharges and interest apply, and how taxpayers can contest deficiency assessments.