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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Government Accountability Unauthorized Asset Sales and Recovery of Funds
The Supreme Court rules on the validity of unauthorized sales of sequestered assets and the government's obligation to return proceeds.
Unmasking Simulated Sales Protecting Your Property Rights IN THE Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts handle simulated sales, void contracts, and derivative suits to protect your property and stockholder rights.
Simulated Sales and Illegitimate Transfers: Protecting Legitimate Heirs' Rights
When a father sells property to illegitimate children to defeat a legitimate heir's share, the sale may be void as simulated.
Disputes in Real Estate: Clarifying Intent in Land Sale Agreements
When buyers and sellers disagree on what land was sold, Philippine courts look to the parties' true intent, not just the written deed.
When Sheriffs Overstep: Excessive Levy, Irregular Auction Sales, and Public Trust
A sheriff's excessive levy and irregular auction sale of levied property lead to suspension—what the rules require.
Sheriff's Misconduct in Property Seizure: The Limits of Execution and Abuse of Authority
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on sheriff's excessive levy, irregular auction sale, and abuse of authority in enforcing writs of execution.
Equitable Mortgage VS Absolute Sale Protecting Property Rights IN Financial Distress
Reviving Redemption: Equitable Extension of Redemption Rights in Grossly Inadequate Foreclosure Sales
When can a court revive an expired right of redemption? The Supreme Court explains in Cometa v. Court of Appeals.
Conditional Sales and Probate Court Approval: Protecting Heirs' Rights in Estate Transactions
Learn how Philippine courts handle conditional sales of estate property, protecting heirs' shares while honoring valid contracts.
Probate Court Approval of Estate Property Sales: Heirs of Sandejas v. Lina
When a deceased person contracted to sell property before death, the probate court can authorize its conveyance—here's what the Sandejas ruling means for heirs and buyers.
Buyer Beware: Understanding Delivery Delays and Liabilities in Philippine Sales Contracts
Learn how Philippine courts treat conditional sales, court approval requirements, and seller liability when property sales face delays.
When a Co-Owner Sells a Definite Portion: Rights of Buyers and the Limits of Torrens Titles
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on co-ownership sales, partial partition by long possession, and reconveyance despite Torrens title.
Redemption by Heirs After Tax Sale: Tondo Foreshore Lot Case
When a co-owner repurchases property after a tax sale, the redemption may benefit all heirs. Learn the rules from this Philippine Supreme Court case.
Perfecting Real Estate Sales in the Philippines When Receipts Seal the Deal
Learn when receipts perfect real estate sales in the Philippines, and the legal rules on ownership transfer.
Third-Party Claims in Philippine Execution Sales: Protecting Your Property
Learn how spouses and third parties can protect their property from wrongful execution sales in the Philippines, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Naguit v. Court of Appeals.
Decoding Land Title Errors: How Philippine Courts Rectify Mistakes in Property Descriptions
When a land title's technical description differs from the deed of sale, courts can order correction. Learn from a Supreme Court ruling.
Simulated Sale or Real Deal: How Philippine Courts Protect Property Owners From False Contracts
Philippine courts distinguish real estate mortgages from pacto de retro sales. Learn how judges protect property owners from fraudulent contracts.
Public Bidding vs. Right of First Refusal: Fair Competition in Government Asset Sales
Supreme Court ruling on how the right to top a bid undermines competitive public bidding in government asset sales.
Protecting the Vulnerable: Contract Validity and Simulated Sales in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies simulated sales, contract validity, and protection of illiterate parties in real estate transactions.
Unmasking Simulated Sales: Why a Notarized Deed Doesnt Guarantee a Valid Property Transfer in the Philippines
A notarized deed of sale is not always proof of a valid transfer. Learn how Philippine courts look beyond documents to determine true ownership.
Employer Subsidiary Liability in Philippine Criminal Law: The Catacutan Doctrine
Philippine employers can be held subsidiarily liable for damages from employees' criminal negligence. Learn the rules from Catacutan v. Heirs of Kadusale.
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.
Sheriff’s Authority in Property Levy: What Francisco v. Cruz Teaches About Execution Sales
Learn how Francisco v. Cruz defines a sheriff’s limits in property levy and execution sales, and how to protect your rights.