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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Priority of Title: Resolving Conflicting Land Ownership Claims in the Philippines
When two titles cover the same land, the earlier one prevails. The Supreme Court explains the rule in Aquino v. Estate of Aguirre.
When a Deed Speaks Louder Than a Title: Resolving Land Ownership Disputes in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies how co-ownership, oral partition, and redemption affect land ownership disputes in the Philippines.
Prior Sale Beats Inheritance: Supreme Court on Land Ownership Disputes
When a valid sale predates an inheritance claim, the buyer owns the land. The Supreme Court explains why Article 1544 on double sales does not apply.
CLOA Cancellation and Indefeasibility of Titles in Agrarian Reform Cases
When can a Certificate of Land Ownership Award be cancelled? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of DAR jurisdiction and the indefeasibility of agrarian titles.
Establishing Land Ownership: The Imperative of Continuous Possession Since June 12, 1945
Original registration of land requires open, continuous, exclusive, and notorious possession since June 12, 1945 or earlier. The Supreme Court clarifies the strict requirements.
Foreign Land Ownership Constitutionality Prevails Over Execution Sales
Supreme Court nullifies auction sales to a Canadian citizen, reaffirming the constitutional ban on alien land ownership in the Philippines.
Land Ownership Disputes: Court vs. DAR Jurisdiction Over CLOA Cancellation
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when courts lack jurisdiction over land disputes involving CLOAs and agrarian reform titles.
When Courts Cannot Decide Land Ownership Disputes Involving Agrarian Reform Awards
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that cancellation of CLOAs falls under DAR Secretary's jurisdiction, not regular courts.
Unregistered Donations vs Registered Sales: Priority in Land Ownership Disputes
When a donation isn't registered, a later buyer who relies on the Torrens title may win ownership. Learn the rules.
DUE Diligence IN Mortgage Contracts Protecting Land Ownership Rights
Alien Land Ownership Philippine Constitution Prohibits Direct Land Acquisition BY Foreign Nationals
Philippine Constitution bars foreigners from owning private land directly. Supreme Court explains the rule and its limits in a Quezon City property dispute.
Protecting Land Ownership: The Limits of Good Faith in Real Estate Transactions
The Supreme Court clarifies when a buyer of registered land cannot claim good faith, protecting true owners from fraud.
Proving Land Ownership: Registration, Possession, and Government Approval
The Supreme Court clarifies what it takes to register public land: proof of possession since 1945 and DENR Secretary-approved classification.
Priority OF Title Resolving Land Ownership Disputes Based ON Registration Date
Upholding Land Ownership After Fraudulent Free Patents and the Right to Reclaim Property
A Supreme Court ruling explains when builders on land they do not own are presumed in good faith, and why the landowner must choose between buying the house or selling the land.
Constitutional Limits on Alien Land Ownership: Reversion of Property Acquired in Violation of the Constitution
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on reversion of land acquired by aliens in violation of the constitutional ban on foreign land ownership.
Upholding Land Ownership: Technicalities Yield to Substantive Rights in Property Disputes
SC rules procedural lapses cannot defeat a registered owner's right to recover property from tolerated occupants.
Reconveyance and Land Ownership: Proving Ownership in Land Disputes
The Supreme Court nullified a provincial government's levy and auction of NPC properties, clarifying franchise tax rules under EPIRA.
Constitutional Ban on Land Ownership: Filipino Spouses and Foreign Nationals
The Supreme Court rules that land bought for a foreigner and titled in a Filipino spouse's name is void, reaffirming the constitutional ban.
Land Retention Rights Disqualification Due to Extensive Land Ownership Under Agrarian Reform Law
A landowner with 68 hectares of agricultural land cannot claim retention rights under agrarian reform law, explains the Supreme Court.
Challenging Land Ownership Claims Establishing Lessor Lessee Relationships IN Unlawful Detainer Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on unlawful detainer cases, lessor-lessee relationships, and the res inter alios acta principle in property disputes.
Proving Land Ownership: Open Possession Since June 12, 1945
Free patents require open, continuous possession since June 12, 1945, but only over alienable land. Timberland cannot be privately owned.
Forged Deeds and Imprescriptible Rights: Protecting Land Ownership in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on forged deeds, land ownership protection, and the limits of prescription in property disputes.
Foreign Land Ownership Restrictions Lease Agreements As Virtual Transfers
Supreme Court voids 100-year lease to foreigner as virtual transfer of land ownership, reaffirming constitutional ban on alien landholding.