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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Rescission Rights Protecting Buyers From Misrepresentation IN Real Estate Sales
Due Diligence in Real Estate Mortgages: A Lender's Responsibility
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why mortgage lenders must verify borrower identity and property status before approving real estate loans.
Abandonment of Property Justifies Rescission of Real Estate Contract
Supreme Court rules buyer's abandonment and non-payment of amortizations justify rescission of contract to sell, despite developer's alleged breaches.
Upholding Contractual Obligations THE Enforceability OF Compromise Agreements IN Real Estate Disputes
Unconscionable Penalties in Real Estate Contracts: Balancing Equity and Contractual Obligations
When a 3% monthly penalty on unpaid installments becomes unconscionable, Philippine courts may reduce it under Civil Code Articles 1229 and 2227.
Option Contract vs Contract to Sell: Key Lessons from a Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the difference between an option contract and a contract to sell in real estate transactions.
Disputes in Real Estate: Clarifying Intent in Land Sale Agreements
When buyers and sellers disagree on what land was sold, Philippine courts look to the parties' true intent, not just the written deed.
The Perils of Verbal Land Deals: Why Written Authority Is Non-Negotiable in Philippine Real Estate
Learn how the Supreme Court protects small property owners from expropriation and why written authority is crucial in Philippine land deals.
Perfecting Real Estate Sales in the Philippines When Receipts Seal the Deal
Learn when receipts perfect real estate sales in the Philippines, and the legal rules on ownership transfer.
Simulated Sale or Real Deal: How Philippine Courts Protect Property Owners From False Contracts
Philippine courts distinguish real estate mortgages from pacto de retro sales. Learn how judges protect property owners from fraudulent contracts.
Protecting the Vulnerable: Contract Validity and Simulated Sales in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies simulated sales, contract validity, and protection of illiterate parties in real estate transactions.
Missed Deadlines Lost Cases Understanding Appeal Periods IN Philippine Real Estate Disputes
Learn how a 15-day appeal period in HLURB cases can bar your claim, from the SGMC Realty case.
Contract of Sale vs. Contract to Sell: Key Differences in Philippine Real Estate Law
The Supreme Court clarifies the crucial distinction between a contract of sale and a contract to sell, and why it matters in property disputes.
Contract of Sale vs Contract to Sell: Key Differences and Legal Implications
Philippine Supreme Court explains the difference between a contract of sale and a contract to sell, and why the distinction matters in real estate disputes.
Escalation Clauses in Philippine Real Estate Mortgages: Limits and Borrower Rights
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on mortgage escalation clauses, unilateral interest rate hikes, and borrower rights to refunds.
Lis Pendens and Oral Partition: Protecting Property Rights in Real Estate
Explaining how the Supreme Court upheld an oral partition and quitclaims, clarifying quieting of title and property rights.
Written Authority Required for Real Estate Agents: The City-Lite Realty Rule
Under Article 1874 of the Civil Code, an agent selling land must have written authority; otherwise, the sale is void. Learn the rules.
Buyer Beware Due Diligence and the Importance of Lis Pendens in Philippine Property Transactions
A Supreme Court ruling on lis pendens, due diligence, and buyer protection in Philippine real estate transactions.
Receipts as Proof of Sale: Understanding Contract Perfection in Philippine Real Estate Law
When does a real estate sale become binding? The Supreme Court explains receipt requirements, fraud, and contract perfection in this Philippine case.
Demand Is Key: Understanding Rescission in Philippine Real Estate Sales
The Supreme Court explains when a buyer can still pay after missing a deadline in a property sale, and why demand for rescission matters.
Automatic Contract Rescission in Philippine Real Estate: Buyer and Seller Rights
Understand when automatic rescission clauses in Philippine real estate contracts apply, and the rights of buyers and sellers under the Maceda Law.
Buyer Beware Priority Rights In Philippine Real Estate Contracts To Sell
Learn how Philippine courts treat priority rights in contracts to sell real estate, and what buyers must verify before paying.
Earnest Money Matters Understanding Refundability in Philippine Real Estate Deals
When can a seller keep earnest money in a failed property deal? The Supreme Court explains the rules on refunds under Philippine law.
Equitable Mortgage in Philippine Real Estate: Protecting Your Property Rights
When is a deed of sale actually an equitable mortgage? Learn how Philippine courts protect property owners from disguised loan transactions.