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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Standing to Sue: Why Associations Can't Always Fight for Members' Rights in Court
The Supreme Court explains when an association lacks legal standing to challenge a government rule, using a real estate group's failed suit against energy regulations.
Agency and Authority: Why a Written Mandate Is Paramount in Real Estate Sales
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why an agent's authority to sell land must be in writing, or the sale is void.
Who Can Contest Property Taxes: Defining Legal Interest in Real Estate Assessments
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies who may protest real property tax assessments and what "legal interest" means under the Local Government Code.
Rescission and Refund Rights in Real Estate Sales: What PD 957 Buyers Should Know
Learn how PD 957 protects condominium buyers with refund rights, and which court hears criminal cases for violations.
VAT Credits for Real Estate Dealers: The Transitional Input Tax Rule
The Supreme Court ruled that real estate dealers may claim 8% transitional input tax credit on land inventory, not just improvements.
Forgery Undermines Real Estate Sale: Protecting Property Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains how forged deeds transfer no rights, and why good faith buyers can still be protected under Philippine property law.
Perfected Contract vs Contract to Sell: Earnest Money and Timely Payments in Real Estate Deals
Learn when earnest money perfects a sale, the difference from a contract to sell, and how late payments can still be cured under Philippine law.
Real Estate DUE Diligence Realty Firms Held TO Higher Standard AS Innocent Purchasers
Spousal Consent in Real Estate Sales: When a Sale Without It Is Void
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why selling conjugal property without the wife's consent makes the sale void, explained in plain language.
Perfecting Real Estate Sales: No Contract Without Explicit Board Approval
GSIS v. Lopez explains when a real estate sale is perfected—and why a deposit alone does not create a binding contract.
HLURB's Primary Jurisdiction Over Real Estate Disputes Involving Unsound Practices
When does the HLURB have exclusive jurisdiction over real estate disputes? The Supreme Court clarifies in Tri-Corp v. Greystone.
Good Faith and the Lis Pendens Rule: Lessons from Cunanan v. Jumping Jap Trading
A Supreme Court ruling shows why a cancelled notice of lis pendens does not always protect a mortgagee, and how bad faith can void a real estate mortgage.
Perfecting Real Estate Sales Registration NOT Always Required FOR Validity
The Supreme Court clarifies that registration of a deed of sale is not always required for a real estate sale to be valid between the parties.
When a Bank’s “Warehousing” Trust Fails: Lessons from Tala Realty v. Banco Filipino
A look at Tala Realty v. Banco Filipino, where the Supreme Court struck down a bank’s secret trust scheme to evade real estate limits.
Mortgagee's Duty to Verify Buyers Under PD 957: DBP v. Capulong
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that banks financing real estate projects must verify subdivision lot buyers before foreclosing mortgaged properties under PD 957.
Securing Debts When Penalty Fees Fall Outside Mortgage Coverage
When a real estate mortgage doesn't mention penalty fees, those charges may not be secured by the mortgage. Learn the rule from Spouses Viola v. Equitable PCI Bank.
Defining HLURB Jurisdiction When Real Estate Disputes Fall Under Court Authority
When does a real estate dispute belong in court instead of the HLURB? The Supreme Court clarifies the rule in Cadimas v. Carrion.
Authority TO Sell Written Power IS KEY To Valid Real Estate Transactions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on Estate of Lino Olaguer clarifies when a written power of attorney is required for valid real estate sales.
Perfecting Contracts: Why Consent Is Essential in Real Estate Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains why a real estate sale needs the buyer's consent to be binding—lessons from Looc Bay Timber v. Montecalvo.
Preliminary Injunctions and the Sound Discretion Rule in Philippine Courts
Philippine courts have wide discretion in granting preliminary injunctions. Learn the rules from Dolmar Real Estate v. Court of Appeals.
Equitable Mortgage vs Sale With Right of Repurchase: How Courts Classify Real Estate Deals
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a sale with option to repurchase is an equitable mortgage, and how to rebut the legal presumption.
Perfecting a Contract of Sale: Price and Payment Terms in Real Estate Transactions
Learn how Philippine courts treat price and payment terms in contracts of sale, and what makes a sale perfected and binding.
Dragnet Clauses in Mortgages: When Future Debts Are Secured Beyond the Initial Loan
Philippine Supreme Court explains how dragnet clauses in real estate mortgages cover future debts, and what borrowers must pay to redeem foreclosed property.
Financial Crisis as Fortuitous Event: Real Estate Contract Obligations in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether the 1997 Asian financial crisis excuses a developer's failure to deliver condominium units.