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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
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.
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.
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.
Forgery in Land Sales: Upholding Final Judgments Against Claims of Extrinsic Fraud
A Supreme Court ruling explains why a buyer who admitted a deed of sale was forged cannot later overturn the final judgment by claiming extrinsic fraud.
Simulated Co-Ownership and Legal Redemption: Understanding Implied Trusts in Philippine Property Law
When a deed of sale is simulated, no co-ownership arises, and the right of legal redemption does not apply. The Supreme Court explains implied trusts and their effect on property titles.
Unmasking Express Trusts in Philippine Property Law: Co-Ownership vs True Ownership
When a deed of sale is actually an express trust, the titled "owner" holds only as trustee. This case explains the difference.
Unmasking Equitable Mortgages in the Philippines: When a Deed of Sale Isn’t Really a Sale
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a deed of absolute sale is actually an equitable mortgage, protecting borrowers from unfair land deals.
Ministerial Duty vs Discretion: When a Clerk of Court Must Act and the Consequences of Refusal
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a sheriff's duty to execute a deed of sale is purely ministerial, and the penalties for refusal.
Equitable Mortgage in Philippine Real Estate: Protecting Your Property Rights
When is a deed of sale actually an equitable mortgage? Learn how Philippine courts protect property owners from disguised loan transactions.
Void Deeds of Sale: Protecting the Vulnerable in Philippine Property Law
The Supreme Court explains when a deed of sale is void from the start, and why the vulnerable need protection.
Equitable Mortgage vs Sale: Protecting Property Rights in Philippine Ejectment Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a deed of sale is actually an equitable mortgage, and how courts may rule on ownership in ejectment suits.
Rescission of Real Estate Sales: When Can a Deal Be Undone
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a deed of sale can be rescinded for unpaid consideration and why corporate separateness blocks compensation claims.
Partnership Disputes: When a Deed of Sale Is Simulated and Fiduciary Duties Endure
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on simulated deeds of sale in partnership disputes, fiduciary duties, and bad faith withholding of funds.
Equitable Mortgage vs Absolute Sale: Protecting Property Rights in the Philippines
When is a deed of sale actually an equitable mortgage? The Supreme Court explains the legal presumption protecting property owners.
Parol Evidence and Oral Conditions in Deeds of Sale: Ortañez v. Court of Appeals
When a deed of sale is silent on conditions, parol evidence cannot add oral terms—learn from Ortañez v. Court of Appeals, G.R. No. 107372.