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.
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.
Employee vs. Independent Contractor: The Four-Fold Test Under Philippine Law
Philippine courts use the four-fold test to distinguish employees from independent contractors. Control is the key factor.
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.
Falsification of Public Documents: Upholding Integrity in Philippine Public Service
A Supreme Court ruling on a court interpreter's dismissal for forging a judge's signature, underscoring integrity in public service.
Security of Tenure for Tenant Farmers: Upholding Leasehold Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court reaffirmed tenant farmers' security of tenure, ruling that land sale does not extinguish agricultural leasehold rights.
Public Land vs Private Ownership in the Philippines: Land Classification and Acquisition
Understand how Philippine law distinguishes public land from private property, and the rules on classification and acquisition.
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.
Lumber vs. Timber: What Illegal Logging Laws Mean for Your Business
The Supreme Court ruled that lumber is timber under Philippine forestry law. Know what documents you need to avoid illegal possession charges.
Caveat Emptor in Philippine Law: The Fule Case on Buyer Beware in Property and Jewelry Deals
Philippine law applies caveat emptor—buyers must inspect goods before purchase. The Fule case shows how failure to verify authenticity can defeat fraud claims.
Private vs Common Carriers: Understanding Liability for Cargo Damage in the Philippines
Philippine law distinguishes private from common carriers, affecting liability for cargo damage. Learn the rules and practical implications.
Conditional vs. Absolute Sale: How Philippine Courts Determine True Property Ownership
Philippine courts look beyond contract labels to determine if a sale is absolute or conditional. Learn the key rules from a landmark Supreme Court case.
Property Rights in Cohabitation: Ownership Rules for Unmarried Couples in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine law divides property for unmarried couples, the limits on donations, and key lessons from the Agapay case.
Redemption Rights Under the Public Land Act: A Guide for Heirs and Mortgagors
Learn how the two-year redemption and five-year repurchase periods work for foreclosed Public Land Act properties, and what heirs should know.
Redemption After Execution Sale: Ownership Disputes Do Not Stop the Clock
Philippine law gives judgment debtors one year to redeem property sold at execution. Ownership disputes do not suspend that deadline.
Sheriff’s Sales in the Philippines: Notice Rules and What Torres v. Cabling Teaches
Learn the notice and payment rules for sheriff’s sales in the Philippines, explained through the landmark case of Torres v. Cabling.
Equitable Mortgage vs. Pacto de Retro Sale: When a "Sale" Is Really a Loan
Philippine law presumes certain "sales with right to repurchase" are equitable mortgages, protecting borrowers from unfair lending arrangements.
Right of Repurchase in Philippine Real Estate: Pacto de Retro Rules Explained
Learn the rules on pacto de retro sales and the right of repurchase in Philippine real estate, including annotation duties and judicial requirements.
Buy-Bust Operations in the Philippines: Entrapment vs. Instigation Explained
Understand the legal line between entrapment and instigation in Philippine buy-bust operations, and what the Supreme Court's ruling in People v. De Vera means for drug cases.
Extrajudicial Settlements and the Protection of Minor Heirs' Rights in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts protect minor heirs in extrajudicial settlements, and why a minor's share cannot be lost through prescription or laches.
Conditions vs. Warranties in Philippine Sales Contracts: The Power Commercial Case
Learn how Philippine law distinguishes contract conditions from warranties, and when a seller's failure to deliver possession justifies rescission.
Continuing Surety Agreements Can Validly Cover Future Debts in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that continuing surety agreements validly secure future debts, even if no principal obligation exists at signing.
Eminent Domain in the Philippines: Just Compensation and Due Process
Learn how Philippine law protects property owners in eminent domain cases, focusing on just compensation and due process requirements.