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.
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.
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.
Easement Reduction on Urban Land: Balancing Public Land Rules and Development
When a free-patent lot becomes urban private land, the river easement may shrink from 40 meters to 3 meters.
HLURB Jurisdiction Limits: When Buyers Must Sue in Regular Courts
Supreme Court clarifies HLURB jurisdiction over refund and contract disputes, requiring subdivision lot allegations for agency jurisdiction.
Land Title Registration in the Philippines: Overcoming the Presumption of Public Land
A Supreme Court ruling on land registration in the Philippines explains why proving alienable public land requires more than a surveyor's notation.
Lump Sum Land Sales: Boundaries vs. Area Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on land sales, tenancy, and why property boundaries matter more than area in lump sum transactions.
Double Sale of Land in the Philippines: Bad Faith Registration and Ejectment Rights
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on double sale of land: bad faith registration cannot defeat the first buyer's right to possession.
Double Sale in the Philippines: How Good Faith and Prior Knowledge Decide Property Rights
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on double sale: a second buyer who registers first but knows of the first sale acts in bad faith and loses.
Zoning Regulations vs Contractual Obligations: Balancing Public Welfare and Private Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on zoning ordinances, police power, and the non-impairment of contracts clause.
Petition for Relief in the Court of Appeals: When Can You Revive a Dismissed Appeal
Philippine Supreme Court explains why the RTC cannot annul a DARAB decision and when the CA can take jurisdiction over a dismissed appeal.
Can an RTC Annul a DARAB Decision? Jurisdiction in Agrarian Disputes
RTCs generally cannot annul DARAB decisions—they are co-equal bodies. Appeals must go to the Court of Appeals.
Substituted Service of Summons: When a Security Guard Can Validly Receive It
Philippine Supreme Court rules on substituted service of summons through a subdivision security guard and its effect on court jurisdiction.
Protecting Subdivision Buyers: Contracts to Sell Must Be Registered
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that subdivision developers must register contracts to sell with the Register of Deeds under P.D. 957.
Barangay vs. Homeowners: Who Administers a Multi-Purpose Hall?
The Supreme Court clarifies the division of authority between barangays and homeowners' associations over government-funded facilities in subdivisions.
Doubt and Acquittal: Assessing Witness Credibility in Attempted Murder Cases
The Supreme Court acquits Gerardo Biong of attempted murder, stressing that credible testimony, not just a credible witness, is required for conviction.
Ombudsman Jurisdiction Over GOCCs: The Original Charter Requirement
The Supreme Court limits Ombudsman jurisdiction over GOCCs to those with original charters, not corporations merely acquired by government.
Tax Exemption vs Beneficial Use: GSIS Charter and Local Government Code Conflict
When does GSIS lose its tax exemption? The Supreme Court clarifies how the Local Government Code limits the GSIS charter's tax immunity.
Exhausting Administrative Remedies with the COA: A Prerequisite for Money Claims Against Government Agencies
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that money claims against government agencies must first be filed with the COA before going to court.
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.
Simulated Contracts in the Philippines: Intent, Validity, and the Valerio Case
Learn how Philippine courts decide simulated contracts by examining party intent, absolute vs. relative simulation, and the Valerio ruling.
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.
Meeting of Minds in Property Sales: Why Price Agreement Is Key in Philippine Contracts
Philippine contract law requires a meeting of minds on price for property sales. Learn from a Supreme Court ruling on consent and judicial ethics.
Philippine Supreme Court Upholds Buyer Rights Subdivision Developer Must Fulfill Obligations Despite Payment S
Buyers may suspend installment payments when a subdivision developer fails to deliver promised improvements, the Supreme Court ruled in Tamayo v. Huang.
Defamation vs. Press Freedom: Balancing Rights in Philippine Law
Philippine Journalists v. Thoenen clarifies when media cannot claim privilege for defamatory reports about private individuals.