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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Mergers and Documentary Stamp Tax: Clarifying Tax Obligations in Corporate Restructuring
The Supreme Court clarifies when documentary stamp tax applies to property transfers in corporate mergers under the National Internal Revenue Code.
Fraudulent Land Titles: Possession Trumps Indefeasibility Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court rules that Torrens title indefeasibility cannot shield fraud when rightful owners remain in possession of the property.
Dismissal Without Prejudice and Just Compensation: When Court Deference Prevails in Attorney Conduct Cases
When an expropriation case is dismissed without prejudice, just compensation must still be based on the property's value at the time of taking, not at the filing of a later damages suit.
Just Compensation in Expropriation: When the Value Is Fixed at the Time of Taking
Explains the Supreme Court ruling that just compensation in expropriation is based on property value at the time of taking, not at filing of a later damages suit.
Just Compensation for Expropriated Property: Value at Taking, Not Later Filing
Supreme Court clarifies that just compensation for expropriated property is based on value at the time of taking, not at filing of a later damages case.
Good Faith and Land Titles: When Forged Deeds Void Property Ownership
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on forged deeds, good faith buyers, and why Torrens titles from fraudulent sales can be cancelled.
Appraisal Value vs. Foreclosure: Property Valuation Disputes in Mortgage Foreclosure
When can courts override government appraisals in agrarian reform? The Supreme Court clarifies just compensation rules and valuation standards.
Divorce AND Property Rights Protecting Marital Unions IN THE Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on divorce and property rights, protecting marital unions under Philippine law.
Challenging Evidence in IP Cases: When Can You Question a Search?
Learn when courts allow motions to suppress evidence in intellectual property cases, and the procedural traps that can sink a challenge.
Breach of Contract: Conditional Sales, Contracts to Sell, and the Right to Rescind
Understand when a buyer's non-payment lets a seller cancel a property deal, and the difference between a conditional sale and a contract to sell.
Forged Signatures and Void Sales: Protecting Conjugal Property Rights in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court nullified a sale based on forged signatures, protecting conjugal property and heirs' rights under Philippine law.
When Property Rights Clash: Can a Claim for Damages Survive a Mooted Injunction
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains when a damages claim survives even after the main injunction case becomes moot.
Property Rights and Nuisance: Balancing Interests in Land Use Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when land use becomes a nuisance, when it can be abated, and how courts balance competing property rights.
Good Faith vs Due Diligence: Protecting Land Titles in the Philippines
When can a forged land title become valid? The Supreme Court explains the limits of good faith and due diligence for property buyers.
Default Judgments and Due Process: Proving Ownership Claims in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that default judgments still require proof of claims, and bare allegations cannot establish ownership of property.
Partition Rights CO Ownership VS Prior Judgment IN Philippine Property LAW
Supreme Court clarifies that a default judgment cannot substitute for proof of co-ownership, and a tax declaration alone does not establish title.
Writ of Possession and Third-Party Rights in Extrajudicial Foreclosure Sales
When can a writ of possession be issued despite a third party's possession of foreclosed property? The Supreme Court clarifies the rule.
When a Writ of Possession Is Ministerial: The Sombilon Case on Foreclosure and Lawyers' Purchase Limits
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts must issue writs of possession after foreclosure and whether lawyers may buy property from banks.
Exclusive Ownership vs Successional Rights: Clarifying Property Claims in Inheritance Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when heirs acquire rights to property and how titles describe ownership in inheritance disputes.
When Tolerated Use Ends: Establishing Ownership Rights Over School Property
Supreme Court ruling on tolerated possession, laches, and ownership rights when government uses private land for schools.
Squatters Rights vs Government Housing Programs When Occupancy Doesnt Guarantee Ownership
Explore the 2014 Supreme Court ruling on corporate dissolution and property rights in Alabang Corporation v. Alabang Hills Village Association.
Mortgaging Co-Owned Property: Limits on a Co-Owner's Authority
A co-owner cannot mortgage or encumber the entire co-owned property without the consent of all other co-owners. This article explains the limits of a co-owner's authority under Philippine law.
Lease Agreements and Inheritance: What Tenants Should Know About Property Transfers
A lessee's occupancy does not create a vested right to buy property. Learn the limits of tenant rights when ownership changes.
Estafa and Inflation: Supreme Court on Disproportionate Penalties in Property Crimes
The Supreme Court explains why courts cannot adjust estafa penalties for inflation and what Article 5 of the Revised Penal Code requires instead.