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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Burden of Proof in Property Disputes: Establishing Rights and Damages in Demolition Cases
Supreme Court clarifies that claimants in demolition cases must prove ownership and damages by preponderance of evidence.
When a Deed Speaks Louder Than a Title: Resolving Land Ownership Disputes in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies how co-ownership, oral partition, and redemption affect land ownership disputes in the Philippines.
Prior Sale Beats Inheritance: Supreme Court on Land Ownership Disputes
When a valid sale predates an inheritance claim, the buyer owns the land. The Supreme Court explains why Article 1544 on double sales does not apply.
Land Registration: Overcoming the State's Presumptive Ownership of Public Lands
The Supreme Court clarifies that buyers and heirs of land must prove it is alienable and disposable—not just show a deed or inheritance—to register title.
CLOA Cancellation and Indefeasibility of Titles in Agrarian Reform Cases
When can a Certificate of Land Ownership Award be cancelled? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of DAR jurisdiction and the indefeasibility of agrarian titles.
Real Property Tax: Who Pays When Ownership and Possession Differ
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies real property tax liability when the registered owner is not in possession, citing Herarc Realty v. Provincial Treasurer of Batangas.
Tax Declarations as Evidence of Ownership: Protecting Possessory Rights
The Supreme Court clarifies that tax declarations, while not conclusive, are strong evidence of possession in the concept of owner when coupled with continuous possession.
Oral Sales Agreements Transfer Property and the Limits of Rescission
When does an oral deal to sell land transfer ownership? The Supreme Court clarifies the line between a sale and a contract to sell, and when rescission is allowed.
Possession vs Ownership: Resolving Church Property Disputes in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies that in unlawful detainer cases, physical possession—not ownership—determines who has the better right to church property.
Land Title Registration Proving Ownership AND Alienability FOR Public Land Claims
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on land title registration, ownership proof, and alienability requirements for public land claims.
Good Faith Belief in Ownership Defeats Qualified Theft Charge
Supreme Court acquits spouses of qualified theft, ruling that honest belief in ownership negates intent to steal.
Input VAT in Construction Costs and Ownership Shares in Realty Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on input VAT in construction costs and proportional ownership shares in a realty joint venture dispute.
Establishing Land Ownership: The Imperative of Continuous Possession Since June 12, 1945
Original registration of land requires open, continuous, exclusive, and notorious possession since June 12, 1945 or earlier. The Supreme Court clarifies the strict requirements.
Foreign Land Ownership Constitutionality Prevails Over Execution Sales
Supreme Court nullifies auction sales to a Canadian citizen, reaffirming the constitutional ban on alien land ownership in the Philippines.
Tenancy Rights vs. Co-Ownership: Proving Agricultural Tenancy in Land Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies that tenancy is a legal relationship that must be proven by substantial evidence, not presumed from mere occupation.
Conjugal Property Rights: When a Forged Donation and Sale Divide Ownership
A forged donation of conjugal property leads to co-ownership between the buyer and the innocent spouse, each holding an undivided half.
Tenancy VS CO Ownership Protecting Farmers Rights IN Agrarian Disputes
Trademark Ownership Rests on Prior Use, But Related Goods Still Matter
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies trademark ownership via prior use and the test for related goods in SAKURA dispute.
Quieting of Title and the Best Evidence Rule in Philippine Land Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on quieting of title, best evidence rule, and proving ownership in land disputes.
Land Ownership Disputes: Court vs. DAR Jurisdiction Over CLOA Cancellation
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when courts lack jurisdiction over land disputes involving CLOAs and agrarian reform titles.
When Courts Cannot Decide Land Ownership Disputes Involving Agrarian Reform Awards
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that cancellation of CLOAs falls under DAR Secretary's jurisdiction, not regular courts.
Possession vs Ownership: Resolving Land Disputes Through the Proper Legal Action
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when to file unlawful detainer versus accion publiciana, and why bare allegations of tolerance are not enough.
Employer Liability: Ownership of Premises Does Not Make One an Employer
Supreme Court clarifies that owning a building or premises does not automatically create an employer-employee relationship, reversing a labor ruling against a property owner.
Land Registration Proving Ownership for Public Land Acquisition
The Supreme Court clarifies what evidence is needed to register public land, and the limits on corporations acquiring such land.