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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Notice of Lis Pendens: How It Affects Mortgagees and Subsequent Property Transactions
Learn how a notice of lis pendens binds mortgagees and buyers, and why a court order alone does not cancel it under Philippine law.
Good Faith and Land Titles: How Innocent Purchasers Are Protected Under Philippine Law
Learn how Philippine law protects innocent purchasers of land, the role of good faith in property transactions, and key legal safeguards.
Good Faith Purchasers and Notarized Documents in Philippine Property Sales
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling on buyer in good faith protection and reliance on notarized board resolutions in property transactions.
Equitable Mortgage VS Absolute Sale Protecting Vulnerable Parties IN Property Transactions
Learn how Philippine courts protect vulnerable parties in property deals, distinguishing equitable mortgages from absolute sales to prevent exploitation.
Good Faith in Property Transactions: Protecting Innocent Purchasers Under the Torrens System
When a notarized special power of attorney turns out forged, who keeps the land? The Supreme Court explains good faith under the Torrens system.
Good Faith and Due Diligence in Property Transactions: Lessons from Bautista v. Silva
When is a buyer of real property truly in good faith? The Supreme Court clarifies the duty to inquire beyond a special power of attorney.
Equitable Mortgage vs Option to Buy: Distinguishing Intent in Property Transactions
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a sale with option to buy becomes an equitable mortgage, and the evidence needed to prove it.
Estate Mortgage Invalidity Securing Court Approval FOR Estate Property Transactions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why estate property mortgages require court approval under Rule 89, with practical guidance.
Authority Matters: Why Verbal Assurances From Bank Clerks Can't Seal Property Deals in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why verbal assurances from bank clerks cannot validate property transactions, and the importance of proper authority.
Equitable Mortgage vs Absolute Sale: Protecting Vulnerable Parties in Property Transactions
When is a deed of sale really a loan? The Supreme Court explains how courts look beyond documents to protect vulnerable parties.
Equitable Mortgage vs Absolute Sale: Protecting Vulnerable Grantors in Property Transactions
When a deed of absolute sale is actually an equitable mortgage, courts look at intent and circumstances, not just the document's title.
Good Faith vs Forgery: Protecting Innocent Purchasers in Property Transactions
When a forged deed transfers property, who keeps the land? The Supreme Court explains the rights of innocent purchasers for value under the Torrens system.
Upholding Legal Ethics: A Lawyer's Duty of Candor and Fidelity in Property Transactions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on lawyers' duty of candor, fidelity, and accountability in property transactions and legal representation.
Contract of Sale vs Contract to Sell: Clarifying Obligations in Property Transactions
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies distinctions between contract of sale and contract to sell, and their impact on property rights and obligations.
Voiding a Sale: Understanding Consent and Good Faith in Property Transactions
The Supreme Court explains when a Philippine deed of sale may be voided for lack of consent, and how the Torrens system protects buyers in good faith.
Notarial Diligence: The Duty to Verify Identity in Property Transactions
A notary public must verify the identity of parties to property documents. Learn the lesson from a lawyer suspended for failing this duty.
Void Sales and Mortgagee Rights: Protecting Landowners From Fraudulent Transactions
Learn how Philippine courts protect landowners from fraudulent sales and mortgagee rights in property transactions.
Equitable Mortgage VS Absolute Sale Determining True Intent IN Property Transactions
Simulated Sales in Philippine Property Law: Intent, Foreign Ownership, and the Blanco v. Quasha Precedent
Learn how Philippine courts determine simulated sales, why intent matters, and the key lessons from Blanco v. Quasha on property transactions.
Buyer Beware Due Diligence and the Importance of Lis Pendens in Philippine Property Transactions
A Supreme Court ruling on lis pendens, due diligence, and buyer protection in Philippine real estate transactions.