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 Lease Isn't a Lease: Clarifying Rights in Market Stall Agreements
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies the distinction between leasehold rights and ownership of improvements in market stall transactions under Philippine law.
Foreshore Land and Private Ownership: Clarifying Property Rights in the Philippines
A 2012 Supreme Court ruling clarifies that foreshore land belongs to the State, not private owners, and explains why the petition failed.
Acquisitive Prescription and Double Sales: When Long-Term Possession Confirms Ownership
A Supreme Court ruling on how prior possession and good faith determine ownership in double sales of land.
Luga v. Arciaga: Land Ownership, Tolerance, and the Limits of Possession Claims
The Supreme Court clarifies when tolerated occupancy defeats a claim of ownership by adverse possession in Luga v. Arciaga.
Levy on Mortgaged Property in the Philippines: Sheriff's Duties Explained
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that sheriffs may levy mortgaged properties to satisfy judgments, as debtors retain beneficial ownership until foreclosure.
Unlawful Detainer in the Philippines: Why Possession Beats Ownership in Ejectment Cases
In ejectment cases, physical possession matters more than ownership. Learn the rule from Barrientos v. Rapal.
Double Land Titles in the Philippines: How to Determine Ownership and Avoid Legal Battles
Learn how Philippine courts resolve double land titles, verify true ownership, and prevent property disputes with practical legal guidance.
Clearing Land Title Clouds: Why Accurate Property Descriptions Are Crucial in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on agrarian reform, land reclassification, and why precise property records protect ownership rights.
Contract to Sell vs Contract of Sale: When Ownership Transfers in Philippine Real Estate
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between a contract to sell and contract of sale, and when ownership actually transfers.
COSLAP Jurisdiction in Land Disputes: Why Your Case Might Belong in Court, Not an Agency
The Supreme Court clarifies that COSLAP has limited jurisdiction over land disputes, and questions of ownership belong in regular courts.
Torrens Title Integrity Resolving Ownership Disputes Arising From Erroneous Land Inclusion
The Supreme Court clarifies that Torrens title ownership alone does not determine possession rights in ejectment cases involving corporate factions.
Prior Physical Possession Is Key in Forcible Entry Cases: Abad v. Farrales
Learn why prior physical possession, not ownership, decides forcible entry cases under Philippine law, based on Abad v. Farrales.
Forged Deeds and Disputed Titles: How Philippine Courts Determine Land Ownership
A Supreme Court ruling explains how courts resolve land ownership disputes when a deed of sale is alleged to be forged.
Attorney-in-Fact Can Sign Forum Shopping Cert; Ejectment Rules Explained
SC rules attorney-in-fact may sign certification against forum shopping in ejectment suits; explains unlawful detainer rules, demand, and ownership.
Upholding Legal Ethics Attorneys Must Respect THE LAW AND Legal Processes
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on co-ownership, Torrens titles, and partition actions in Lacbayan v. Samoy.
Unmarried Couples and Property Rights in the Philippines: Proving Co-Ownership
Unmarried couples in the Philippines must prove actual joint contribution to co-own property. Learn the rules from Lacbayan v. Samoy.
Land Registration: Proving Ownership and Possession for Public Land Titles
Learn the strict requirements for registering public land under PD 1529, including proof of possession since June 12, 1945.
Possession and Ownership: Understanding the Writ of Possession in Foreclosure Cases in the Philippines
Learn how forum shopping can derail foreclosure disputes in the Philippines, as shown in Asia United Bank v. Goodland Company, Inc.
Understanding Land Ownership Restrictions Under Philippine Agrarian Reform: The Lebrudo vs Loyola Case
The Supreme Court explains the 10-year ban on selling or transferring agrarian reform lands, and why waivers violating it are void.
Double Sale of Property: Understanding Legal Ownership and Good Faith in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies double sale rules under Article 1544, emphasizing possession in good faith determines ownership when no registration occurs.
Ejectment Suits and Agrarian Disputes: Possession vs. Ownership in Philippine Courts
When does an ejectment suit become an agrarian dispute? The Supreme Court clarifies DARAB jurisdiction over possession cases.
Land Ownership Disputes: Proving Your Claim in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court distinguishes government instrumentalities from GOCCs in real property tax disputes, and what this means for proving ownership claims.
Ejectment and Land Ownership: What a Torrens Title Means for Property Owners in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains how registered owners can eject tolerated occupants, why laches does not bar recovery, and the limits of ownership claims in ejectment cases.
Overcoming Inheritance Disputes: Proving Ownership in Philippine Land Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on burden of proof in inheritance disputes over titled land, and the indefeasibility of Torrens titles.