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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Piercing the Form: How Allegations Determine Parties in HLURB Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies that allegations in a complaint, not its title, determine who are parties to an HLURB case.
Selling Subdivision Lots Without A License Hlurb Authority AND Criminal Liability Under PD 957
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that selling subdivision lots without an HLURB license is a crime, and a later license does not erase liability.
Selling Subdivision Lots Without a License: Criminal Liability Under P.D. 957
Selling subdivision lots without an HLURB license is a crime. A later license does not erase liability, explains the Supreme Court.
PD 957 Criminal Cases Belong to Regular Courts, Not HLURB
Supreme Court ruling clarifies that HLURB handles only civil and administrative cases; criminal violations of PD 957 go to regular courts.
Forum Shopping Rule: Defective Certification Dooms Appeal Before HLURB
A defective certification against forum shopping can prevent an appeal from being perfected, making the original decision final and executory.
Hlurb Jurisdiction VS Criminal Prosecution Protecting Subdivision Buyers
HLURB's Primary Jurisdiction Over Real Estate Disputes Involving Unsound Practices
When does the HLURB have exclusive jurisdiction over real estate disputes? The Supreme Court clarifies in Tri-Corp v. Greystone.
Homeowners Association Disputes: HLURB Jurisdiction and Mandatory Arbitration
When do homeowners association disputes go to HLURB instead of courts? The Supreme Court clarifies jurisdiction and arbitration rules.
Homeowner Association Disputes: HLURB Jurisdiction Over Internal Rule Enforcement
When a homeowner association dispute involves internal rules, the HLURB—not regular courts—has jurisdiction. Learn from the Eristingcol case.
Final Judgments and Set-Off Claims: Manila Banking Corp. v. Rabina
Supreme Court ruling on final judgments, set-off claims, and HLURB jurisdiction over subdivision mortgage disputes.
Defining HLURB Jurisdiction When Real Estate Disputes Fall Under Court Authority
When does a real estate dispute belong in court instead of the HLURB? The Supreme Court clarifies the rule in Cadimas v. Carrion.
When Courts, Not HLURB, Decide Contract Disputes: Cadimas v. Carrion
The Supreme Court clarifies that not every subdivision property dispute falls under HLURB jurisdiction—ordinary contract breaches belong in regular courts.
Substantial Evidence in Administrative Cases: Upholding Due Process and Fairness
Learn how the Supreme Court upheld HLURB findings in Sta. Lucia Realty v. Uyecio, clarifying substantial evidence, contract cancellation, and refund interest.
Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies and Impartiality in HLURB Housing Disputes
The Supreme Court explains why a developer's bid to stop HLURB proceedings for alleged bias failed, and what the ruling means for parties in housing disputes.
Jurisdiction and Arbitration in Real Estate Contract Disputes: Frabelle Fishing Case
When do courts, not HLURB, hear real estate contract disputes? The Frabelle Fishing case explains jurisdiction and arbitration rules.
When Contractual Disputes Must Go to Arbitration and Courts, Not the HLURB
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when condominium disputes belong to arbitration or courts, not the HLURB, in Frabelle Fishing Corp. ruling.
HLURB Jurisdiction Limits: When Buyers Must Sue in Regular Courts
Supreme Court clarifies HLURB jurisdiction over refund and contract disputes, requiring subdivision lot allegations for agency jurisdiction.
Hlurb Jurisdiction Disputes Must Involve Registered Subdivisions FOR Hlurb Adjudication
Why 15 Days Matter: Appeal Deadlines in HLURB Real Estate Cases
A missed 15-day appeal deadline in HLURB cases is fatal. Learn the rule from United Overseas Bank v. Ching.
Corporate Rehabilitation vs. HLURB Jurisdiction in Real Estate Rescission Cases
When a developer under corporate rehabilitation faces rescission claims, SEC suspension rules may prevail over HLURB jurisdiction. Learn from this case.
HLURB Jurisdiction: Protecting Buyers vs. Resolving Ownership Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies that HLURB cannot resolve ownership disputes between buyers, limiting its jurisdiction to developer-related cases.
HLURB Jurisdiction and Protecting Homebuyers' Rights in Real Estate Disputes
The Supreme Court ruled that the HLURB has exclusive jurisdiction over disputes involving the rights and obligations of buyers and developers under PD 957, even if the developer files the case.
Jurisdiction Clarified When Regular Courts Handle Property Disputes Despite Developer Status
When do regular courts, not HLURB, hear property disputes? The Supreme Court clarifies jurisdiction rules in Lacson Hermanas v. Heirs of Ignacio.
When Real Estate Disputes Belong in Regular Courts, Not HLURB
The Supreme Court clarifies when a lot sale dispute falls under regular court jurisdiction rather than HLURB's exclusive authority.