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.
Upholding Authenticity: Validating Contracts of Sale Despite Registration Lapses
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that notarized deeds of sale remain valid and binding even if not registered with the Register of Deeds.
When a "Sale" Is Really an Equitable Mortgage: Lessons from Aguirre v. Tupas
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a deed of absolute sale is presumed an equitable mortgage under the Civil Code.
When "May" Means Optional: Advance Payments in Property Sales
Supreme Court ruling on whether a buyer's advance payment obligation in a property sale is mandatory or discretionary, and its effect on contract rescission.
Navigating Buy-Bust Operations in the Philippines: What You Need to Know About Drug Law Enforcement
The Supreme Court explains how buy-bust operations work in drug cases, what counts as valid entrapment, and why courts trust police testimony in shabu sales.
Breach of Contract in the Philippines: Rescission and the Risks of Buying Property with a Notice of Lis Penden
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on rescission, reciprocal obligations, and why a notice of lis pendens binds any buyer of disputed property.
Lis Pendens and Due Diligence: Why Philippine Property Buyers Must Investigate Title Defects
Learn how the lis pendens rule and the Po Lam case show why Philippine property buyers must go beyond a title check to avoid costly legal disputes.
Equitable Mortgage vs. Pacto de Retro Sale: When a "Sale" Is Really a Loan
Philippine courts look beyond contract labels. Learn how Articles 1602 and 1603 protect borrowers from disguised loans and unfair foreclosure.
Equitable Mortgage vs. Sale With Right to Repurchase: Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a "sale with right to repurchase" is actually an equitable mortgage, protecting borrowers from unfair foreclosure.
Condition Precedent in Philippine Contracts: Ensuring Clear Title Before Purchase
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a buyer's obligation to purchase depends on the seller's prior compliance with a condition precedent.
Philippine Land Registration: Why Imperfect Titles Need Perfect Proof
A Supreme Court ruling on land registration shows why tax declarations and possession alone cannot confirm imperfect titles over public land.
Customs Forfeiture in the Philippines: Illegal Removal of Goods and the Buyer Beware Rule
When goods are illegally removed from customs custody, forfeiture can reach any buyer, even one claiming good faith. Learn the rules.
Paraphernal vs Conjugal Property: How Cadastral Court Findings Settle Ownership
A final cadastral court finding that a wife inherited land overcomes the presumption of conjugal property, the Supreme Court rules.
Mortgage Law in the Philippines: Why You Can’t Mortgage Property You Don’t Own
Philippine mortgage law requires absolute ownership. Learn why mortgaging property you don't fully own is void, based on Lagrosa v. Court of Appeals.
Unmasking Express Trusts in Philippine Property Law: Co-Ownership vs True Ownership
When a deed of sale is actually an express trust, the titled "owner" holds only as trustee. This case explains the difference.
Car Plans in the Philippines: Lease or Installment Sale? Key Employee Rights and Employer Obligations
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on car plans: when a "lease" is really an installment sale, and what it means for employers and employees.
Understanding Contracts of Sale vs Contracts to Sell in Philippine Property Law
Learn the key differences between contracts of sale and contracts to sell under Philippine law, and why the distinction matters for property buyers and sellers.
Torrens Title vs. Acquisitive Prescription: Why Registered Land Prevails in the Philippines
A Torrens title defeats claims of ownership by long possession. Learn the Ramos v. Bautista ruling and how to protect registered land.
Conditional Land Donations in the Philippines: Reversion Rights and Valid Sales
When a conditional land donation fails, when can the donor validly sell the property? The Supreme Court explains reversion rights.
Corporate Authority in Property Sales: Why Board Approval Matters in the Philippines
A corporate officer cannot sell company land without board approval. Learn the due diligence steps to protect your property transaction.
Successor Beware: Why Due Diligence Is Key to Avoiding Prior Judgments in Philippine Property Law
A buyer of Philippine property can be bound by a court judgment against its seller, even if not named in the suit. Learn the due diligence lesson from Eternal Gardens v. Court of Appeals.
Buyer’s Right to Specific Performance When a Seller Backs Out of a Contract to Sell
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that sellers cannot unilaterally rescind a Contract to Sell, and buyers may sue for specific performance.
Perfecting CAR Sales Contracts IN THE Philippines Understanding Buyer Rights AND Seller Obligations
Learn when a car sale contract is perfected in the Philippines, buyer rights, and seller obligations from the Xentrex Automotive case.
Absolute vs Conditional Sale Understanding Philippine Real Estate Contracts
Learn the key differences between absolute and conditional sales in Philippine real estate, and what the Supreme Court says about buyer and seller rights.
Protecting Your Property Rights: Why Forged Deeds Can't Stand in Philippine Law
Learn how Philippine courts treat forged deeds and protect property owners. A guide to reconveyance actions, prescription, and buyer's good faith.