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: Full Compliance Required Before Seller Must Convey Property
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that buyers under a contract to sell must fully comply with all obligations—not just payment—before demanding a deed of sale.
Contract to Sell: Full Compliance Required Before Buyer Can Demand Deed of Sale
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that buyers under a contract to sell must fulfill all obligations—not just the purchase price—before demanding a deed of sale.
Agency and Authority: When a Deed Does Not Mean a Done Deal in Property Sales
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a deed of sale is void without proper agency authority under the Civil Code.
Simulated Sales: When Intent to Transfer Ownership Is Absent
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a deed of sale is absolutely simulated and void, using Formaran v. Ong as a guide.
Equitable Mortgage vs Absolute Sale: How Philippine Courts Protect Borrowers
A Supreme Court ruling shows that a deed of sale used to secure a loan may be treated as an equitable mortgage, not a transfer of ownership.
Ejectment Appeals and Equitable Mortgage: Key Lessons from Macaslang v. Zamora
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies appellate review in ejectment cases and when a deed of sale may be treated as an equitable mortgage.
Forged Deeds and Disputed Titles: How Philippine Courts Determine Land Ownership
A Supreme Court ruling explains how courts resolve land ownership disputes when a deed of sale is alleged to be forged.
Torrens Title vs Unregistered Sale: Who Has Better Right to Possess Land in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains why a Torrens title prevails over an unregistered deed of sale in disputes over land possession.
Torrens Title Prevails Over Unregistered Deed in Possession Dispute
Supreme Court clarifies that a Torrens title gives the registered owner a better right to possession than an unregistered deed of sale.
Forged Signatures and Land Disputes: Protecting Property Rights in the Philippines
A forged deed of sale transfers no title under Philippine law. Learn how the Supreme Court protected family property rights in this landmark ruling.
Good Faith vs Torrens Title Resolving Land Ownership Disputes in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether a Torrens title or a deed of sale prevails in land possession disputes.
Torrens Title vs Deed of Sale: Who Wins a Possession Dispute in the Philippines?
In a Philippine ejectment case, a Torrens title beats an unregistered deed of sale. Learn the rule from Spouses Barias v. Heirs of Boneo.
Deed of Sale Presumed Valid Absent Clear Proof of Fraud
Supreme Court clarifies that notarized deeds of sale enjoy presumption of authenticity; challengers must present clear and convincing evidence of fraud.
Unregistered Land Sales: Why Registration Matters in Ownership Disputes
A Supreme Court ruling explains why an unregistered deed of sale cannot bind third parties in property disputes over unregistered land.
Attachment vs. Unregistered Sale: Who Has the Better Right Over Land?
A registered writ of attachment generally beats an earlier unregistered deed of sale, but knowledge of the prior sale can change the outcome. Here is how the Court ruled.
Protecting Property Rights: The Validity of Sales by Thumbprint in Philippine Law
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling that a thumbmark on a deed of sale is valid consent, and the duty of buyers to verify ownership.
Perfecting Real Estate Sales Registration NOT Always Required FOR Validity
The Supreme Court clarifies that registration of a deed of sale is not always required for a real estate sale to be valid between the parties.
Equitable Mortgage vs Sale: How Philippine Law Protects Landowners from Unfair Deals
The Supreme Court ruled that a deed of sale can be treated as an equitable mortgage, protecting landowners from transactions that secretly secure a debt.
Contract Validity and Prescription: Lessons from Dailisan v. Court of Appeals
The Supreme Court upheld a notarized deed of sale because the heirs failed to seek annulment within four years, and partition does not prescribe for a co-owner.
Equitable Mortgage Prevails Protecting Borrowers From Onerous Sale Agreements
Supreme Court rules a deed of sale with right to repurchase can be an equitable mortgage, protecting borrowers from onerous terms.
Simulated Sales: When Continued Possession Trumps a Deed of Sale
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on simulated sales: continued possession and tax payments can nullify a deed of absolute sale.
Genuine Sale vs Equitable Mortgage: When a Deed of Sale Stands in Land Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when a deed of sale is genuine and not an equitable mortgage, and how buyers in good faith are protected in land disputes.
Sale vs Equitable Mortgage: When a Deed of Sale Is Considered a Loan
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a deed of absolute sale may be treated as an equitable mortgage or loan, and when courts will uphold the sale.
Equitable Mortgage vs Sale: Protecting Borrowers in Philippine Property Deals
When is a deed of sale actually an equitable mortgage? The Supreme Court explains how borrowers are protected under Philippine law.