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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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.
Maximize Tax Credits: Sales Tax on Packaging Materials vs. Miller's Tax in the Philippines
Learn when sales tax on packaging materials can be credited against miller's tax, based on a key Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
Validating Foreclosure Sales: Due Process and Property Rights in Philippine Law
A 1999 Supreme Court ruling explains when extrajudicial foreclosure sales are valid despite claims of defective notice, low price, or holiday sale.
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.
Annulment of Property Sale: Protecting Your Rights Against Fraud in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts annul property sales obtained through fraud, using the landmark Archipelago v. Court of Appeals case as a guide.
When Can a Lawyer Buy a Client's Property? Philippine Law on Attorney-Client Deals
Philippine law restricts lawyers from buying property in litigation they handle, but not all client-property sales are barred. This case explains the limits.
Corporate Authority in Property Sales: Why Board Approval Matters in the Philippines
A corporate officer cannot sell company land without board approval. Learn the due diligence steps to protect your property transaction.
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.
Invalid Sheriff's Sale: Protecting Property Rights in Judgment Execution
Learn from Dayonot v. NLRC why a sheriff's lack of authority voids an auction sale and what it means for judgment execution.
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.
Security of Tenure for Tenant Farmers: Upholding Leasehold Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court reaffirmed tenant farmers' security of tenure, ruling that land sale does not extinguish agricultural leasehold rights.
Philippine Drug Case Conspiracy When Presence Equals Guilt
Supreme Court explains how mere presence at a drug sale can prove conspiracy and lead to conviction as a principal.
Void Sales: Why Philippine Law Demands Spousal Consent for Conjugal Property
A spouse cannot sell conjugal property alone. Guiang v. CA explains why such sales are void, not just voidable.
Premature Foreclosure and Damages Claims: What Happens After the Auction Sale
Philippine Supreme Court rules foreclosure sale does not moot a damages claim for premature foreclosure. Know the legal implications.
Perfecting CAR Sales Contracts IN THE Philippines Understanding Buyer Rights AND Seller Obligations
Learn when a car sale contract is perfected in the Philippines, buyer rights, and seller obligations from the Xentrex Automotive case.
Contracts Still Stand: Why Bounced Checks Don't Always Void a Pacto de Retro Sale
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why dishonored checks don't invalidate a pacto de retro sale when consideration existed at execution.
Absolute vs Conditional Sale Understanding Philippine Real Estate Contracts
Learn the key differences between absolute and conditional sales in Philippine real estate, and what the Supreme Court says about buyer and seller rights.
Are Commissions Part of Minimum Wage in the Philippines? Employee Compensation Rights Explained
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies whether sales commissions count toward minimum wage compliance under the Labor Code, and explains due process rules for dismissal.
Tax Sale Notice: Protecting Property Rights in Philippine Tax Delinquency Sales
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on tax sale notice requirements, protecting registered owners' property rights in delinquent real property auctions.
Conditional vs. Absolute Sale: How Philippine Courts Determine True Property Ownership
Philippine courts look beyond contract labels to determine if a sale is absolute or conditional. Learn the key rules from a landmark Supreme Court case.
Sheriff Misconduct Consequences of Unauthorized Actions in Foreclosure Sales
A deputy sheriff's unauthorized foreclosure sale notice led to suspension. Learn the rules on venue and sheriff accountability.
Bottle Ownership and Trademark Rights: Navigating Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on who owns liquor bottles after sale and the limits of trademark protection under R.A. 623.
Perfecting a Sale With an Assumed Mortgage: Key Considerations in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a deed of absolute sale with assumption of mortgage is perfected, and the consequences of failing to comply with mortgagee conditions.