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.
Demand to Vacate in Unlawful Detainer: Strict Compliance and Jurisdictional Requirements
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the demand-to-vacate rule in unlawful detainer cases, its jurisdictional nature, and amendment of complaints.
Oral Sales and Unlawful Detainer: Resolving Property Disputes in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when an oral sale of real property defeats an unlawful detainer suit, and when it does not.
Upholding Possessory Rights Ejectment Suit Jurisdiction Prior Possession
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on ejectment jurisdiction, prior possession, and why a defendant's claim of ownership cannot defeat an unlawful detainer suit.
Ejectment Cases and Land Ownership: When Prior Possession Does Not Bar Unlawful Detainer
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on unlawful detainer, COSLAP jurisdiction, and Torrens title imprescriptibility in Cayabyab v. Gomez de Aquino.
Unlawful Detainer: Proving Possession and Ownership Claims in Ejectment Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on unlawful detainer cases, possession vs. ownership claims, and evidence rules in ejectment proceedings.
Establishing Landlord-Tenant Relationship: The Core of Ejectment Suits in the Philippines
A landlord-tenant relationship is essential in ejectment cases. The Supreme Court explains who may file an unlawful detainer suit.
Registered Title vs Unregistered Deed in Unlawful Detainer Cases: Pascual v. Coronel
In ejectment cases, a Torrens title prevails over unregistered deeds of sale. Learn the rule from Pascual v. Coronel.
Jurisdictional Reach, Voluntary Submission, and the Limits of Summons in Unlawful Detainer Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies how courts determine jurisdiction in possession cases, distinguishing unlawful detainer from accion publiciana and the limits of voluntary submission.
Upholding Ejectment: Why Ownership Disputes Don't Halt Possession Orders
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that pending ownership cases do not stop execution of ejectment judgments, protecting the summary nature of unlawful detainer.
Unlawful Detainer Cases: Jurisdiction, Demand Requirements, and the Perils of Procedural Lapses
Understand the Laraño v. Calendacion ruling on unlawful detainer jurisdiction, demand requirements, and why procedural compliance matters in ejectment cases.
Judges Must Decide Cases Within 90 Days: Gross Inefficiency and Repeated Delay Sanctions
The Supreme Court suspends a judge for three months after repeated delays in resolving an unlawful detainer case, stressing the 90-day rule.
Prior Possession and Ejectment: When Tolerance Turns Into Unlawful Detainer
Learn how prior possession, tolerance, and demand letters determine whether an ejectment case is forcible entry or unlawful detainer.
Ejectment and Court Jurisdiction in the Philippines: Key Lessons from Dela Cruz v. Tan Te
Learn how Philippine courts determine ejectment jurisdiction and why possession by tolerance matters in unlawful detainer cases.
Tolerance Ends Ownership Rights Prevail In Unlawful Detainer Disputes
SC ruling: mere tolerance of occupation ends when property is sold; new owner may eject occupants via unlawful detainer.
Tolerance Ends Unlawful Detainer AND Property Rights IN THE Philippines
When does tolerated possession become unlawful detainer? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on jurisdiction, demand, and ownership claims.
Accion Publiciana: When Can You File to Recover Property Possession in the Philippines
Learn when to file accion publiciana instead of unlawful detainer to recover property possession in the Philippines, based on a Supreme Court ruling.
Unlawful Detainer vs Forcible Entry: Key Differences in Philippine Ejectment Cases
Learn the key differences between unlawful detainer and forcible entry in Philippine ejectment cases, and why the right cause of action matters.
When Tenancy Claims Don't Oust MTC Jurisdiction Over Unlawful Detainer
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that raising tenancy as a defense doesn't automatically strip MTC jurisdiction over unlawful detainer cases involving structures.
Supreme Court Fines Judge for Undue Delay in Rendering Decision
The Supreme Court fined a Tacloban judge P20,000 for gross inefficiency after a six-month delay in deciding an unlawful detainer appeal.
Partition of Property and Co-Ownership Claims in Unlawful Detainer Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how ejectment cases handle co-ownership claims and Torrens title holders' right to possession.
Unlawful Detainer Jurisdiction Prevails Despite Ownership Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when MTC retains jurisdiction over unlawful detainer cases even if ownership is disputed.
Unlawful Detainer: Actual Possession vs. Representation in Ejectment Suits
Learn when an ejectment suit must target the actual occupant versus the lessee they represent, based on a Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
Possession by Tolerance: When Using Another's Land Becomes Unlawful
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when tolerated use of another's land becomes unlawful detainer, and which court has jurisdiction over the case.
Demolition Orders and Property Rights: Balancing Possession and Due Process in Unlawful Detainer Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on demolition orders in unlawful detainer cases, protecting property rights and due process.