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.
Can One Co-Owner File an Ejectment Case Alone? Yes, Says the Supreme Court
A co-owner can file an ejectment suit without joining other co-owners, as ruled in Catedrilla v. Lauron. Learn the rules.
Injunctions in Ejectment Cases: Balancing Property Rights and Public Service
When can an ejectment judgment be stayed? City of Naga v. Asuncion shows how courts balance property rights against disruption of public services.
Ejectment Case Jurisdiction in the Philippines: MTC vs RTC After Bejar v. Caluag
Filing an ejectment case in the wrong court risks dismissal. Learn how Bejar v. Caluag clarifies MTC vs RTC jurisdiction.
Illegal Demolition as Grave Coercion: Property Rights and Due Process in the Philippines
When does demolition become a crime? The Sy case shows how unlawful property destruction can constitute grave coercion under Philippine law.
Unprobated Wills and Ejectment: Why Probate Is Required Before Claiming Property Rights in the Philippines
An unprobated will has no legal effect in Philippine courts. Learn why probate is mandatory before asserting inheritance rights in property disputes.
Demolition of Illegal Structures: When a Court Order Is Required in the Philippines
Philippine law generally requires a special court order before a city may demolish existing structures, even those built without permits. Learn the rules.
Forcible Entry in the Philippines: Why Prior Physical Possession Evidence Wins Cases
Learn how Philippine courts decide forcible entry cases, why prior physical possession evidence matters, and key lessons from Buduhan v. Pakurao.
Can One Co-Owner File an Ejectment Case in the Philippines? Yes, Under Article 487
A single co-owner can file an ejectment suit without the others. The Supreme Court explains how Article 487 of the Civil Code works.
Forcible Entry in the Philippines: Why Prior Possession Wins Cases
Learn how prior physical possession, not ownership, decides forcible entry cases in the Philippines, guided by Dumo v. Espinas.
When Can a Co-Owner File an Ejectment Suit in the Philippines? The Adlawan Rule
Philippine law lets a co-owner file ejectment, but only for the benefit of all co-owners—not for sole personal gain. Here's what Adlawan v. Adlawan teaches.
Judicial Accountability in Unlawful Detainer Cases: The Montemayor Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge's delay in an ejectment case underscores the strict timelines and impartiality required of Philippine courts.
Lessor’s Liability for Defects and Repairs: Key Lessons from De Ysasi v. Arceo
Learn when Philippine lessors are liable for property defects and repairs, and why lessee inspection matters under De Ysasi v. Arceo.
Forcible Entry in the Philippines: Proving Prior Possession and Unlawful Deprivation
Understand the requirements for forcible entry cases in the Philippines, including prior possession and unlawful deprivation, based on the Ong v. Parel ruling.
Fair Rental Value in Unlawful Detainer: Key Lessons from Catungal v. Hao
How Philippine courts determine fair rental value when a lease expires, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Catungal v. Hao.
Demolition Requires Special Court Order: Morta v. Sañez and Due Process
A writ of execution does not authorize demolition. A special court order after notice and hearing is required under Rule 39, Section 10(d).
Subleasing Without Landlord Consent: Ejectment Risks in Philippine Unlawful Detainer Cases
Sublessees without landlord consent face eviction when the main lease ends. Learn the rules from Jimenez v. Patricia, Inc.
Execution of Judgment in Ejectment Cases: Why the Court of Origin Matters
In ejectment cases, execution of an affirmed judgment generally belongs to the trial court of origin, not the appellate court. A Supreme Court ruling clarifies why.
Immediate Execution of RTC Ejectment Judgments: What the Supreme Court Has Held
When the RTC affirms an ejectment ruling, the order to vacate is immediately enforceable—even if the losing party appeals. Here's why.
Motion for Reconsideration Under Summary Procedure: The Lucas Doctrine
When can a litigant file a motion for reconsideration under summary procedure? The Supreme Court clarifies the exception for dismissal orders.
Mortgage Law in the Philippines: Why You Can’t Mortgage Property You Don’t Own
Philippine mortgage law requires absolute ownership. Learn why mortgaging property you don't fully own is void, based on Lagrosa v. Court of Appeals.
Home Lot Rights in Philippine Tenancy: Only the Tenant is Entitled
The Supreme Court clarifies that only the tenant, not family members, may claim a home lot under RA 1199, Section 22(3).
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.
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.
Lease Abandonment and Tenant Rights: The Paterno v. Court of Appeals Case
The Supreme Court's ruling in Paterno v. Court of Appeals clarifies when a tenant's departure amounts to lease abandonment and what it means for landlords and occupants.