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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Simulated Contracts in the Philippines: When a Deed of Sale Is Void
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a simulated deed of sale is void. Learn the rules on genuine intent in property transactions.
Navigating Property Disputes: The Importance of Clear Evidence in Philippine Land Ownership Cases
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies how proof of sale, not registration alone, determines ownership in Philippine land disputes.
When Lawyers Must Uphold Honesty in Private Deals: Lessons from Aguinaldo v. Asuncion
A lawyer's suspension for deceitful conduct in a private land sale shows that ethical duties extend beyond the courtroom.
Mortgage Sales and Interest Claims: Lessons from DBP v. Heirs of Danico
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when buyers of mortgaged property become liable for interest and how mortgage obligations are enforced.
Dishonored Checks in Property Sales: What the Supreme Court Ruling Means
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that dishonored checks can prove an unpaid property obligation, even when a separate rescission case is pending.
Navigating Property Sale Disputes: The Importance of Accurate Contract Descriptions in Real Estate Transaction
A lawyer's drafting mistake won't bar contract reformation when the parties' true intent is clear from their acts.
Zero-Rated VAT on Export Sales: Why Actual Exportation Matters Under Philippine Tax Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that BOI certifications alone do not prove zero-rated VAT export sales without proof of actual exportation.
Unlocking the Timeline for VAT Refund Claims: A Guide to Navigating Tax Refund Procedures in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified the 120-day and 30-day periods for VAT refund claims, and what documents prove zero-rated sales.
Proving Zero-Rated Sales: Key Lessons from Deutsche Knowledge Services VAT Refund Case
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies proof needed for VAT refunds on zero-rated sales to foreign clients, citing Deutsche Knowledge Services case.
The Critical Role of Notarization in Property Transactions: Lessons From a Philippine Supreme Court Case
A notary public who notarized a deed of sale involving parties who had long been dead was suspended and perpetually disqualified. Here's why notarization matters.
Illegal Drug Sales in the Philippines: When Is the Transaction Complete?
The Supreme Court clarifies what completes an illegal drug sale under RA 9165, a key ruling for buy-bust operations and criminal defense.
Contract of Sale vs Contract to Sell: When Ownership Transfers in Philippine Real Estate
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between contract of sale and contract to sell, and when ownership actually transfers in real estate transactions.
When Sellers May Keep Partial Payments in a Failed Property Sale
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a seller may keep partial payments as rentals after a failed contract to sell.
Property Ownership Disputes Among Heirs: When a Void Deed Ends an Ejectment Case
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how a final judgment nullifying a deed of sale affects an ongoing unlawful detainer case between parties.
RES JUDICATA AND PROPERTY DISPUTES: WHEN A FINAL JUDGMENT NULLIFIES AN EJECTMENT CASE
A final ruling voiding a deed of sale bars an unlawful detainer case based on that deed, under res judicata.
When a Final Nullity Ruling Defeats an Unlawful Detainer Claim
A final judgment nullifying a deed of sale can bar an unlawful detainer case through res judicata, even if possession was earlier awarded to the buyer.
Understanding the Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: A Supreme Court Ruling on Illegal Sale and Possession
Learn how the Supreme Court applied the chain of custody rule in drug cases, affirming convictions for illegal sale and possession of shabu.
Chain of Custody Upholding Drug Convictions Through Procedural Compliance
How strict adherence to Section 21, RA 9165's chain of custody rule preserved the drug evidence and secured a conviction for illegal sale of shabu.
When Bad Faith in a Franchise Sale Triggers Damages: Arcinue v. Baun
A franchise sold without the franchisor's approval can lead to damages liability. The Supreme Court explains the rules on bad faith, survival of actions, and interest.
Reasonable Doubt and Illegal Drug Sales: Safeguarding the Constitutional Presumption of Innocence
A look at how the Supreme Court acquitted a drug suspect when police buy-bust procedures and evidence integrity raised reasonable doubt.
Illiteracy and Contracts: When Does a Sale Become Invalid
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that a sale's validity depends on the parties' true intent, not just the lot number written in the deed.
Double Sales and Defective Notarization: Clarifying Property Rights in the Philippines
Explains when double sale rules apply, the effect of defective notarization on deeds, and limits on attacking Torrens titles.
Sale vs Agency: When Unpaid Vendors Are Not Guilty of Estafa
The Supreme Court clarifies when a failed real estate deal is a breach of contract, not estafa, and why unpaid vendors cannot be criminally liable.
Broken Chain of Custody: How Strict Evidence Handling Secured an Acquittal in a Drug Case
In People v. Sumilip, the Supreme Court acquitted a drug-sale accused after finding the police failed to preserve the chain of custody of the seized marijuana.