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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Intellectual Property Rights and the Scope of Search Warrants in Trademark Infringement Cases
Learn how the Supreme Court defined the proper scope of search warrants in trademark infringement cases involving intellectual property rights.
Succession Rights vs NHA Discretion: Resolving Land Disputes After Death
When a land awardee dies, can a government agency bypass heirs and award property to another? The Supreme Court says no.
Survival of Actions: Protecting Property Rights After Death in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when lawsuits survive a party's death, focusing on property rights and heir substitution.
Theft Is Consummated Upon Taking: Debunking the Myth of Frustrated Theft
The Supreme Court clarifies that theft is consummated the moment the offender takes property with intent to gain, even if later apprehended.
Upholding Search Warrants in Intellectual Property Cases: The Yao v. People Ruling
The Supreme Court affirms search warrants issued in trademark infringement cases, clarifying probable cause and warrant requirements under Philippine law.
Express Trusts in Property Disputes: When Co-Ownership Prevails Over Title
Learn how express trusts can override technical title in Philippine property disputes, and what co-owners must prove.
Just Compensation When Government Takes Property Without Formal Expropriation
When enforcing an easement of right-of-way renders the remaining property unusable, just compensation is due. Learn from Republic v. Andaya.
Compromise Agreements and Redemption Rights in Philippine Tax Delinquency Sales
Supreme Court ruling on compromise agreements, tax delinquency redemption, and substantial compliance in Philippine property law.
Res Judicata and Property Disputes: Why a Final Judgment Bars a Second Suit
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains how res judicata prevents relitigation of property ownership after a final judgment.
Consignation Denied: Strict Compliance With Court Orders in Property Disputes
Supreme Court rules that consignation must be made within judicially prescribed periods; mere tender of payment is insufficient.
Accountability and Due Diligence: Clarifying the Standard for Neglect of Duty in Public Service
The Supreme Court clarifies what constitutes simple neglect of duty and the standard of diligence required of public officers in safeguarding government property.
TAX Redemption Rights Protecting THE Delinquent Owners Opportunity TO Recover Property
When Is a Hospital Building a Commercial Establishment? The Medical Arts Center Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies when a hospital's medical arts center is a special property at 10% assessment, not commercial at 35%.
Can a Spouse Convicted of Adultery Still Share in Conjugal Property? The Maquilan Ruling
The Supreme Court explains when a voluntary separation of property is valid, even after a spouse's adultery conviction.
When Is Property "Taken" for Expropriation? The Timing of Just Compensation
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when "taking" occurs in expropriation, affecting how just compensation is valued.
Good Faith in Property Transactions: Protecting Innocent Purchasers Under the Torrens System
When a notarized special power of attorney turns out forged, who keeps the land? The Supreme Court explains good faith under the Torrens system.
Can Co-Owned Property Be Sold When One Owner Refuses? A Philippine Case Study
Explore when co-owned property can be sold against an owner's wishes, plus key lessons from a Philippine Supreme Court ruling on ownership disputes.
Res Judicata Does Not Bar Recovery of Title After a Money Judgment
A final money judgment does not bar a later suit to recover a property title, the Supreme Court ruled, because the two cases have different causes of action.
Overcoming Documentary Evidence Proving True Ownership IN Philippine Property Disputes
Learn how Philippine courts weigh documentary evidence in property disputes, and how to overcome challenges to prove true ownership.
Unreasonable Seizure Reclaiming Property Unlawfully Held BY Authorities
Philippine law on unreasonable seizure and reclaiming property unlawfully held by authorities explained through a landmark Supreme Court decision.
Paraphernal Property vs Conjugal: When Improvements Don't Change Ownership
When does a wife's inherited land become conjugal property? The Supreme Court clarifies the rule on improvements in Heirs of Vicente Reyes.
Estoppel BY Silence When Remaining Silent Nullifies Ownership Claims IN Property Disputes
Forged Signatures VS Notarized Deeds Upholding Authenticity IN Property Disputes
Quieting Title in the Philippines: How to Protect Your Property Rights
Learn how Philippine courts resolve property ownership disputes through quieting title actions, based on the Supreme Court ruling in Imbat v. Soliven.