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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TAX Sale Validity Depositing Disputed Funds AS A Jurisdictional Hurdle
Dividing Inherited Lands: Ownership Disputes and Property Rights in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts resolve inherited land disputes, including pacto de retro sales, co-ownership, and the rights of buyers in good faith.
Double Sale AND Prior Possession Protecting Land Rights IN THE Philippines
Understand how Philippine courts resolve double sale disputes and protect prior possession of land. Learn key legal principles.
Tobacco Sales Promotions: Who Regulates Them After RA 9211?
The Supreme Court rules that the IAC-Tobacco, not the DOH, has exclusive authority to regulate tobacco sales promotions under RA 9211.
Marital Consent IS KEY Voiding Property Sales Without Spousal Agreement
Learn when a sale of conjugal property without spousal consent can be voided under Philippine law, and what buyers must check.
When a Sale Is Really a Sale: Conditional Sale vs. Contract to Sell in Ejectment
A deed called "conditional" may still be an absolute sale. The Supreme Court explains when ownership passes, and why the wrong remedy can cost you your case.
Distinguishing Illegal Sale From Illegal Delivery of Dangerous Drugs Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies the elements of illegal sale of dangerous drugs under RA 9165 and why sale, not mere delivery, was proven in this buy-bust case.
Public Use Prevails: Water System Properties Cannot Be Seized for Private Debts
Supreme Court rules water works systems devoted to public use are property of public dominion, exempt from levy and auction sale.
Public Dominion Property Cannot Be Levied on Execution: Water District Wins
Supreme Court rules water works systems are public dominion property, exempt from execution and auction sale in labor cases.
Challenging Buy-Bust Operations: When Procedural Lapses in Drug Sale Cases Lead to Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to unjustified gaps in the chain of custody, underscoring the importance of preserving evidence integrity.
Foreclosure Sales Strict Compliance With Publication Requirements
Philippine Supreme Court rules that failure to strictly comply with publication requirements in extrajudicial foreclosure sales invalidates the sale and makes the notary public liable for damages.
Earnest Money Misconceptions When A Deposit Doesnt Guarantee A Sale
The Supreme Court clarifies that earnest money only binds a seller after a contract of sale is perfected—not before consent is given.
Earnest Money and Perfected Sales: When Payment Cannot Bind a Reluctant Seller
The Supreme Court explains when earnest money cannot create a binding contract of sale, protecting property owners from irregular payment schemes.
Clarifying Notice Requirements in Extrajudicial Foreclosure: Minor Errors Don't Void the Sale
When do errors in a foreclosure notice invalidate the sale? The Supreme Court clarifies that immaterial mistakes won't void an extrajudicial foreclosure.
Delivery Disputes When Actions Speak Louder Than Words in Sales Contracts
When a buyer acts like the goods are theirs, Philippine law may treat that as acceptance—even if delivery paperwork is imperfect.
Levy on Execution Prevails Over Prior Unregistered Sale: Suntay v. Keyser Mercantile
Supreme Court rules a registered levy on execution beats a prior unregistered sale, upholding the Torrens system's reliance on clean titles.
Priority OF Registered Levy Over Unregistered Sale Protecting Creditors Rights IN Property Disputes
Donor's Tax on Share Sales: Fair Market Value and Donative Intent
Supreme Court rules on donor's tax for share sales below book value, fair market value determination, and CTA jurisdiction.
Co-Ownership and Land Sales: When Selling a Definite Portion Is Invalid
A co-owner cannot sell a definite portion of undivided land without all co-owners' consent. Learn the rules from Cabrera v. Ysaac.
Corporate Authority VS Stockholder Rights Upholding Property Sale Ratification IN Lopez Realty
Forged Signatures and Void Contracts: Protecting Property Rights in the Philippines
When is a deed of sale actually a mortgage? The Supreme Court explains equitable mortgage, forged signatures, and pactum commissorium.
Foreclosure Sales: The Impact of Non-Registration on Property Rights in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled that non-registration of a judicial foreclosure sale does not defeat the purchaser's rights.
Forged Documents and Land Titles: Protecting Registered Owners From Fraudulent Sales
The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on judicial reconstitution of lost titles under Republic Act No. 26, protecting registered owners from fraud.
Truth in Townsite Sales Misrepresentation Disqualifies Applicant Despite Denr Approval
Supreme Court rules misrepresentation in a Townsite Sales Application disqualifies an applicant, even if DENR initially approved it.