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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Contributory Negligence in Property Disputes: Balancing Rights and Responsibilities
When adjoining landowners cause damage to each other, Philippine courts weigh contributory negligence in awarding damages. Learn from the Vergara v. Sonkin case.
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.
Dividing Inherited Lands: Ownership Disputes and Property Rights in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts resolve inherited land disputes, including pacto de retro sales, co-ownership, and the rights of buyers in good faith.
Real Party in Interest and Property Disputes: Standing to Sue Explained
Learn how Philippine courts determine who may sue in property cases, with insights from Lexber v. Dalman on standing and rehabilitation.
Beyond the Lease: Determining the Limits of Compromise Agreement Execution in Property Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies jurisdiction, prescription, and res judicata in accion publiciana, reinforcing the indefeasibility of Torrens titles.
Cash Deposit or Counter Bond: The Only Ways to Discharge an Attachment in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that only cash deposits or counter-bonds can discharge a writ of attachment—not real property.
When Can a Bank Deposit Real Property Instead of Cash to Lift an Attachment?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that under Rule 57, only cash deposit or counter-bond can lift a writ of attachment.
Proving Alienable and Disposable Status in Land Registration: Republic v. Lualhati
The Supreme Court clarifies what evidence proves land is alienable and disposable for original registration under the Property Registration Decree.
Redemption of Foreclosed Property: Full Payment Required, Good Intent Not Enough
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that redeeming a foreclosed property requires full payment of the redemption price within the one-year period, not just partial payments or good intentions.
Redemption of Foreclosed Property: Full Payment Within Period Is Required
Partial payments during the redemption period do not constitute valid redemption; full tender of the redemption price is required.
Redemption Rights and Bank Foreclosures: What GE Money Bank v. Spouses Dizon Teaches Us
Partial payments during the redemption period do not perfect a mortgagor's right to redeem foreclosed property, unless the bank's conduct clearly induces reliance.
Theft or Mistake: Gauging Intent in Employee Dismissal Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when an employee's taking of company property constitutes theft justifying dismissal, and when it is merely a mistake.
Marital Consent IS KEY Voiding Property Sales Without Spousal Agreement
Learn when a sale of conjugal property without spousal consent can be voided under Philippine law, and what buyers must check.
Assignment of Credit vs. Assumption of Liability: Clarifying a Bank's Role in Property Development
When a bank buys a developer's receivables, does it inherit the developer's obligations to buyers? The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction.
Quieting Title and Fake Titles in Philippine Real Property Disputes
Learn how Philippine courts void fake titles in quieting title cases, using the CLT Realty vs. Phil-Ville Maysilo Estate ruling.
Land Registration Requires Impeccable Proof of Alienability
The Supreme Court nullified a land registration judgment where applicants failed to present documentary proof that the property was alienable and disposable public land.
Writ of Possession for Subsequent Purchasers After Foreclosure: Key Rules
Learn when a subsequent buyer of foreclosed property can obtain a writ of possession and the procedural requirements under Philippine law.
Right of Way in the Philippines: Balancing Landowner Rights and Property Isolation
The Supreme Court explains when a compulsory easement of right of way may be granted, and why mere inconvenience does not justify imposing a burden on a neighbor's property.
Res Judicata Bars Repeat Lawsuits Over the Same Ejectment Dispute
A final judgment on the merits, even if later found erroneous, bars a second ejectment suit involving the same parties, property, and cause of action.
Expiration of Redemption Rights: Upholding Property Rights After Failure to Redeem
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on redemption period expiration, property rights, and consequences of failing to redeem within statutory period.
Public Use Prevails: Water System Properties Cannot Be Seized for Private Debts
Supreme Court rules water works systems devoted to public use are property of public dominion, exempt from levy and auction sale.
Public Dominion Property Cannot Be Levied on Execution: Water District Wins
Supreme Court rules water works systems are public dominion property, exempt from execution and auction sale in labor cases.
Earnest Money and Perfected Sales: When Payment Cannot Bind a Reluctant Seller
The Supreme Court explains when earnest money cannot create a binding contract of sale, protecting property owners from irregular payment schemes.
Upholding Property Rights When Caretaking Doesnt Equal Tenancy
The Supreme Court clarifies when a caretaker is not a tenant, and why the regular courts, not the DARAB, have jurisdiction over ejectment.