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.
Lawyers Must Acknowledge Client Payments and Act Fairly Despite Zealous Representation
A lawyer who refuses to acknowledge a client's payment and withholds registration of a deed violates ethical rules, even when acting to protect a client.
Option to Buy: Exercising Rights Without Immediate Payment
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that an option to buy can be exercised without immediate payment, but only under specific conditions.
Upholding Integrity: Dishonesty and Misconduct in Public Service
A judge's side business as a real estate broker leads to administrative liability, reaffirming that judicial integrity must be beyond reproach.
Option Contract vs Contract to Sell: Key Lessons from a Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the difference between an option contract and a contract to sell in real estate transactions.
Perfecting Real Estate Sales in the Philippines When Receipts Seal the Deal
Learn when receipts perfect real estate sales in the Philippines, and the legal rules on ownership transfer.
Rescission of Contract to Sell: Your Rights to Refunds and Interest in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on contract to sell rescission clarifies buyer's right to refund of installments and interest payments.
Contract of Sale vs Contract to Sell: Key Differences and Legal Implications
Philippine Supreme Court explains the difference between a contract of sale and a contract to sell, and why the distinction matters in real estate disputes.
Receipts as Proof of Sale: Understanding Contract Perfection in Philippine Real Estate Law
When does a real estate sale become binding? The Supreme Court explains receipt requirements, fraud, and contract perfection in this Philippine case.
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.
Buyer’s Right to Specific Performance When a Seller Backs Out of a Contract to Sell
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that sellers cannot unilaterally rescind a Contract to Sell, and buyers may sue for specific performance.
Right of Repurchase in Philippine Real Estate: Pacto de Retro Rules Explained
Learn the rules on pacto de retro sales and the right of repurchase in Philippine real estate, including annotation duties and judicial requirements.
Understanding the Limits of General Powers of Attorney in Real Estate Sales
Learn how Philippine courts treat general powers of attorney in real estate transactions and why specificity matters.
Contract of Sale vs. Contract to Sell: Key Differences Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains the crucial distinction between a contract of sale and a contract to sell, and why the label on the document does not always determine the true agreement.