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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Unraveling Implied Trusts Protecting Family Interests in Property Disputes
The Supreme Court explains implied resulting trusts in family property disputes, clarifying prescription, parol evidence, and ownership rights.
Conditional Sale vs Contract to Sell: Protecting Property Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the crucial difference between a conditional sale and a contract to sell, and why buyers must pay the full price to own property.
When Utility Inspectors Enter Private Homes: Abuse of Rights and Unreasonable Search Claims
Explaining when utility inspections of private property are lawful, and when they may give rise to damages for abuse of rights.
Land Registration by Acquisitive Prescription: The Need for Patrimonial Property Status
Learn why land registration under Section 14(2) of PD 1529 requires proof that the land was patrimonial property at the start of possession.
Land Registration Under Section 14(2): The Patrimonial Property Requirement
The Supreme Court clarifies when alienable public land becomes private property subject to acquisition by prescription under PD 1529.
Property Disputes: Jurisdiction and Estoppel in Free Patent Repurchase Cases
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on RTC jurisdiction over free patent repurchase actions and the principle of jurisdiction by estoppel.
Proving Alienable and Disposable Land Status for Title Registration
Land registration requires proof the property is alienable and disposable public land—possession alone is not enough.
Nominal Damages Liability of a Third Party Transferee in Property Disputes
A third-party buyer of property cannot be held liable for nominal damages unless it violated the plaintiff's rights.
When Can a Property Buyer Be Liable in a Forcible Entry Case?
The Supreme Court rules that a subsequent buyer of property cannot be held liable for nominal damages unless it violated the plaintiff's rights.
Indispensable Parties Protecting Lienholder Rights IN Property Disputes
When the government takes private land for public use, it must pay just compensation—even if the owner once reserved the lot for road widening.
Just Compensation Required When Government Takes Private Property for Roads
Supreme Court rules government must pay just compensation for private property taken for road widening, not demand donation under PD 1529.
Attachment Liens Priority Rights AND Protection IN Property Disputes
Learn how prior attachment liens survive property transfers and title cancellations, and why courts must preserve these encumbrances.
Attachment Liens Priority AND Protection IN Real Property Disputes
A prior attachment lien survives title cancellation and transfers, binding the property and subsequent purchasers until the debt is paid.
Forum Shopping and Attorney Sanctions for Relitigating Settled Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court sanctions lawyer for forum shopping in relitigating settled estate property claims, explaining the rules and consequences.
Breach of Warranty Against Eviction: A Seller's Duty to Defend Property Title
When a seller's gross negligence in defending title causes the buyer's eviction, the seller acts in bad faith and must pay damages under Article 1555 of the Civil Code.
Regulating Real Estate Professional Standards AND Property Rights IN THE Philippines
The Supreme Court upheld the Real Estate Service Act's licensing rules for developers, balancing professional standards with property rights.
When Church Approval Is Key: Validity of Property Sales by Religious Corporations
Supreme Court rules on when a religious corporation's property sale is unenforceable without required church approvals, citing the Corporation Code.
Unfair Competition Probable Cause: Supreme Court on Counterfeit Goods Evidence
Supreme Court rules on probable cause for unfair competition under the Intellectual Property Code, reversing dismissal of counterfeit goods case.
The Ministerial Duty Securing Property Possession After Foreclosure in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies a sheriff's ministerial duty to enforce writs of execution in ejectment cases and the limits of that duty.
When Remand Limits Amendments: Damages in Expropriation Cases
Supreme Court rules on when courts may allow amended complaints after remand in eminent domain cases, protecting property owners' rights.
Ownership Disputes and Wrongful Property Levy: Why Registration Prevails Under Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling on why unregistered sales lose to registered titles and levies, and what buyers must prove to claim good faith.
Overcoming Document Regularity Evidence To Prove Forgery In Property Disputes
The Supreme Court explains how clear and convincing evidence can overturn the presumption of regularity of a notarized deed of sale in property disputes.
Unlawful Detainer and Contract Cancellation: Protecting Property Rights in the Philippines
How Philippine courts handle unlawful detainer after contract-to-sell cancellation, and what property owners and buyers should know.
Tenancy Rights vs Ejectment: Landowner Obligations in Philippine Property Law
Understand the 2013 Mirallosa ruling on unlawful detainer, landowner rights, and good faith builders in Philippine property disputes.