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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Mortgage in Good Faith: Upholding Banks' Due Diligence in Real Estate Transactions
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when banks qualify as mortgagees in good faith despite defective titles, protecting foreclosures.
Forgery vs Good Faith: Protecting Registered Land Owners in Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when buyers of forged deeds can claim good faith protection and when registered owners keep their title.
Dividing Inherited Lands: Ownership Disputes and Property Rights in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts resolve inherited land disputes, including pacto de retro sales, co-ownership, and the rights of buyers in good faith.
Upholding Ministerial Duty Dismissal OF Disbarment Complaint FOR Good Faith Registration Actions
Supreme Court dismisses disbarment complaints against lawyers and registrars over good faith registration actions, clarifying ministerial duties.
Protecting Property Rights: Good Faith Mortgagees vs. Defective Titles in Philippine Law
Learn how Philippine courts protect good faith mortgagees from defective titles, and the legal safeguards for property rights.
When Good Faith Can't Excuse Ignoring Red Flags in Government Projects
Supreme Court explains when courts can't stop government projects and why permits are privileges, not property rights.
Protecting Property Rights: Good Faith Purchasers vs Unregistered Claims
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on good faith purchasers, unregistered claims, and property rights under Article 1544 of the Civil Code.
When Banks Can Rely on Clean Titles: Mortgagee in Good Faith Explained
The Supreme Court explains when a bank that accepts a mortgage on a clean title becomes a mortgagee in good faith, even if the title later proves defective.
Co-Ownership and Good Faith: Understanding Property Rights in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that a co-owner can only sell their own share, and buyers must verify ownership of unregistered land.
Untangling Mortgage Disputes: Good Faith, Due Diligence, and Finality of Judgments
A Supreme Court ruling on mortgage disputes, good faith, and why final and executory judgments bind all parties.
Good Faith vs Actual Knowledge: Resolving Land Disputes in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on finality of judgments, petitions for relief, and banks' duty of diligence in land mortgage disputes.
Mortgage Disputes, Good Faith, and Final Judgments in Philippine Foreclosure
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on mortgage foreclosure, good faith of banks, and the finality of judgments in property disputes.
Good Faith vs Due Diligence: Unmasking the Innocent Purchaser Doctrine
The Supreme Court clarifies that buyers of registered land must go beyond the title when circumstances raise suspicion. Learn the limits of the innocent purchaser defense.
Good Faith and Land Titles: When Forged Deeds Void Property Ownership
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on forged deeds, good faith buyers, and why Torrens titles from fraudulent sales can be cancelled.
Forged Signatures and Good Faith in Philippine Land Ownership
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on forged deeds, buyer good faith, and protecting land ownership rights.
Good Faith vs Due Diligence: Protecting Land Titles in the Philippines
When can a forged land title become valid? The Supreme Court explains the limits of good faith and due diligence for property buyers.
Upholding Attorneys Good Faith Erroneous Legal Advice Without Malice IS NOT Misconduct
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that lawyers are not liable for honest mistakes or erroneous advice absent proof of malice or bad faith.
When a Later Title Loses: Prior Registration and Good Faith in Philippine Land Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies that earlier certificates of title prevail over later ones, and buyers cannot claim good faith when the title itself bears notice of a prior sale.
Bargaining in Good Faith: The Fine Line Between Firm Positions and Unfair Labor Practices
When does a company's hardline stance in CBA talks become bad faith bargaining? The Supreme Court clarifies the line.
Mortgage in Good Faith: Banks vs Unregistered Land Sales in the Philippines
When does a bank lose protection as a mortgagee in good faith? The Supreme Court clarifies the rule on unregistered land sales.
Duty to Disclose Accrued Interest in SALNs and the Limits of Administrative Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies that public officials must declare accrued interest on time deposits in their SALNs, but penalties consider good faith.
Double Sale of Land: Prior Knowledge Defeats Claim of Good Faith
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on double sales of land: a buyer who knows of prior claims or occupants cannot claim good faith.
Ownership Disputes and Wrongful Property Levy: Why Registration Prevails Under Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling on why unregistered sales lose to registered titles and levies, and what buyers must prove to claim good faith.
Tenancy Rights vs Ejectment: Landowner Obligations in Philippine Property Law
Understand the 2013 Mirallosa ruling on unlawful detainer, landowner rights, and good faith builders in Philippine property disputes.