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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Jurisdiction and Arbitration in Real Estate Contract Disputes: Frabelle Fishing Case
When do courts, not HLURB, hear real estate contract disputes? The Frabelle Fishing case explains jurisdiction and arbitration rules.
Contractual Obligations Upholding Interest Payments IN Real Estate Agreements
Unauthorized Real Estate Mortgage: Strict Interpretation of Special Power of Attorney
When a special power of attorney fails to identify the exact property, a mortgage over it is unenforceable. The Supreme Court explains why banks must verify authority.
Price Certainty in Real Estate Sales: When a "Yes" Is Not Enough
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a contract of sale requires a definite price; vague terms and unresolved payment details prevent perfection.
Upholding Contractual Obligations: The Validity of a Special Power of Attorney in Property Transfers
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies jurisdiction in property disputes, the statute of frauds, and rights of first refusal in Philippine real estate law.
Contract to Sell vs Contract of Sale: Key Differences and Buyer Protections in Philippine Real Estate
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between a contract to sell and a contract of sale, and what it means for buyers and sellers.
Protecting Your Property Investments Understanding Grace Periods AND Cancellation IN Philippine Real Estate Co
Learn how Philippine law protects real estate buyers on installment, including grace periods, cancellation rules, and cash surrender value rights under RA 6552.
Forcible Entry Claims in Philippine Real Estate: Why Prior Physical Possession Matters
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies forcible entry rules: prior physical possession, not paper rights, determines who can sue for ejectment.
Protecting Your Property Investments: Understanding Buyer in Good Faith in Philippine Real Estate Law
Learn how Philippine courts treat "buyer in good faith" and banks' duty of diligence in real estate transactions, based on a Supreme Court ruling.
Perfected Contract of Sale: The Necessity of Unequivocal Agreement on Price and Terms in Real Estate Transacti
Learn how Philippine courts treat contracts of sale, emphasizing the need for clear agreement on price and terms to avoid disputes.
Breaking Down Land Ownership Disputes When Hearsay Clouds Real Estate Claims
A Supreme Court ruling explains why hearsay evidence fails in property disputes, and how Torrens titles protect registered owners.
Mortgage Foreclosure: Why Stipulated Notice Requirements Matter in Real Estate Contracts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on extrajudicial foreclosure: stipulated notice requirements in mortgage contracts are mandatory and enforceable.
Real Estate Foreclosure in the Philippines: Notice Requirements and Due Process
A look at Guanco v. Antolo and why strict notice and posting rules govern extrajudicial foreclosure sales in the Philippines.
Breach of Contract: Understanding Rescission in Real Estate Transactions
Learn how a defective foreclosure sale was voided by the Supreme Court and what it means for buyers and mortgagors.
MIAA vs Parañaque: When Local Governments Cannot Tax National Assets
The Supreme Court ruled that MIAA's airport lands are exempt from local real estate tax because MIAA is a government instrumentality, not a GOCC.
Family Home Protection Consent Requirements IN Real Estate Mortgages Involving Married Couples
Good Faith vs Due Diligence: Protecting Rights in Real Estate Transactions
When is a buyer or mortgagee of land truly in good faith? The Supreme Court clarifies the duty to investigate beyond the Torrens title.
Deficiency Judgments in Philippine Foreclosure: Can Banks Recover More After Auction?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when banks can collect deficiency after extrajudicial foreclosure of real estate mortgages.
Protecting Your Property Rights: Contract Cancellation in Philippine Real Estate
Learn how RA 6552 protects installment buyers and why procedural rules matter in contract cancellation cases under Philippine law.
Why 15 Days Matter: Appeal Deadlines in HLURB Real Estate Cases
A missed 15-day appeal deadline in HLURB cases is fatal. Learn the rule from United Overseas Bank v. Ching.
Mortgage Still Valid Loan Restructuring AND Novation IN THE Philippines Reyes V BPI Family Savings Bank
When does loan restructuring cancel a real estate mortgage? The Supreme Court explains novation rules in Reyes v. BPI Family Savings Bank.
Perfecting a Contract to Sell: Why Payment Terms Matter in Philippine Real Estate Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains why agreeing on price alone does not perfect a contract to sell real property—payment terms are essential.
Rescission of Real Estate Sales: Understanding Breach of Contract and Third Party Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on who may sue for rescission of real estate contracts, real party in interest rule, and implied trusts under Article 1448.
Equitable Mortgage vs Pacto de Retro Sale: Philippine Real Estate Security Rules
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a deed of sale with right to repurchase is actually an equitable mortgage, protecting borrowers from losing property.