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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Property Ownership and Adverse Possession: The Supreme Court's Ruling on Deeds and Occupation
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when occupation ripens into ownership, and why a defective deed cannot transfer property rights.
Property Disputes and Compromise Agreements: Lessons from the BASECO Case
A look at how the Supreme Court treated compromise agreements and property rights in a dispute involving the Province of Bataan and sequestered BASECO assets.
Abuse of Rights in Philippine Law: A Case Study on Mortgage and Property Transactions
The Supreme Court clarifies the abuse of rights principle under Article 19, showing when a bank employee's blunt remarks do not amount to bad faith.
Lease Renewal vs Extension: Supreme Court Clarifies the Critical Distinction
The Supreme Court clarifies the crucial difference between lease renewal and extension in a dispute over a government property lease.
Simulated Contracts in the Philippines: When a Deed of Sale Is Void
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a simulated deed of sale is void. Learn the rules on genuine intent in property transactions.
Navigating Property Disputes: The Importance of Clear Evidence in Philippine Land Ownership Cases
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies how proof of sale, not registration alone, determines ownership in Philippine land disputes.
Understanding Res Judicata: How Final Judgments Impact Property Disputes in the Philippines
Learn how final judgments shape property disputes in the Philippines, including the doctrine of res judicata and its practical implications.
Intervention Rights in Property Disputes: The PRA Reclamation Case Explained
When can a third party intervene in a property dispute? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules in a reclamation case involving the Philippine Reclamation Authority.
Misrepresentation and Legal Ethics: A Lawyer's Duty to Uphold Integrity
A lawyer who misrepresents property ownership and refuses to return earnest money faces suspension under the Code of Professional Responsibility.
When Lawyers Overstep: Misrepresentation in Property Redemption and Disbarment Risks
A lawyer's unauthorized claim to redeem property led to a two-year suspension. Learn the ethical rules and property redemption limits.
Lawyer Misconduct: Disbarment for Dishonesty and Deceit in Property Transactions
The Supreme Court disbarred a lawyer for fabricating court filings and a fake decision in a client's annulment case, underscoring strict ethical standards.
Lawyer Misconduct in Property Disputes: When Counsel Crosses Ethical Lines
A Supreme Court ruling reminds lawyers that notarizing and profiting from deals on disputed property violates the Code of Professional Responsibility.
Mortgage Sales and Interest Claims: Lessons from DBP v. Heirs of Danico
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when buyers of mortgaged property become liable for interest and how mortgage obligations are enforced.
Navigating Property Disputes Understanding Jurisdictional Limits IN Real Estate Litigation
Learn how Philippine courts determine jurisdiction in property disputes, based on the Supreme Court ruling in Spouses Liu v. Cruz.
Dishonored Checks in Property Sales: What the Supreme Court Ruling Means
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that dishonored checks can prove an unpaid property obligation, even when a separate rescission case is pending.
Unlawful Detainer vs Accion Publiciana: Key Property Dispute Lessons
Learn how the Supreme Court distinguishes unlawful detainer from accion publiciana, and why forum shopping can void administrative rulings.
Ensuring Notarial Integrity: The Critical Role of Identity Verification in Property Transactions
A Supreme Court ruling reminds notaries that failing to verify identity and personal appearance in property deeds carries severe penalties.
Understanding Forcible Entry and Property Rights: Lessons from Ricardo v. Go
A lawyer bought property after litigation ended—was it ethical? The Supreme Court explains when lawyers may acquire property and what this means for property owners.
Navigating Property Sale Disputes: The Importance of Accurate Contract Descriptions in Real Estate Transaction
A lawyer's drafting mistake won't bar contract reformation when the parties' true intent is clear from their acts.
Sheriff Misconduct in Property Disputes: When Enforcing a Writ Becomes Oppression
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a sheriff's enforcement of a writ crosses into grave abuse of authority or oppression in property disputes.
Understanding Equity of Redemption in Philippine Property Law: A Landmark Case Insight
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies the equity of redemption for junior lien holders in judicial foreclosures, protecting their rights when not impleaded.
Understanding Bail Bond Forfeiture When Property Bonds Are at Risk
The Supreme Court clarifies the difference between an order of forfeiture and a judgment on the bond, and when property bonds may be replaced with cash.
Final Judgments Bind Successors in Interest: The Calubad Property Rule
A final court judgment binds buyers and mortgagees who acquire property after the ruling. Learn the Calubad case and due diligence lessons.
Lawyer Negligence in Property Registration: Client Trust and Your Rights
When a lawyer fails to register property or return client funds, the Supreme Court can impose suspension. Learn your rights.