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.
Void Donations: Absence of Public Instrument Nullifies Property Transfer Despite Intent
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on void oral donations of immovable property and the formal requirements under Article 749 of the Civil Code.
Void Deeds: Consent and the Limits of Property Transfer in the Philippines
When is a property deed void? The Supreme Court explains consent, donations, and why a flawed transfer can be challenged anytime.
Compromise Agreements and Illegal Strikes: The Limits of Condonation in Labor Law
When does a compromise agreement waive an employer's right to challenge an illegal strike? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of condonation.
Possession, Donation, and Ejectment: What the Sevilla Florencio Ruling Teaches
A Supreme Court ejectment ruling shows why an unregistered deed of donation cannot defeat the registered owner's heirs and how possession cases are decided.
Unregistered Donation vs Registered Title: Resolving Property Ownership Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether an unregistered deed of donation can defeat the rights of heirs of a registered property owner.
Unregistered Donations vs Third-Party Leases: What Buyers and Lessees Should Know
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on unregistered donations, third-party leases, and the duty to verify property ownership before contracting.
Absence of Prior Appraisal Does Not Void Onerous Donation by Local Government
Supreme Court rules that a local government's onerous donation without prior appraisal is valid, applying contract law over procedural requirements.
Donation Propter Nuptias Under the Old Civil Code: Acceptance Not Required for Validity
Supreme Court explains why donations by reason of marriage under the Old Civil Code need no formal acceptance, and why the action to annul the title prescribed.
Proving Fraud or Undue Influence in Donations: Heirs of Sevilla v. Sevilla
The Supreme Court explains what evidence is needed to void a donation for fraud or undue influence, and when a deed of partition is void.
Re-Election as Condonation: Clarifying Disqualification Based on Prior Administrative Removal
Explains when prior administrative removal disqualifies a local candidate, and when re-election condones past misconduct under Section 40(b), LGC.
Condonation of Procedural Lapses When Substantial Justice Outweighs Strict Rules
Philippine Supreme Court explains when late payment of appeal docket fees may be excused to serve substantial justice.
When a Donation to a Common-Law Spouse Is Void Under Article 87 of the Family Code
The Supreme Court explains when a donation to a common-law spouse is void under Article 87 of the Family Code, and what evidence proves cohabitation.
Voiding Donations: Illicit Love and Its Impact on Property Rights
When a donation to a common-law partner is void under Philippine law, and what it means for property rights.
Unregistered Land Donation and Tenant Rights Under Agrarian Reform
A Supreme Court ruling on why an unregistered land donation cannot defeat tenant rights under agrarian reform and Operation Land Transfer.
Conditional Donations: Upholding Intent Despite Technicalities in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court ruled that substantial compliance with donation formalities and the donor's intent prevail over technical defects in accepting conditional donations.
Revoking a Donation for Ingratitude in the Philippines: The Noceda Case
Philippine law allows donors to revoke gifts when donees show ingratitude, such as usurping the donor's property. Learn the rules and limits.
Donation Inter Vivos vs Mortis Causa: Philippine Law on Property Transfers
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how to distinguish donation inter vivos from mortis causa, and when donations become irrevocable.
Can Foreigners Own Land in the Philippines? Donation vs. Inheritance Rules
Philippine law bars foreigners from owning land except by inheritance. Learn why a quitclaim deed to an American son failed as a donation.
Reelection as Condonation: When Past Misconduct Is Forgiven Under Philippine Law
Philippine law on reelection as condonation of past misconduct, explained through the 1999 Supreme Court ruling in Garcia v. Mojica.
Conditional Land Donations in the Philippines: Reversion Rights and Valid Sales
When a conditional land donation fails, when can the donor validly sell the property? The Supreme Court explains reversion rights.
Verbal Promises and Real Property: Why Oral Land Donations Fail in the Philippines
Oral donations of land are void under Philippine law. Learn why verbal promises cannot transfer real property ownership.
Illegitimate Childrens Inheritance Rights IN THE Philippines A Case Analysis
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on oral donations, co-ownership, and prescription in estate partition disputes.
Perfecting a Donation of Land in the Philippines: Why Formal Acceptance Is Non-Negotiable
A donation of land fails without formal acceptance by the donee. Learn the Civil Code rules and the Lagazo v. Cabanlit ruling.
Property Rights in Cohabitation: Ownership Rules for Unmarried Couples in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine law divides property for unmarried couples, the limits on donations, and key lessons from the Agapay case.