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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Unlawful Detainer When Initial Objection Voids A Claim OF Tolerance
Supreme Court ruling on unlawful detainer, lease renewal options, and binding successors-in-interest in property law.
Good Faith and Land Titles: When a Contract to Sell Expires in Philippine Property Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a contract to sell expires, the parol evidence rule, and refund rights for unpaid buyers.
Right of Way in the Philippines: Balancing Property Rights and Legal Easements
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a landowner can demand a legal easement of right of way and how courts balance property rights.
Upholding Legal Ethics Attorneys Cannot USE Force TO Claim Disputed Property Rights
Implied Trusts and Co-Ownership: Hidden Property Rights in Family Lending Businesses
When a family lending business buys property under one sibling's name, an implied trust may preserve everyone's share.
Implied Trusts Protecting Shared Property Interests Despite Title Registration
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how implied trusts can protect co-ownership rights even when property titles name only one person.
Reconveyance Actions: Proving Ownership Is Key to Reclaiming Property
The Supreme Court clarifies that a reconveyance action fails without proof of ownership, as shown in Yabut v. Alcantara.
Submarine Cables as Taxable Real Property: Supreme Court Clarifies Local Government Authority
The Supreme Court rules submarine cables are taxable real property, affirming local governments' power to impose real property tax on these assets.
Due Diligence Defined: Banks' Responsibility in Mortgage Transactions
The Supreme Court clarifies that banks must exercise higher due diligence than ordinary lenders before accepting property as mortgage collateral.
Third Party Claims in Execution: Protecting Property Rights Under Rule 39
Learn how third-party claimants can protect property wrongly levied in execution, and why certiorari is not the right remedy.
Third-Party Claims in Property Execution: PSALM v. Maunlad Homes Explained
Learn how Philippine law protects third-party property owners from wrongful levy during judgment execution, based on PSALM v. Maunlad Homes.
Breach of Trust When Attorney Loyalty Conflicts With Client Interests in Property Disputes
A lawyer's conversion of client funds for personal use amounts to deceit and gross misconduct warranting disbarment, as shown in this case.
Maintaining the Status Quo: Upholding Preliminary Injunctions in Property Disputes
Learn when courts uphold preliminary injunctions in property disputes and why challenging final judgments through annulment of court processes fails.
Valid Notarization and Agency Substitution in Property Disputes: Villaluz v. Land Bank
A look at when a principal is bound by a substitute agent's mortgage, and why notarization matters in property transactions.
Liberal Interpretation of Procedural Rules in Intellectual Property Appeals
Supreme Court rules that administrative tribunals like the IPO may liberally apply procedural rules, allowing substantial compliance with certification requirements.
Equitable Mortgage Protecting Vulnerable Parties IN Property Transactions
The Supreme Court clarifies when a contract breach warrants damages, and when it does not, in a property dispute.
Just Compensation When Government Takes Property Before Filing Expropriation
When government takes property years before filing expropriation, just compensation is valued at the time of taking, not at filing.
Unraveling Fraud Protecting Heirs Rights IN Property Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when heirs can pursue quieting of title and reconveyance despite allegations of fraud and laches.
Breach of Trust in Employment: When Negligence Justifies Dismissal
The Supreme Court ruled that negligence in handling company property can justify dismissal for breach of trust, even without proof of theft or misconduct.
Theft by Deceit, Overseas Job Scams, and Illegal Recruitment Law in the Philippines
A close look at how Philippine law treats illegal recruitment and large-scale estafa, and why the Supreme Court demands solid proof before property is seized.
Eminent Domain and Just Compensation: Government Delay Forfeits Expropriation Rights
The Supreme Court rules that the government's failure to pay just compensation for over 30 years bars its claim to expropriated property.
Expropriation Without Payment: When the Government Sleeps on Its Rights
Supreme Court rules that failure to pay just compensation for over 30 years bars the government from claiming expropriated property.
Breach of Contract: Temperate Damages Awarded for Failure to Deliver Property Titles
Supreme Court awards temperate damages to buyer when developer failed to deliver deeds and titles, explaining when such damages apply.
Real Property Tax Disputes: Why Payment Under Protest Is a Mandatory First Step
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that payment under protest is mandatory before appealing real property tax assessments, even when claiming tax exemption.