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.
Proving Land Ownership in the Philippines: The June 12, 1945 Rule in Land Registration
Philippine land registration requires proof of possession since June 12, 1945. Learn the rules and the key case of Republic v. Carrasco.
Unprobated Wills and Ejectment: Why Probate Is Required Before Claiming Property Rights in the Philippines
An unprobated will has no legal effect in Philippine courts. Learn why probate is mandatory before asserting inheritance rights in property disputes.
Rescission Rights in Pacto de Retro Sales: When Can a Seller Reclaim Property
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a seller can rescind a pacto de retro sale and reclaim property from a defaulting buyer.
Falsifying Time Records in Public Service: A Path to Dishonesty Charges
Learn how falsifying time records leads to dishonesty charges in Philippine public service, based on a Supreme Court ruling.
Squatters Rights in Ejectment Cases: Possession Disputes Between Informal Settlers
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on squatters rights in ejectment cases—prior physical possession matters even between informal settlers on public land.
When a Waiver Revives Rights: Property Disputes and Quitclaims in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that a default order in land registration cases does not bar the government from appealing, and explains the limits of waiver in property disputes.
Balancing Property Rights and Law Enforcement: The Release of Seized Goods in Intellectual Property Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on the release of seized goods in IP cases, balancing property rights and law enforcement.
Acquisitive Prescription and Laches in Property Disputes: Aguirre v. Heirs of Villanueva
Learn how the Supreme Court applied ordinary acquisitive prescription and laches in a property dispute between heirs and buyers.
Agricultural Land Reclassification: Continued Use Does Not Override Prior Conversion
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how prior land reclassification to commercial use affects agrarian reform coverage and tenant rights.
Upholding Land Titles When Government Reversion Claims Fail
When can the government cancel a free patent and revert land to the public domain? The Supreme Court explains the limits of reversion actions.
Supplemental Complaints and Forum Shopping: Lessons from Young v. Sy
The Supreme Court clarifies when supplemental complaints are allowed and why filing both an appeal and certiorari amounts to forum shopping.
Arson and Homicide: Distinguishing Intent and Consequences in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when arson absorbs resulting deaths versus when separate homicide charges apply, using intent as the key.
Dilatory Tactics and the Five-Year Rule: When Delaying Execution Backfires
The Supreme Court condemns a losing party's dilatory tactics that delayed execution of a final judgment for years, clarifying the five-year rule on execution by motion.
Ejectment Proceedings Ownership Disputes DO NOT Oust Metropolitan Trial Court Jurisdiction
The Supreme Court clarifies that raising ownership issues in an ejectment case does not divest the Metropolitan Trial Court of jurisdiction over possession disputes.
Motion for Reconsideration: Avoiding Pro Forma Dismissals in Philippine Courts
Learn how Philippine courts treat procedural lapses in motions for reconsideration, and why substantive justice prevails over technicalities.
Barangay vs. Homeowners: Who Administers a Multi-Purpose Hall?
The Supreme Court clarifies the division of authority between barangays and homeowners' associations over government-funded facilities in subdivisions.
Foreshore Lease Preference: Riparian Rights vs. Reclamation in Philippine Land Law
Supreme Court ruling on whether a littoral owner retains preferential right to lease foreshore land that has been reclaimed by another applicant.
Premature Partition: Estate Settlement Before Property Distribution
When heirs can and cannot demand partition of a decedent's property before estate settlement proceedings are completed.
Warranty Against Eviction: Why Buyers Must Implead the Seller in Eviction Suits
Buyers who lose property to third-party claims must implead the seller in the eviction suit to enforce the warranty against eviction under Philippine law.
Real Property Tax Sales: Ensuring Proper Notice to Delinquent Owners
The Supreme Court clarifies the notice requirements for tax delinquency sales under P.D. 464, emphasizing strict compliance with statutory notice rules.
Real Estate Foreclosure in the Philippines: Notice Requirements and Due Process
A look at Guanco v. Antolo and why strict notice and posting rules govern extrajudicial foreclosure sales in the Philippines.
Good Faith Builder Rights Under Article 448: Key Lessons from a Philippine Supreme Court Case
Understand the rights of a builder in good faith under Philippine law, including the landowner's options under Article 448 of the Civil Code.
Quieting Title and Due Process: Notice of Raffle and Voluntary Submission to Jurisdiction
Learn how notice of raffle and voluntary appearance affect jurisdiction in quieting title cases, based on a 2006 Supreme Court ruling.
Donations to Unregistered Organizations in the Philippines: When Are They Valid?
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on donations to unregistered organizations: why juridical personality matters and what donors and groups must know.