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.
Conditional Sale vs. Contract to Sell: A Supreme Court Ruling on Ownership, Breach, and Forum Shopping
The Supreme Court clarifies when a "conditional sale" is really a contract to sell, and warns against forum shopping in property disputes.
Installment Land Sales in the Philippines: Buyer Rights and Contract Reinstatement
Learn how the Supreme Court protects installment buyers' right to reinstate contracts under the Maceda Law.
Proving Intimidation in Contracts: The Ortigas Land Dispute and the Burden of Proof
Philippine law presumes contracts valid. Learn how the Supreme Court requires clear evidence to prove intimidation or undue influence.
Can Heirs Challenge a Sale of Conjugal Property Made Without Spousal Consent?
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a sale of conjugal property without spousal consent is voidable, and who may challenge it.
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.
Conditional Sales and Default: When Unpaid Balances Void Property Claims
A buyer who fails to pay the balance in a contract to sell loses rights to the property, as the Supreme Court affirmed in Mandin-Trotin v. Bongo.
Conditional Sales vs. Adverse Claims: Protecting Property Interests in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court in Logarta v. Mangahis distinguishes conditional sales from adverse claims, and the proper registration rules under PD 1529.
Voluntary vs. Involuntary Dealings: How to Register Property Agreements in the Philippines
Learn the difference between voluntary and involuntary dealings under Philippine property law, and why registering a conditional sale as an adverse claim can be a costly mistake.
Final Judgments in Philippine Courts: Supervening Events and the Doctrine of Immutability
Learn how the Supreme Court defines supervening events and why final judgments in the Philippines are generally immutable and unalterable.
Boundary-Hulog Agreements and Employer-Employee Relations: What Drivers Should Know
A boundary-hulog agreement does not automatically erase the employer-employee relationship. Control over the driver remains the key test.
Conditional vs. Absolute Sale: How Philippine Courts Determine True Property Ownership
Philippine courts look beyond contract labels to determine if a sale is absolute or conditional. Learn the key rules from a landmark Supreme Court case.