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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Breach of Contract: When a Separate Land Title Is a Condition Precedent to Payment
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when failure to deliver a separate land title justifies a buyer's refusal to pay the balance under a contract of sale.
Tax Delinquency and Public Auction: When a Tax Sale of Land Is Invalid
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a tax delinquency auction sale of real property is invalid and what documents prove a valid tax sale.
Foreclosure Sales: Strict Compliance With Publication Requirements
When a postponed foreclosure sale proceeds without republication of notice, the sale is void. Learn the rules from Ouano v. Court of Appeals.
Foreclosure Sales: Filing an Appeal Does Not Stop a Writ of Possession
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that an appeal against a writ of possession in extrajudicial foreclosures does not stay its implementation.
Conditional Sales OF Real Estate Reinstatement Rights Under R A 6552
Misrepresentation and Estafa: When Silence Isn't Golden in Property Sales
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on estafa under Article 316(2) RPC, the need for express misrepresentation, and civil liability for bad faith sales.
Priority OF Liens When A Prior Attachment Beats A Subsequent Sale IN Property Disputes
When a Sale Is Not an Equitable Mortgage: Lessons from Molina v. Flores
The Supreme Court explains when a deed of sale is a true sale and not an equitable mortgage, and why courts respect written contracts.
When Is a Deed of Sale Actually a Mortgage: Lessons from Molina v. Flores
The Supreme Court explains when a deed of absolute sale may be presumed an equitable mortgage under Article 1602 of the Civil Code.
Entrapment vs Instigation: Safeguarding Rights in Drug Sale Apprehensions
Understanding the Supreme Court's distinction between entrapment and instigation in drug cases, and why it matters for protecting accused persons' rights.
Co-Ownership and Unauthorized Sales: Property Rights Under Article 493
A co-owner may sell only their own share. Learn how the Supreme Court protected heirs' rights in Coronel v. Constantino.
Agency and Real Estate Sales: The Necessity of Written Authority
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why an agent's authority to sell land must be in writing, or the sale is void.
Buy-Bust Money Not Essential for Drug Conviction, Says Supreme Court
The Supreme Court clarifies that failure to present buy-bust money does not doom a drug prosecution if credible witnesses prove the sale.
Breach of Contract in Property Sales: Rights, Interest, and Damages Under Philippine Law
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling on unpaid property sale balances clarifies when nominal damages, attorney's fees, and 12% interest apply.
Waiver of Publication in Foreclosure Sales: Protecting Public Interest Over Private Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court rules parties cannot waive publication requirements in extrajudicial foreclosure sales under Act No. 3135.
Conditional Sales of Co-Owned Property: Understanding Consent and Obligations
Explore the Supreme Court's ruling on reconveyance actions, prescription periods, and the rights of buyers in conditional sales of co-owned property.
Entrapment vs Instigation: Safeguarding Rights in Drug Sale Cases
Learn the difference between valid entrapment and unlawful instigation in Philippine drug cases, and how courts protect accused persons' rights.
Boundaries Defined Resolving Land Disputes in Sales of Real Estate
Lessees cannot question a landlord's title to land, even if they claim the property belongs to the State.
Brokers Entitlement Procuring Cause VS Consummation OF Sale IN Real Estate Transactions
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a real estate broker earns commission—procuring cause vs actual sale consummation.
Co-Owner's Right of Redemption Does Not Apply to Sales to Another Co-Owner
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when co-owners may redeem property sold to third persons, and when the right does not arise.
Shifting Sands of Evidence: Drug Sale Convictions and the Weight of Testimony
A look at how the Supreme Court weighs conflicting police testimonies in drug busts, and why aggravating circumstances must be alleged in the information.
Priority of Registered Attachment Liens: Protecting Creditors in Real Property Sales
When a registered attachment lien beats an unregistered sale: lessons from Biñan Steel v. Garcia on creditor protection in Philippine property law.
Security of Tenure Prevails: Land Sales Do Not Override Tenant Rights Under Agrarian Reform
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how land sales cannot override tenant rights and security of tenure under agrarian reform laws.
Sale vs Promise to Sell: When Ownership Passes in Real Estate Deals
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the difference between a contract of sale and a promise to sell, and when ownership actually transfers to the buyer.