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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Good Faith and Land Titles: The Limits of Torrens System Protection in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a buyer's failure to pay full price under a Contract to Sell prevents enforcement, and the limits of good faith claims.
Good Faith and Land Titles: When a Contract to Sell Expires in Philippine Property Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a contract to sell expires, the parol evidence rule, and refund rights for unpaid buyers.
Prescription and Implied Trusts in Reconveyance: What the Supreme Court Said
The Supreme Court clarifies when actions for reconveyance based on implied trusts prescribe, and how defects in notarization affect land titles.
Baguio Land Titles Validation Denied for Expanded Areas Despite Prior Resurvey Approval
Supreme Court rules resurvey approval doesn't validate expanded Baguio land titles under PD 1271, requiring strict compliance.
Perfecting Land Titles: Strict Proof Required for Government Approval and Continuous Possession
The Supreme Court denies land registration for failure to prove alienable status and continuous possession under PD 1529.
Relocation Surveys in Land Disputes: Why Precise Boundaries Matter
When land titles conflict, courts order relocation surveys to settle boundary disputes. Learn the rules and practical lessons.
Reconstitution of Lost Titles: When "Other Documents" Suffice Under RA 26
Supreme Court clarifies when "other documents" may support reconstitution of lost land titles under Republic Act No. 26.
Reconstitution of Land Titles: Proving Prior Existence Under RA 26
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on reconstitution of lost titles: proof of prior issuance is required under RA 26, not just a decree.
Missing Deed of Sale Does Not Invalidate Land Title: Presumption of Regularity Explained
A missing Deed of Sale does not automatically invalidate a TCT. Learn how the presumption of regularity protects registered land titles.
When a Court Employee's Side Business Crosses the Line: Moonlighting Rules Explained
Court stenographer's side business processing land titles led to administrative liability for moonlighting. Learn the rules and limits.
Mortgage in Bad Faith: Banks' Duty of Diligence in Verifying Land Titles
When a bank accepts a mortgage without fully investigating suspicious facts on the property, it acts in bad faith and loses protection as an innocent mortgagee.
Perfecting Land Titles: Possession Period and Government Classification Requirements
Learn the requirements for judicial confirmation of imperfect title under Philippine law, including possession since June 12, 1945 and land classification rules.
Reconstitution of Lost Titles: Supreme Court Clarifies Rules in Favor of Property Owners
Supreme Court clarifies reconstitution of lost land titles under RA 26, allowing practical evidence when records are destroyed.
Mining Rights vs Land Ownership: Reconstitution Rights Under Philippine Law
Supreme Court ruling clarifies that mining patent holders cannot seek reconstitution of land titles they do not own.
Forged Documents and Judicial Misconduct: Protecting Land Titles in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling on judge misconduct highlights the dangers of unauthorized notarization and the importance of protecting land titles from forged documents.
Forged Documents and Land Titles: Protecting Registered Owners From Fraudulent Sales
The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on judicial reconstitution of lost titles under Republic Act No. 26, protecting registered owners from fraud.
Fraudulent Land Titles: Possession Trumps Indefeasibility Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court rules that Torrens title indefeasibility cannot shield fraud when rightful owners remain in possession of the property.
Good Faith and Land Titles: When Forged Deeds Void Property Ownership
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on forged deeds, good faith buyers, and why Torrens titles from fraudulent sales can be cancelled.
Good Faith vs Due Diligence: Protecting Land Titles in the Philippines
When can a forged land title become valid? The Supreme Court explains the limits of good faith and due diligence for property buyers.
Ownership Disputes Tracing Land Titles AND Protecting Successional Rights IN THE Philippines
Explains how Philippine courts resolve land ownership disputes by tracing titles, and why successional rights vest only at death.
Perfecting Land Titles: The Imperative of Proving Possession Since June 12, 1945
Learn the strict requirements for land registration in the Philippines, including proving possession since June 12, 1945, based on a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Jurisdiction in Property Disputes: Nullifying Contracts vs. Recovering Land Rights
When can the government nullify land titles? The Supreme Court clarifies jurisdiction rules in property disputes involving military reservations.
Perfecting Land Titles Strict Requirements FOR Registration Under Philippine LAW
Judge Dismissed for Gross Ignorance of Law in Land Title Reconstitution Case
Supreme Court dismisses Judge Omelio for gross ignorance of law in reconstituting previously cancelled land titles, reversing inhibition and citing contempt without hearing.