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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Contract to Sell: Seller's Right to Rescind and Recover Property Ownership
When a buyer covertly transfers title before full payment in a contract to sell, the seller may rescind and recover ownership.
Valid Contracts Despite Regulatory Lapses: Moldex Realty vs. Flora Saberon
Philippine Supreme Court rules that a developer's lack of license or failure to register does not void a contract to sell.
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.
Contract to Sell vs Dacion en Pago: Protecting Subdivision Lot Buyers in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains how PD 957 protects subdivision lot buyers even when a developer transfers the property to a bank through dacion en pago.
Contract to Sell Default: When Sellers Can Cancel and Keep the Property Off the Market
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a buyer's failure to pay installments in a contract to sell justifies cancellation by the seller.
Contract to Sell: Buyer's Failure to Pay Nullifies Seller's Obligation to Convey Title
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that in a contract to sell, buyer's failure to pay the full price prevents the seller's obligation to convey title from arising.
Perfected Sales vs Contracts to Sell: Ownership Transfer and Good Faith in Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the difference between a contract of sale and a contract to sell, and how good faith determines ownership in double sales.
Perfected Contract vs Contract to Sell: Earnest Money and Timely Payments in Real Estate Deals
Learn when earnest money perfects a sale, the difference from a contract to sell, and how late payments can still be cured under Philippine law.
Letters of Intent: When a Preliminary Document Is Not a Contract of Sale in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a Letter of Intent remains a mere declaration of intention, not a binding contract to sell or conditional sale.
Perfected Contract to Sell vs Cancellation for Default: Lessons from Traders Royal Bank v. Cuison
When is a contract to sell perfected, and when can a seller cancel it for default? The Supreme Court clarifies in Traders Royal Bank v. Cuison.
Conditional Sales vs Contracts to Sell: Clarifying Property Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a "conditional sale" is actually a contract to sell, and why full payment matters for ownership transfer.
Perfected Sale vs Contract to Sell: Distinguishing Ownership Transfer in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the difference between a contract of sale and a contract to sell, and when ownership actually transfers to the buyer.
Contract to Sell vs Contract of Sale: How Ownership Transfers in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains the key difference between a contract to sell and a contract of sale, and when property ownership actually transfers.
Finality of Judgment and the Limits of Appellate Review in Philippine Courts
When can courts revisit decided cases? The Supreme Court explains finality of judgment, appellate jurisdiction, and contract to sell rules.
Contract to Sell vs Contract of Sale: Key Differences and Buyer Protections in Philippine Real Estate
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between a contract to sell and a contract of sale, and what it means for buyers and sellers.
Partial Signatures Full Liability Understanding Contracts To Sell CO Owned Property IN THE Philippines
Learn when a contract to sell co-owned property binds all owners, even with only some signatures, under Philippine law.
Automatic Contract Cancellation in the Philippines: Grace Periods and Buyer Obligations
Missed payments on a Contract to Sell can trigger automatic cancellation. Learn the rules from Santiago v. Court of Appeals.
Conditional Contracts to Sell: When Buyers' Payment Hinges on Sellers' Prior Mortgage Release
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that in a contract to sell, buyers need not pay until sellers secure mortgage release, and rescission under Article 1191 does not apply.
Contract to Sell vs. Contract of Sale: Why Consent on Payment Terms Matters
The Supreme Court clarifies when a property agreement is a contract to sell, not a sale, and why consent on payment terms is decisive.
Perfecting a Contract to Sell: Why Payment Terms Matter in Philippine Real Estate Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains why agreeing on price alone does not perfect a contract to sell real property—payment terms are essential.
Contract to Sell Cancellation: Maceda Law Rules and Novation Explained
Learn the Maceda Law rules on cancelling a contract to sell, when a new contract can replace the old one, and key takeaways from Fabrigas v. San Francisco Del Monte.
Ejectment Actions and Contracts to Sell: Clarifying Possession Rights in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a buyer under a contract to sell may be ejected, and the duties of banks purchasing properties.
Contract to Sell vs. Sale: What Buyers Must Know Under Philippine Law
A buyer who stops paying installments in a contract to sell may lose ownership rights. Learn the key differences and protections.