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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Forum Shopping in the Philippines: Key Insights from Veluz v. Rudecon
The Supreme Court clarifies the elements of forum shopping and litis pendentia in Veluz v. Rudecon, a key Philippine property law case.
Laches and Forgery in Philippine Property Law: The Isabela Colleges Case
Philippine property law: can laches defeat a forgery claim? The Supreme Court's ruling in Isabela Colleges v. Heirs of Rivera explains why delay can be deadly.
Demolition Orders and Road Right of Way: Understanding Philippine Property Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when courts may order demolition of structures obstructing an established road right of way.
Deed of Sale or Loan Understanding: Equitable Mortgage in Philippine Property Law
When is a deed of sale really an equitable mortgage? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on when courts will presume a loan arrangement.
Contract to Sell vs. Contract of Sale: Key Distinctions in Philippine Property Law
Learn the crucial differences between a contract to sell and a contract of sale under Philippine law, and how ownership transfers.
Assurance Fund Claims in Philippine Property Law: Protecting Against Land Title Fraud
When can victims of land title fraud recover from the Assurance Fund? The Supreme Court explains the limits.
Decoding Redemption Periods in Philippine Property Law: The 12-Month Rule
Understand the 12-month redemption period under Philippine law, how it is computed, and why timing matters in property auctions.
Simulated Sales in Philippine Property Law: Intent, Foreign Ownership, and the Blanco v. Quasha Precedent
Learn how Philippine courts determine simulated sales, why intent matters, and the key lessons from Blanco v. Quasha on property transactions.
When a Spousal Sale Is Void: Buyer Beware in Philippine Property Law
Philippine Supreme Court explains when sales between spouses are void, why in pari delicto does not apply, and what buyers must check.
Protecting Your Loan Understanding Good Faith Mortgagees In Philippine Property Law
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains when a mortgagee is protected as a good faith lender, even if the mortgagor's title is later challenged.
Valid Mortgage Even Before Title Transfer Philippine Property LAW Explained
Philippine Supreme Court explains why a mortgage can be valid even if the title transfers after the mortgage contract is signed.
Res Judicata in Philippine Property Law: Why Final Judgment Really Means Final
A 1999 Supreme Court ruling explains how conclusiveness of judgment bars relitigating mortgage validity in property disputes.
Simulated Co-Ownership and Legal Redemption: Understanding Implied Trusts in Philippine Property Law
When a deed of sale is simulated, no co-ownership arises, and the right of legal redemption does not apply. The Supreme Court explains implied trusts and their effect on property titles.
Protecting Your Inheritance Understanding Co-Ownership and Partition Rights in Philippine Property Law
Learn how Philippine law protects co-owners' rights to inherited property, including when and how to demand partition of family assets.
Unmasking Express Trusts in Philippine Property Law: Co-Ownership vs True Ownership
When a deed of sale is actually an express trust, the titled "owner" holds only as trustee. This case explains the difference.
Understanding Contracts of Sale vs Contracts to Sell in Philippine Property Law
Learn the key differences between contracts of sale and contracts to sell under Philippine law, and why the distinction matters for property buyers and sellers.
Protecting Your Inheritance: Co-Ownership and the Right of Legal Redemption in Philippine Property Law
Learn how Philippine law protects heirs from fraudulent property dispositions and when actions for reconveyance may still be filed.
Void Deeds of Sale: Protecting the Vulnerable in Philippine Property Law
The Supreme Court explains when a deed of sale is void from the start, and why the vulnerable need protection.
Successor Beware: Why Due Diligence Is Key to Avoiding Prior Judgments in Philippine Property Law
A buyer of Philippine property can be bound by a court judgment against its seller, even if not named in the suit. Learn the due diligence lesson from Eternal Gardens v. Court of Appeals.
Understanding Easements of Right of Way in Philippine Property Law
Learn how Philippine courts treat right of way claims, easement requirements, and what property owners should know before demanding access.
Tolerated Possession vs Ownership: Understanding Philippine Property Law and Land Recovery
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how tolerated possession does not ripen into ownership, and when landowners can recover property.
Implied Trusts in Philippine Property Law: When a Titleholder Is Not the True Owner
Learn how implied trusts work under Philippine law, the gift presumption for children under Article 1448, and key lessons from Morales v. Court of Appeals.
Squatting Rights: When Tolerance Does Not Mean Consent in Philippine Property Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that sharing harvests or tolerating possession does not create ownership rights or consent to squatting.
Laches in Philippine Property Law: How Delaying Your Claim Can Cost You
A 1997 Supreme Court ruling shows how laches can bar a registered owner from recovering property after unreasonable delay. Learn the rules.