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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Torrens Title Prevails Over Unregistered Deeds in Land Ownership Disputes
When a property becomes registered under the Torrens System, prior unregistered claims are defeated. Learn the rules from Naawan Bank v. Spouses Lumo.
Prescription and Laches Do Not Bar Registered Owners' Rights Under Torrens Title
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains why prescription and laches cannot defeat a registered owner's rights under the Torrens system.
Reopening Land Registration: Protecting Rights Against Fraud
When land registration is tainted by fraud, the Torrens System allows reopening the decree within one year. The Supreme Court explains.
Priority in Land Registration: Vigilance Determines Ownership
Learn how priority in land registration and vigilance, not filing date, determine ownership under Philippine Torrens system.
Torrens System vs Fraudulent Land Titles: Priority of Registration Determines Ownership
Philippine Supreme Court rules that earlier registered titles prevail over later ones, even if both cover the same land. Learn the key principles.
Torrens Title vs. Fraud: Protecting Land Ownership in the Philippines
Learn how the Torrens system protects land ownership in the Philippines and why proving fraud requires clear and convincing evidence, based on a landmark Supreme Court case.
Reconveyance Actions and Prescription: Lessons from Delos Reyes v. Court of Appeals
A 30-year delay bars reconveyance claims under the Torrens system, protecting innocent purchasers for value from stale suits.