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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Rescission Rights Enforcing Compromise Agreements In Property Sales
When a buyer defaults on a court-approved compromise agreement, the seller may rescind and enforce the original contract without a separate action.
Caveat Emptor: The Risk Borne by a Buyer in Bad Faith in Property Transactions
A buyer who fails to verify a seller's title bears the loss. The Supreme Court explains caveat emptor and bad faith in Ranara v. De Los Angeles.
Caveat Emptor in Philippine Real Estate: Why Buyers Must Verify Title Before Purchase
The Supreme Court's Ranara ruling shows why buyers must verify property titles—failure to do so can mean losing both the purchase price and improvements.
Eviction and Land Use: Clarifying Need and Notice in Property Repossession
The Supreme Court clarifies the requirements for ejectment under the Rental Law, including the three-month notice rule and what counts as an for the owner's family use.
Attorney Suspended Five Years for Deceitful Conduct and Breach of Professional Responsibility
Lawyer suspended five years for deceiving clients into paying P350,000 for a property redemption she never processed, violating the Lawyer's Oath and Rule 1.01.
Direct Testimony vs Expert Opinion in Property Disputes: The Ambray Case
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how direct testimony outweighs expert opinion in proving forgery in property disputes.
Conditional Sales vs. Adverse Claims: Protecting Property Interests in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court in Logarta v. Mangahis distinguishes conditional sales from adverse claims, and the proper registration rules under PD 1529.
Voluntary vs. Involuntary Dealings: How to Register Property Agreements in the Philippines
Learn the difference between voluntary and involuntary dealings under Philippine property law, and why registering a conditional sale as an adverse claim can be a costly mistake.
Intervention in Criminal Cases: Protecting Property Rights of Third Parties
When may a third party intervene in a criminal case? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on intervention and legal interest.
The Right to Intervene: Protecting Ownership in Criminal Proceedings
When can a property owner intervene in a criminal case? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on intervention under Rule 19.
State Immunity vs Private Rights: Balancing Public Use and Just Compensation
When government agencies take private property without expropriation, state immunity cannot block claims for just compensation and recovery of possession.
Navigating Property Disputes: The Crucial Role of Assessed Value in Determining Court Jurisdiction
The Supreme Court clarifies res judicata and jurisdiction rules in property disputes, emphasizing the importance of assessed value in determining which court has authority.
Upholding Judicial Stability THE Limits OF CO Equal Court Jurisdiction IN Property Execution
When Selling Another’s Property Is Not Estafa: The Ison Case
The Supreme Court explains when a false claim of ownership does not amount to estafa, and why the prosecution must prove deceit beyond reasonable doubt.
Forum Shopping and Preliminary Mandatory Injunctions in Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies forum shopping rules and possessory rights under the Civil Code in property disputes.
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.
Determining Good Faith Remand FOR Trial ON Property Ownership Disputes
When can the Supreme Court remand a property dispute for trial? Learn from Toledo v. Court of Appeals on good faith buyers.
Annulment of Sheriff's Sale Based on Alleged Loan Payment: Key Lessons from Domingo v. Molina
The Supreme Court clarifies when a sale of conjugal property by a surviving spouse is valid, and the proper remedy for co-owners.
Sale vs Donation: How Courts Determine the True Intent Behind Property Transfers
Philippine Supreme Court explains how to distinguish a simulated donation from a real sale, and why building a house on another's land does not create co-ownership.
Co-Ownership Rights Protecting Inherited Property Against Unconsented Mortgages
Learn how co-owners can protect inherited property from unconsented mortgages and what the Supreme Court says about ownership rights.
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.
Demolition and Due Process: Balancing Property Rights and Public Projects in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when demolitions may proceed without a court order under RA 7279, using the BCDA JUSMAG case.
Freedom of the Press and Electoral Integrity: Rappler's Right to Live Stream Debates
The Supreme Court ruled that media entities may live stream COMELEC debates, subject to copyright conditions under the Intellectual Property Code.
Lost Title vs. Stolen Title: When Reconstitution Is Void in Philippine Property Law
Explore when a court-ordered title reconstitution is void, the limits of certiorari, and why technical rules yield to substantial justice.