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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Fraudulent Homestead Patents: Prior Possession Trumps Defective Titles in Land Disputes
Prior open possession defeats a fraudulent homestead patent. Learn the rule from Heirs of Suyam v. Heirs of Julaton.
Defective Title vs Original Title: When Good Faith Acquisition Fails
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a defective title cannot defeat an original title, and why donees are not innocent purchasers for value.
Mortgage in Good Faith: Upholding Banks' Due Diligence in Real Estate Transactions
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when banks qualify as mortgagees in good faith despite defective titles, protecting foreclosures.
Protecting Property Rights: Good Faith Mortgagees vs. Defective Titles in Philippine Law
Learn how Philippine courts protect good faith mortgagees from defective titles, and the legal safeguards for property rights.
How Tax Declarations and Possession Solidify Property Rights in Philippine Land Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains when tax declarations prove ownership and how adverse possession cures defective titles.