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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Redemption Rights in Foreclosure Sales: Scope and Transferability Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies the scope of redemption rights in extrajudicial foreclosure sales and when such rights may be validly transferred.
Equitable Mortgage vs Sale: How Philippine Law Protects Landowners from Unfair Deals
The Supreme Court ruled that a deed of sale can be treated as an equitable mortgage, protecting landowners from transactions that secretly secure a debt.
Equitable Mortgage: When an Absolute Sale Is Really a Loan Security
The Supreme Court explains when a deed of absolute sale is actually an equitable mortgage, and what parties must do to recover property.
Prior Physical Possession in Ejectment Cases: Sales v. Barro
Why owners must allege prior physical possession in forcible entry cases, and how jurisdiction depends on the complaint's allegations.
When Actions to Nullify Deeds of Sale Based on Fraud Do Not Prescribe
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that actions to declare void contracts, like deeds of sale tainted by fraud or lack of consent, are imprescriptible.
Heirship Rights vs. Execution Sales: Protecting Inherited Property in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court protects heirs' rights when inherited property faces competing claims, and what the Dela Cruz ruling means for Filipino families.
Conditional Sales and Inheritance Rights: Resolving Land Ownership Disputes in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts resolve land disputes involving conditional sales, inheritance, and registration requirements under the Public Land Act.
Family Home Exempt from Execution: When Courts Must Inquire Before Levy and Sale
Supreme Court voids execution sale of alleged family home, requiring trial courts to conduct proper inquiry before levying exempt properties.
Perfected Contract of Sale vs. Writ of Preliminary Attachment: Balancing Obligations with Due Process
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a contract of sale is perfected and when a writ of preliminary attachment may be improperly issued.
Entrapment vs Frame-Up: Proving Illegal Drug Sale Beyond Reasonable Doubt
The Supreme Court explains the difference between valid buy-bust entrapment and a mere frame-up in drug cases, and what evidence convicts.
Mortgage Foreclosure Minor Errors IN Notice DO NOT Necessarily Void THE Sale
Breach of Warranty in Realty Sale: Buyer Entitled to Reduced Purchase Price
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on breach of warranty in realty sales and the buyer's right to proportionate price reduction.
Warranty Against Eviction in Car Sales: Buyer's Duty to Verify Ownership
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on warranty against eviction, prescription periods, and buyer's duty to verify ownership in used car sales.
Entrapment vs Instigation: Defining the Line in Philippine Drug Sale Cases
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies the difference between valid entrapment and prohibited instigation in illegal drug sale cases under RA 9165.
Adverse Claims and Good Faith: Protecting Prior Rights in Property Sales
When an adverse claim annotated on a title protects a prior buyer against a later attaching creditor, and why good faith matters.
Debt Recovery Execution: Waiver of Demand and Proving Overlevy
Learn when a sheriff's failure to demand payment is excused and how to prove overlevy in execution sales under Rule 39.
Redemption Rights Interest Computation CUT OFF In Foreclosure Sales
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that in DBP foreclosure redemptions, interest stops accruing at the auction date.
Conditional Sales vs Contracts to Sell: Clarifying Property Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a "conditional sale" is actually a contract to sell, and why full payment matters for ownership transfer.
Authority TO Sell Written Power IS KEY To Valid Real Estate Transactions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on Estate of Lino Olaguer clarifies when a written power of attorney is required for valid real estate sales.
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.
Defective Document Repudiates Land Sale Preserving Torrens Title Integrity
A photocopied deed with irregular notarial details cannot defeat a Torrens title. The Supreme Court explains when laches applies to registered land.
Right of Way When a Promise Isn't a Guarantee in Property Sales
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a company's promise to extend a contract becomes binding, and the limits of corporate liability.
Contract Validity and Prescription: Lessons from Dailisan v. Court of Appeals
The Supreme Court upheld a notarized deed of sale because the heirs failed to seek annulment within four years, and partition does not prescribe for a co-owner.
Sheriffs Must Follow Execution Rules: Grave Misconduct Case Lessons
When sheriffs demand unauthorized fees and adjourn sales without consent, they commit grave misconduct. Learn the rules from a Supreme Court ruling.