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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Lawyer Suspended for Two Years Over Falsified Deed Involving Deceased Landowner
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for two years for benefiting from a falsified deed of sale involving a property owner who had already died.
Attorney Disbarred for Gross Misconduct and Willful Disobedience to Court Orders
A lawyer's unauthorized use of a client's property for bail bonds, plus defiance of court orders, leads to disbarment.
Upholding Notarized Deeds: Supreme Court on Authenticity and Forgery in Property Sales
The Supreme Court affirms that notarized deeds enjoy a presumption of authenticity, and forgery claims require clear and convincing evidence to overturn them.
Injunction Relief in Property Disputes: Establishing Clear Rights and Irreparable Harm
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may grant preliminary injunctions in property disputes, requiring actual existing rights and urgent necessity.
Unlawful Detainer: Tolerance vs. Right of Possession in Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that in unlawful detainer cases, mere tolerance by the owner establishes possession, and ownership issues cannot be collaterally attacked.
Expropriation and Just Compensation: Protecting Property Rights in Road Widening Projects
Learn how Philippine law protects property owners in expropriation cases, ensuring just compensation for land taken for road widening projects.
Breach of Express Warranty When Road Widening Impacts Property Sales in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that express warranties in deeds of sale differ from implied warranty against eviction, entitling buyer to refund.
Property Rights vs Public Use: Resolving Road Access Disputes
When can a government hospital close a road on its titled property? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of preliminary injunctions in access disputes.
When a Lawyer Exceeds Authority: Suspension for Unauthorized Sale of Client’s Property
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer for two years for selling a client's property without authority, violating Canons 5, 15, and 17 of the CPR.
Proving Alienable and Disposable Land Status for Title Confirmation
Land registration fails without proof the property is alienable and disposable. Republic v. Nicolas explains the required evidence.
Quieting of Title: Banks Must Verify Ownership Before Accepting Untitled Land as Mortgage
A bank that fails to verify ownership of untitled land before accepting it as mortgage security loses the property. Learn the rules on quieting of title and due diligence.
Simulated Contracts: When Property Transfers Are Void in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains when a simulated contract is void, not merely rescissible, using a P50-million property assignment case.
CO Ownership AND THE Right TO Alienate Understanding Property Partition IN THE Philippines
Upholding Contract Validity Against Claims of Forgery and Incapacity in Property Sales
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on proving forgery, mental incapacity, and undue influence when challenging notarized property sales.
Writ of Possession for Subsequent Property Purchasers After Foreclosure
Learn when subsequent purchasers of foreclosed property can obtain a writ of possession, and the hearing requirement under Philippine law.
When a Tax Sale Lacks Notice: Due Process and Res Judicata in Property Auctions
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that a tax delinquency sale without proper notice violates due process and is not barred by res judicata.
Res Judicata and Due Process in Tax Sales: When a Prior Case Does Not Bar a New Suit
The Supreme Court clarifies when res judicata applies in tax delinquency sales and protects property owners' right to due process.
Sheriffs Must Follow Execution Procedures Exactly or Face Administrative Liability
A sheriff who skipped the demand step before garnishing and levying property was suspended for simple misconduct by the Supreme Court.
Taxing Power vs National Electrification: LGU Levy on Electric Cooperatives
Supreme Court rules LGUs may levy electric cooperative properties for unpaid real property taxes despite EPIRA restrictions.
Alien Land Ownership Philippine Constitution Prohibits Direct Land Acquisition BY Foreign Nationals
Philippine Constitution bars foreigners from owning private land directly. Supreme Court explains the rule and its limits in a Quezon City property dispute.
Contract to Sell vs Contract of Sale: Resolving Conflicting Claims in Real Estate
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between a contract to sell and a contract of sale, and how courts resolve conflicting claims over real property.
Can a Trustee Mortgage Property Without the Owner's Consent? Supreme Court Says No
Learn from a 2017 Supreme Court ruling why a trustee cannot mortgage trust property without the owner's consent, and the consequences for banks that fail to verify ownership.
Right of Way vs Contractual Obligations: Enforcing Compromise Agreements in Property Development
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when courts may review factual findings and how contractual penalties are reduced in breach cases.