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 Sheriffs Evict Too Fast: The Three-Day Notice Rule in Property Cases
A sheriff who enforced a writ of execution without the required three-day notice was fined P10,000 for grave abuse of authority.
Navigating Tax Exemptions: The Legal Status of Government Instrumentalities in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when government instrumentalities like the LRTA are exempt from real property tax under the Local Government Code.
Forged Signatures and Land Titles: Proving Fraud in Philippine Property Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies what evidence is needed to prove forged signatures in land transactions and reconveyance claims.
Assessed Value vs Market Value: Jurisdictional Thresholds in Property Disputes
Philippine courts determine jurisdiction over property disputes by assessed value, not market value. Learn the rule from Gabrillo v. Heirs of Pastor.
Ante-Nuptial Agreements: Waiving Rights to Property Acquired During Marriage
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how ante-nuptial agreements with complete separation of property can waive claims over properties acquired during marriage.
Ante-Nuptial Agreements and Property Waivers: The Delgado v. GQ Realty Case
The Supreme Court's ruling in Delgado v. GQ Realty clarifies how ante-nuptial agreements can waive property rights, even for assets registered under a spouse's family corporation.
Prior Public Use and the Power of Expropriation: The NGCP Case
When can a private franchise holder expropriate property already devoted to public use? The Supreme Court clarifies in this 2019 ruling.
Eminent Domain and Private Property: Clarifying Expropriation Powers in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when state-owned land is private property subject to expropriation, and the limits of delegated eminent domain.
Conditional Sales and Default: When Unpaid Balances Void Property Claims
A buyer who fails to pay the balance in a contract to sell loses rights to the property, as the Supreme Court affirmed in Mandin-Trotin v. Bongo.
Proving Foreign Law in Philippine Courts: Divorce, Property Rights, and the Keppel Case
Philippine courts don't take judicial notice of foreign laws. Learn the proof requirements from the Supreme Court's Keppel ruling on divorce and property.
Clearing Title Disputes: How Ownership Rights Prevail in Property Conflicts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on property disputes, foreign ownership limits, and the proper remedy for dismissed cases.
Legal Redemption: The Critical Importance of Timely Assertion in Property Disputes
Land registration requires proof the property is alienable and disposable. The Supreme Court explains the rules and burden of proof.
Land Rights and Oral Sales: Understanding Property Disputes in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when oral sales of land are valid, and why the five-year free patent ban on alienation matters.
Distinguishing Theft From Robbery The Element of Violence in Property Crimes
The Supreme Court clarifies when snatching a necklace is theft, not robbery, and explains the key role of violence or intimidation.
Robbery with Homicide: How Circumstantial Evidence Secures a Conviction
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Mancao on robbery with homicide, circumstantial evidence, and the presumption of guilt from possession of stolen property.
Implied Trust and Property Reconveyance: Ensuring Equitable Distribution Among Heirs
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies implied trust rules and property reconveyance among heirs in a family dispute over a Manila lot.
Jurisdiction in Property Disputes: Assessed Value of the Whole Lot Controls
Philippine Supreme Court rules that in property disputes, jurisdiction is determined by the assessed value alleged in the complaint, not the disputed portion's value.
Just Compensation Beyond Zonal Value: Protecting Property Rights in Expropriation
The Supreme Court clarifies that BIR zonal valuation is not the sole basis for just compensation in expropriation cases, protecting property owners' rights.
UP Tax Exemption: Balancing Public Benefit and Local Revenue
Supreme Court rules UP exempt from real property tax on land leased to Ayala Land under RA 9500, balancing public benefit and local revenue.
Lawyer Suspended for Deceptive Dealings in a Quezon City Property Sale
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer for one year after he used his legal knowledge to mislead a buyer who had paid him for a property over many years.
When a Lawyer’s Dealings Warrant Suspension: Sanidad v. Aguas
The Supreme Court suspends a lawyer for one year for dishonest dealings in a property sale, applying Rule 1.01 of the CPR.
Upholding THE Integrity OF Notarization Consent AND DUE Diligence IN Property Transactions
Breach of Trust: Clerk of Court Dismissed for Grave Misconduct and Dishonesty in Handling Court Property
Clerk of court dismissed for taking court property without authority and lying under oath. Learn the rules on grave misconduct and serious dishonesty.
Clerk of Court Dismissed for Grave Misconduct and Dishonesty Over Court Property
Supreme Court dismisses a clerk of court for taking court property without authority and lying under oath, reaffirming strict standards for judicial personnel.