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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Pre-CARL Land Reclassification Shielding Property From Agrarian Reform
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when municipal reclassification of land before the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law exempts property from coverage.
When Quitclaims and Waivers Over Agrarian Land Are Void: Lessons from Lebrudo v. Loyola
Philippine Supreme Court explains when waivers over agrarian reform land are void, protecting farmer-beneficiaries from losing their awarded property.
When Can Government Agencies Be Sued? The ATO Case on Tax and Sovereign Immunity
Explaining when Philippine government agencies can be sued, using the Air Transportation Office case on property tax disputes.
Certiorari Cannot Substitute for a Lost Appeal in Property Disputes: Tan v. Antazo
The Supreme Court reiterates that certiorari under Rule 65 cannot replace an ordinary appeal, even in property cases.
Protecting Marital Assets When Corporate Debt Cannot Seize Family Property
Supreme Court ruling on when corporate debts cannot reach family property, and the proper remedy for third-party claims in labor execution.
RES Judicata Preventing Relitigation OF Final Judgments IN Property Disputes
Double Sale of Property: Understanding Legal Ownership and Good Faith in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies double sale rules under Article 1544, emphasizing possession in good faith determines ownership when no registration occurs.
Mortgage Priority Good Faith Trumps Subsequent Attachment In Property Disputes
Supreme Court ruling on mortgage priority, good faith, and why unregistered attachments don't defeat prior real estate mortgages.
When Public Use Fails: Reclaiming Expropriated Land in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when former owners can reclaim expropriated property after the public purpose is abandoned.
Lateral and Subjacent Support: Excavation Limits for Adjacent Landowners in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the legal easement of lateral and subjacent support between adjacent landowners and its effect on property titles.
Intervention Denied: Protecting Court Efficiency in Property Disputes
Supreme Court clarifies when intervention in property cases is improper, emphasizing court efficiency and the need for direct legal interests.
Just Compensation in Eminent Domain: Valuing Property at the Time of Taking
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how just compensation in expropriation is determined by the property's value and character at the time of taking.
Donation vs Devise: How Philippine Courts Distinguish Property Transfers
Philippine Supreme Court explains how to tell a donation inter vivos from a devise, and why the distinction decides who owns the property.
Contract to Sell vs Dacion en Pago: Protecting Subdivision Lot Buyers in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains how PD 957 protects subdivision lot buyers even when a developer transfers the property to a bank through dacion en pago.
Overcoming Jurisdictional Hurdles in Philippine Property Disputes: The Philippine Veterans Bank Case
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified jurisdictional boundaries between courts and DARAB in expropriation cases involving agrarian reform lands.
When a Void Marriage Decree Can Be Issued Without Waiting for Property Liquidation
Supreme Court clarifies that Article 36 void marriage decrees need not wait for property liquidation under Article 147 of the Family Code.
Writ OF Possession Protecting Property Rights After Foreclosure IN THE Philippines
Foreclosure Redemption Rights: How to Protect Your Property in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts handle foreclosure disputes, redemption rights, and why settlement agreements often provide the best protection for homeowners facing bank foreclosure.
Writ of Preliminary Mandatory Injunction in Property Disputes: Protecting Possession Rights
When can a court issue a writ of preliminary mandatory injunction to restore possession in property disputes? The Supreme Court explains in Castro v. Se.
Prescription and Laches in Land Disputes: Understanding Time Limits to Protect Your Property Rights
The Supreme Court explains when actions for reconveyance of registered land prescribe and how laches can bar claims, even those based on forged titles.
Protecting Your Property: Understanding Sheriffs Authority and Preventing Wrongful Levy in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine law protects property from wrongful levy, using the PFDA case to explain exemptions and legal remedies.
Land Ownership Disputes: Proving Your Claim in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court distinguishes government instrumentalities from GOCCs in real property tax disputes, and what this means for proving ownership claims.
Ejectment and Land Ownership: What a Torrens Title Means for Property Owners in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains how registered owners can eject tolerated occupants, why laches does not bar recovery, and the limits of ownership claims in ejectment cases.
Just Compensation in Eminent Domain: Ensuring Fair Market Value for Expropriated Property
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how courts must determine just compensation in expropriation cases, requiring reliable evidence over speculation.