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.
Buyer Beware: Due Diligence in Philippine Real Estate Transactions
The Supreme Court reminds buyers of registered land that a title is not enough—due diligence requires inquiry beyond its four corners.
Bank Not Subsidiarily Liable Without Clear Obligation: Prudential Bank v. Abasolo
Supreme Court rules a bank is not subsidiarily liable for a loan officer's alleged promises absent a clear obligation or written request.
Bank Not Liable for Employee's Promise to Seller: Relativity of Contracts in Loan Proceeds Release
Supreme Court rules bank not subsidiarily liable for employee's alleged promise to pay seller directly from loan proceeds, citing relativity of contracts.
Buyers Can Suspend Payments When Title Is Clouded: Daleon v. Tan
When a property's title is clouded by an adverse claim, buyers may stop paying installments without risking forfeiture of their downpayment.
Forfeiture of Downpayment: When a Buyer's Stop Payment Is Justified
Supreme Court ruling on when sellers cannot forfeit a buyer's downpayment due to adverse claims on property title.
Contract to Sell Default: When Sellers Can Cancel and Keep the Property Off the Market
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a buyer's failure to pay installments in a contract to sell justifies cancellation by the seller.
Void Sale of City-Owned Market Stall: Refund of Price Under Article 1412
When a sale is void because the seller lacked authority to sell city property, the buyer may still recover the price paid under Article 1412.
Void Contracts and Recovery: The Good Faith Exception Under Article 1412
When a contract is void for illegality, can an innocent party recover what was paid? Magoyag v. Maruhom explains the good faith exception.
When Late Appeal Briefs Get Dismissed: Lessons from a Property Dispute
The Supreme Court explains when late filing of an appeal brief justifies dismissal, using a property dispute as a cautionary example.
Torrens Title vs Unregistered Sale: Who Has Better Right to Possess Land in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains why a Torrens title prevails over an unregistered deed of sale in disputes over land possession.
Sale of Conjugal Property Without Spousal Consent: Void Contracts and Heirs' Rights
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on void sales of conjugal property without spousal consent, heirs' rights, and prescription periods explained.
Good Faith Prevails: Protecting Innocent Purchasers in Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on innocent purchasers for value, good faith, and extinguishment of claims in property disputes.
Superior Registered Title Prevails Protecting Prior Land Rights Despite Subsequent Sales
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when an earlier registered title beats later buyers, even innocent purchasers for value.
Lump Sum vs. Unit Price in Land Sales: The Del Prado v. Caballero Rule
Philippine land sale disputes often hinge on lump sum versus unit price contracts. The Supreme Court's ruling in Del Prado v. Caballero clarifies the rules.
Contractual Obligations Survey Requirement Prevails Over Rescission Rights IN Land Sale Agreements
Supreme Court rules survey obligation in land sale contracts prevails over rescission rights, clarifying breach requirements under Philippine law.
Entrapment vs Instigation: Defining the Boundaries in Drug Sale Convictions
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between valid entrapment and unlawful instigation in drug cases, affirming a buy-bust conviction.
Good Faith vs Torrens Title Resolving Land Ownership Disputes in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether a Torrens title or a deed of sale prevails in land possession disputes.
Untangling Rescission: Prescription Periods in Philippine Property Sales
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when the four-year prescriptive period for rescission of a sale starts, using the Quirong v. DBP case.
Good Faith in Profit-Sharing Agreements: Lessons from Silverio v. Almeda
When a land sale includes a profit-sharing clause, the seller must act in good faith and disclose all resale details to the buyer.
Protecting Marital Property: The Necessity of Spousal Consent in Property Sales
Learn how the Supreme Court protects conjugal property from unauthorized sales by one spouse, and why buyers must verify spousal consent.
Vitiated Consent and Simulated Sales: Understanding Contract Nullity in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when fraud vitiates consent and simulated prices void sales, using a family land dispute as a guide.
Possession vs. Sale: Proving the Distinction in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies why illegal sale and illegal possession of drugs are separate crimes requiring distinct proof, acquitting on one charge.
Unregistered Land Sales: Why Registration Matters in Ownership Disputes
A Supreme Court ruling explains why an unregistered deed of sale cannot bind third parties in property disputes over unregistered land.
Forgery Undermines Real Estate Sale: Protecting Property Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains how forged deeds transfer no rights, and why good faith buyers can still be protected under Philippine property law.