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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How Marital Status Determines Property Ownership in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling explains how marital status affects property ownership, co-ownership rules, and the validity of selling property without spousal consent.
Forged Deeds and Ejectment: Protecting Co-Ownership Rights in Family Property Disputes
When a forged deed transfers family property, can the fraudulent titleholder evict co-owner heirs? The Supreme Court says no.
Dividing Assets in Void Marriages: Co-Ownership vs. Conjugal Partnership
The Supreme Court clarifies that property acquired during a void marriage is divided under co-ownership rules, not conjugal partnership.
Proving Co-Ownership of Inherited Land: Lessons from Heirs of Bulawin
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies what evidence truly proves co-ownership of inherited land—and why harvest-sharing alone is not enough.
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.
Reconveyance Actions Proving Ownership Beyond Mere Possession
Learn when courts consolidate reconveyance and reivindicatory actions, and why Torrens titles cannot be collaterally attacked under Philippine law.
Reconveyance Claims: Proving Ownership by Clear and Convincing Evidence
A look at Ibot v. Heirs of Tayco, where the Supreme Court clarified the burden of proof in reconveyance actions and the limits of Torrens title challenges.
Forcible Entry Proof: Prior Physical Possession Is Key to Ejectment
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that in forcible entry cases, proof of prior physical possession, not mere ownership, is essential.
Possession Trumps Ownership: Upholding Conviction for Illegal Firearms Based on Control, Not Title
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that illegal possession of firearms requires control, not ownership. Conviction upheld on constructive possession.
When a Sale Is Really a Sale: Conditional Sale vs. Contract to Sell in Ejectment
A deed called "conditional" may still be an absolute sale. The Supreme Court explains when ownership passes, and why the wrong remedy can cost you your case.
Res Judicata When Prior Judgments Prevent Relitigation of Land Ownership Disputes
Learn how res judicata bars relitigation of land ownership disputes, using a 2015 Philippine Supreme Court ruling as a guide.
Agrarian Reform vs Acquisitive Prescription: Resolving Land Ownership Disputes in the Philippines
When agrarian reform and acquisitive prescription collide, the Supreme Court clarifies which principle governs land ownership disputes.
Mining Rights vs Land Ownership: Reconstitution Rights Under Philippine Law
Supreme Court ruling clarifies that mining patent holders cannot seek reconstitution of land titles they do not own.
Ejectment vs Ownership: Defining Jurisdiction in Philippine Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a property dispute is ejectment or an ownership action, and limits RTC appellate powers.
Co-Ownership and Land Sales: When Selling a Definite Portion Is Invalid
A co-owner cannot sell a definite portion of undivided land without all co-owners' consent. Learn the rules from Cabrera v. Ysaac.
Probable Cause vs Ownership Claims in Theft Cases: People v. Yecyec
When can courts dismiss theft charges for lack of probable cause? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of judicial review in People v. Yecyec.
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.
Ejectment Cases: Proving Tolerance and Co-Ownership Rights in Unlawful Detainer
Understand when unlawful detainer fails: proving tolerance, co-ownership rights, and the Quijano v. Amante ruling on possession.
Res Judicata vs Ownership Claims: Understanding Property Disputes in the Philippines
A forcible entry ruling does not bar a later ownership-based recovery case. Learn the key distinctions from a 2014 Supreme Court decision.
Casino Chips, Ownership, and the Presumption of Title: Subic Bay Legend Resorts v. Fernandez
A casino confiscated chips from two players, claiming they were stolen. The Supreme Court ruled on ownership, possession, and bad faith.
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.
Ownership in Reclamation Projects: Defining Completion and Compensation
Supreme Court clarifies when ownership of improvements transfers in reclamation contracts, ruling on COA disallowance and compensation rights.
Forged Signatures and Good Faith in Philippine Land Ownership
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on forged deeds, buyer good faith, and protecting land ownership rights.
Res Judicata Preventing Endless Litigation Over Land Ownership in the Philippines
Learn how res judicata bars relitigation of land ownership disputes in the Philippines and why final judgments must be respected.