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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Proving Land Claims in the Philippines: What a Foreclosure Redemption Case Teaches
A Supreme Court ruling on foreclosure redemption clarifies how blanket mortgage clauses affect land claims and property disputes in the Philippines.
Equitable Mortgage vs Absolute Sale: Intent and Prescription in Property Disputes
Supreme Court clarifies when a sale is an equitable mortgage and why fraud claims can prescribe. Learn the rules.
Jurisdictional Thresholds in Property Disputes: Alleging Assessed Value Is a Must
In property disputes, the complaint must allege the assessed value of the property to determine whether the RTC or MTC has jurisdiction.
Untangling Transferees Relief From Judgment AND Timeliness IN Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a transferee pendente lite may file a petition for relief from judgment and the strict deadlines that apply.
Prior Possession vs Ownership: Resolving Property Disputes in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between forcible entry, accion publiciana, and accion reivindicatoria in property disputes.
Upholding Contractual Obligations: The Validity of a Special Power of Attorney in Property Transfers
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies jurisdiction in property disputes, the statute of frauds, and rights of first refusal in Philippine real estate law.
Express Trusts in Property Disputes: When Co-Ownership Prevails Over Title
Learn how express trusts can override technical title in Philippine property disputes, and what co-owners must prove.
Res Judicata and Property Disputes: Why a Final Judgment Bars a Second Suit
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains how res judicata prevents relitigation of property ownership after a final judgment.
Consignation Denied: Strict Compliance With Court Orders in Property Disputes
Supreme Court rules that consignation must be made within judicially prescribed periods; mere tender of payment is insufficient.
Overcoming Documentary Evidence Proving True Ownership IN Philippine Property Disputes
Learn how Philippine courts weigh documentary evidence in property disputes, and how to overcome challenges to prove true ownership.
Forged Signatures VS Notarized Deeds Upholding Authenticity IN Property Disputes
Estoppel BY Silence When Remaining Silent Nullifies Ownership Claims IN Property Disputes
Unmasking Land Title Fraud Evidence and Due Diligence in Philippine Property Disputes
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling on proving forged deeds, church death certificates as evidence, and due diligence in property disputes.
Binding Compromises: Why a Portion of Fort Bonifacio Meant All in Philippine Property Disputes
The Supreme Court ruled that BCDA validly owns Fort Bonifacio, allowing eviction of illegal occupants. A case on property rights and the Lina Law.
Preliminary Mandatory Injunction in Property Disputes: Protecting Prior Possessory Rights
Learn when Philippine courts issue preliminary mandatory injunctions in property disputes, and how prior lawful possession can be protected.
When Injunctions Expire: Understanding Functus Officio in Philippine Courts
When a court injunction loses its legal basis, it becomes functus officio. Learn how this doctrine applies in Philippine property disputes.
Homeowner Disputes and Attorney's Fees: When Courts Uphold Compromise Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on attorney's fees, jurisdiction, and the binding effect of compromise agreements in property disputes.
Unprobated Wills and Ejectment: Why Probate Is Required Before Claiming Property Rights in the Philippines
An unprobated will has no legal effect in Philippine courts. Learn why probate is mandatory before asserting inheritance rights in property disputes.
When a Waiver Revives Rights: Property Disputes and Quitclaims in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that a default order in land registration cases does not bar the government from appealing, and explains the limits of waiver in property disputes.
Acquisitive Prescription and Laches in Property Disputes: Aguirre v. Heirs of Villanueva
Learn how the Supreme Court applied ordinary acquisitive prescription and laches in a property dispute between heirs and buyers.
Forcible Entry: Actual Possession Trumps Claimed Ownership in Property Disputes
In forcible entry cases, prior physical possession—not ownership—decides who stays. The Supreme Court explains why a deed alone is not enough.
Breaking Down Land Ownership Disputes When Hearsay Clouds Real Estate Claims
A Supreme Court ruling explains why hearsay evidence fails in property disputes, and how Torrens titles protect registered owners.
Void Judgments Protecting Real Parties in Interest in Property Disputes
When a court decides a property case without the true owner, the judgment is void—protecting buyers who were never impleaded.
Possession vs Ownership: Choosing the Right Court Action for Property Disputes
Learn from a Supreme Court case why possession and ownership require different legal actions, and why choosing the wrong remedy can be fatal.