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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Breach of Trust: A Lawyer's Duty to Client Property in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court suspends lawyers who took a client's car as payment, explaining the fiduciary duty over client property.
Illegal Demolition as Grave Coercion: Property Rights and Due Process in the Philippines
When does demolition become a crime? The Sy case shows how unlawful property destruction can constitute grave coercion under Philippine law.
Debt Recovery Gone Wrong Understanding Abuse of Rights in Property Repossession Uypitching vs Quiamco
Explore abuse of rights in debt recovery and property repossession through the Supreme Court ruling in Uypitching vs Quiamco.
Homeowner Disputes and Attorney's Fees: When Courts Uphold Compromise Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on attorney's fees, jurisdiction, and the binding effect of compromise agreements in property disputes.
Demolition and Due Process: Understanding Nuisance Per Se in Philippine Law
When can government demolish property without court order? The Supreme Court explains nuisance per se, police power, and the limits of due process.
Preliminary Mandatory Injunction in Property Disputes: Protecting Prior Possessory Rights
Learn when Philippine courts issue preliminary mandatory injunctions in property disputes, and how prior lawful possession can be protected.
When Injunctions Expire: Understanding Functus Officio in Philippine Courts
When a court injunction loses its legal basis, it becomes functus officio. Learn how this doctrine applies in Philippine property disputes.
Lost Deals: Why a Vague "Yes" Isn't Enough to Seal a Property Sale in the Philippines
A buyer's "conforme" to a seller's price without agreeing on payment terms is only a counter-offer. Learn from Villanueva v. PNB.
Boundary Disputes in the Philippines: When Creeks Change Course, Ownership Stays Put
Philippine courts uphold original property boundaries even when creeks are diverted. Learn how Pang-oden v. Leonen protects land titles.
Unprobated Wills and Ejectment: Why Probate Is Required Before Claiming Property Rights in the Philippines
An unprobated will has no legal effect in Philippine courts. Learn why probate is mandatory before asserting inheritance rights in property disputes.
Protecting Your Property: Why Notice Is Crucial in Philippine Tax Sales
Learn how the Supreme Court nullified a tax sale for lack of proper notice to the true owner, and what this means for property buyers and owners in the Philippines.
Rescission Rights in Pacto de Retro Sales: When Can a Seller Reclaim Property
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a seller can rescind a pacto de retro sale and reclaim property from a defaulting buyer.
Lease Agreements vs Good Faith Builders: Rights Over Property Improvements
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when lessees can claim reimbursement for improvements—and why Article 1678, not 448, governs lease disputes.
Spousal Consent and Mortgage Validity: Protecting Marital Property Rights
Learn how spousal consent protects marital property from fraudulent transfers, based on a Philippine Supreme Court ruling on void titles.
Sheriffs Authority Limits and Liabilities in Property Demolition in the Philippines
When can a sheriff demolish property during execution? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of a sheriff's authority and liability in demolition cases.
Reimbursement Rights for Conjugal Improvements: Who Pays After the Property Is Sold
A widow sought reimbursement for conjugal improvements from the buyers of her late husband's property. The Supreme Court explains why the claim must be directed against the estate, not the purchasers.
Unmarried Cohabitation: Proving Joint Contribution for Property Co-Ownership
A common-law partner married to another must prove actual joint contribution to co-own property; mere allegation is not enough.
Interest on Loans and the Necessity of Written Agreements for Enforceability
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on double sales, good faith, and why written contracts matter for property and loan enforceability.
Novation in Property Sales: When a Deed of Absolute Sale Supersedes a Conditional Sale
Explaining when a later deed of absolute sale novates or supersedes an earlier conditional sale, based on a Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
Spanish Titles vs Torrens System: What Landowners Must Know After SBMA Ruling
A 2006 Supreme Court ruling confirms Spanish-era titles are no longer valid proof of land ownership in the Philippines. Here's what it means for property claims.
Property Transfers in Common-Law Relationships: Navigating Legal Restrictions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on property transfers to common-law spouses, void sales, and conjugal property rules explained.
When a Waiver Revives Rights: Property Disputes and Quitclaims in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that a default order in land registration cases does not bar the government from appealing, and explains the limits of waiver in property disputes.
Balancing Property Rights and Public Welfare: When Can the Government Demolish a Structure
The Supreme Court clarifies when the government may demolish structures on public land and the limits of its power.
Balancing Property Rights and Law Enforcement: The Release of Seized Goods in Intellectual Property Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on the release of seized goods in IP cases, balancing property rights and law enforcement.