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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When an Employee's Signature Can Be Excused in a Labor Case: The Micro Sales Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies when a co-petitioner's failure to sign a verification and certification on non-forum shopping can be excused in labor cases.
Conjugal Property Rights: Wife's Timely Action Required to Contest Husband's Sale
A wife who fails to contest her husband's unauthorized sale of conjugal property within ten years may lose her right to invalidate the transaction.
Equitable Mortgage: When a Deed of Sale Disguises a Loan Security
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a deed of absolute sale is really an equitable mortgage securing a debt.
Voiding Land Sales: The Five-Year Restriction on Free Patents in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on the five-year ban on selling free patent lands, and what it means for landowners and buyers.
Charity vs. Agrarian Reform: Reconciling Conflicting Laws on Land Distribution
Can a charitable institution's property be covered by agrarian reform despite a law banning its sale? The Supreme Court says yes.
Equitable Mortgage vs Absolute Sale: When a Deed of Sale Is Really a Loan Security
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a deed of absolute sale is actually an equitable mortgage protecting borrowers from predatory lending.
Contract TO Sell VS Contract OF Sale Sacobia Hills Development Corp ON Rescission
Absence of Mutual Agreement Nullifies Sale of Vessels: A Philippine Contract Law Primer
Explore when a contract of sale is void for lack of consent, using a Philippine Supreme Court case as a guide.
When a Spouse's Sale of Conjugal Property Without Consent Is Valid
The Supreme Court explains when a sale of conjugal property by one spouse without the other's consent stands, and when heirs can still demand partition.
Motion vs Action in Title Disputes After Execution Sales: Key Lessons from Padilla v. PPCMA
When can a buyer at execution sale get new titles by mere motion? The Supreme Court clarifies the proper remedy under PD 1529.
Double Sales and Registered Titles: Priority Rules in Philippine Land Disputes
Learn how Philippine courts resolve double sales and registered title disputes, and why registration matters in land ownership conflicts.
Voidable Contracts When a Husband's Consent Is Crucial in Conjugal Property Sales
When a wife sells conjugal property without her husband's consent, the sale is voidable—but only if he acts to annul it in time.
Unjust Enrichment and Contractual Obligations: Lessons from Limaco v. Shonan Gakuen
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on void land sales, down payment refunds, and unjust enrichment in Limaco v. Shonan Gakuen.
Lost Chance to Repurchase: Understanding Time Limits in Property Sales with Right of Repurchase
The Supreme Court ruled that a vendor's right to repurchase property must be exercised within four years from the time the condition triggering it occurs.
Contract of Sale vs Piece of Work: Subcontractor Rights Under Article 1729
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a supply agreement is a piece of work, giving subcontractors direct claims against project owners.
Conditional Sales of Land: Upholding Contractual Obligations in Real Estate Transactions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on foreclosure, redemption rights, and the consequences of failing to prosecute a case for injunction.
Equitable Mortgage vs Sale with Right to Repurchase: Protecting Borrowers in Property Deals
When is a "sale with right to repurchase" actually an equitable mortgage? The Supreme Court explains the legal tests protecting vulnerable borrowers.
Equitable Mortgage vs Absolute Sale: Protecting Vulnerable Parties in Property Transactions
When is a deed of sale really a loan? The Supreme Court explains how courts look beyond documents to protect vulnerable parties.
Equitable Mortgage vs Absolute Sale: Protecting Vulnerable Grantors in Property Transactions
When a deed of absolute sale is actually an equitable mortgage, courts look at intent and circumstances, not just the document's title.
When a Land Sale Contract Is Voidable: Illiteracy, Fraud, and Equitable Mortgage in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a deed of absolute sale is actually an equitable mortgage, protecting illiterate landowners from fraud.
Upholding Priority Rights: The Lessee's Right of First Refusal in Property Sales
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on a lessee's right of first refusal, its enforceability against heirs, and remedies for breach.
Sheriffs Duty Proper Notice AND Venue IN Execution Sales
A sheriff who changed auction venue without proper notice was held liable for simple neglect of duty. Know the rules.
Land Transfer Knowledge vs Registration in Agrarian Reform: Heirs of Hidalgo
Why unregistered land sales before PD 27 do not exempt property from Operation Land Transfer coverage.
Unregistered Land Sales and Agrarian Reform: The Limits of Ownership Transfer
When do unregistered property sales fail against agrarian reform coverage? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on land transfers and PD 27.