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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Solidary Liability in Real Estate Contracts: Understanding Co-Sellers' Obligations
When do co-sellers remain liable after foreclosure? The Supreme Court clarifies deficiency obligations, payment application, and solidary liability.
Caveat Emptor in Philippine Real Estate: Why Buyers Must Verify Title Before Purchase
The Supreme Court's Ranara ruling shows why buyers must verify property titles—failure to do so can mean losing both the purchase price and improvements.
Syndicated Estafa and Corporate Liability: When Public Solicitation Pierces the Veil
Supreme Court clarifies when a corporation's real estate sales to the public trigger syndicated estafa liability under P.D. 1689.
Right of Way Ownership: Servient Estate and Easement Acquisition Rules
Supreme Court clarifies who owns a road right of way and how easements are acquired under Philippine law.
Heirs Discord Upholding Partition Rights In Estate Disputes
The Supreme Court affirms that no co-heir may be forced to remain in co-ownership, and explains strict rules on appeals.
Substitution of Parties: Due Process Prevails Despite Procedural Lapses in Estate Cases
Philippine Supreme Court rules that failure to formally substitute deceased parties is not fatal when heirs actively participate in the case.
Easement of Right of Way: Balancing Dominant Needs and Servient Rights
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a right of way may be denied, favoring least prejudice to the servient estate over shortest distance.
Reformation of Contract: Correcting Errors to Reflect True Intent in Real Estate Mortgages
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may reform a real estate mortgage to reflect the true intent of the parties, not its literal wording.
B P 22 and Estate Liability Ensuring Debtors Obligations Extend Beyond Death
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on B.P. 22 and estate liability, clarifying that a debtor's obligation survives death and may be enforced against the estate.
Maysilo Estate Dispute Upholding Torrens System Integrity IN Land Title Conflicts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on Torrens title indefeasibility in unlawful detainer cases, protecting registered owners from collateral attacks.
Mortgagee in Bad Faith: Title Defects and Lender Responsibility in Real Estate Transactions
When a mortgagor lacks title at the time of mortgage, lenders cannot claim good faith protection. Learn from Claudio v. Saraza.
Perfecting Appeals in Special Proceedings: Why the Record on Appeal Matters
In special proceedings like estate settlement, failing to file a record on appeal is fatal. Learn the rules and avoid losing your appeal.
Mortgage in Good Faith: Upholding Banks' Due Diligence in Real Estate Transactions
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when banks qualify as mortgagees in good faith despite defective titles, protecting foreclosures.
Breach of Contract and the Limits of Bank Manager Authority: Apparent Authority in Real Estate Transactions
When does a bank branch manager's promise bind the bank? The Supreme Court explains apparent authority in Games and Garments Developers, Inc. v. Allied Banking Corporation.
Establishing Filiation: The Complexities of Inheritance Rights for Illegitimate Children in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies how illegitimate children prove filiation and inherit, and why unprobated wills fail in estate claims.
Foreclosure Purchaser's Right to Possession Prevails Over Pending Mortgage Disputes
Supreme Court rules foreclosure sale purchaser may take possession despite pending mortgage annulment case, clarifying Philippine real estate law.
Reconveyance Actions Survive Death and Stand Apart from Estate Proceedings
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that reconveyance actions survive a party's death and proceed independently of estate settlement proceedings.
HLURB Request Not Required for Real Estate Firm Rehabilitation
Supreme Court clarifies HLURB request is not a condition precedent for rehabilitating real estate firms, and 180-day rule is not absolute.
Quieting Title and Fake Titles in Philippine Real Property Disputes
Learn how Philippine courts void fake titles in quieting title cases, using the CLT Realty vs. Phil-Ville Maysilo Estate ruling.
Estate Liability AND Contractual Obligations THE Impact OF Voluntary Appearance
Right of Way: Balancing Dominant Estate Needs and Servient Estate Rights in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how to determine the extent and indemnity for a legal easement of right of way under the Civil Code.
Succession Disputes Resolving Conflicts IN Estate Administration AND Heir Designations
Upholding Ethical Standards Attorney Suspended FOR Dishonest Real Estate Dealings
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for dishonest real estate dealings, reaffirming high ethical standards for attorneys in the Philippines.
Maceda Law Rights of Installment Buyers in Real Estate Contracts
The Supreme Court explains how the Maceda Law protects installment buyers, including the required cash surrender value before contract cancellation.