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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Tax Treaty Benefits in the Philippines: How to File a TTRA with the BIR
Tax treaty benefits in the Philippines are claimed by filing a Tax Treaty Relief Application with the BIR's International Tax Affairs Division before the transaction.
China–Philippines Tax Treaty Benefits: How Nonresidents Claim Relief
Understand China–Philippines tax treaty benefits and how to file a Tax Treaty Relief Application with the BIR's International Tax Affairs Division before the transaction.
Corporate Dissolution and Property Rights: Clarifying Successor Liability in Land Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when dissolved corporations and their officers can be held liable for delivering property titles in subdivision disputes.
When Property Division Follows a Void Marriage: Philippine Supreme Court Guidance
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies property division rules after void marriages, protecting parties' rights and ensuring equitable outcomes.
When Foreclosure Threatens Your Home: Buyer Protection Under PD 957 Explained
Learn how the Supreme Court protects condominium and subdivision buyers from summary eviction through writs of possession after foreclosure.
Local Autonomy and Plebiscite Rights: Insights from the Palawan Division Ruling
Supreme Court clarifies when voters may join a plebiscite on dividing a province, applying the three-factor test for directly affected political units.
Road Lots and HLURB Jurisdiction: What Subdivision Owners Must Know
The Supreme Court clarifies HLURB jurisdiction over subdivision road lots, public access rights, and the need to exhaust administrative remedies.
Subdivision Gates and Public Roads: The "No Sticker, No ID, No Entry" Policy Explained
Can a homeowners' association restrict entry to subdivision roads donated to the government? The Supreme Court says yes, under certain conditions.
Homeowners Rights vs Church Construction: Open Space Donation Validity
Supreme Court rules on open space donations in subdivisions, homeowners association rights, and church construction in Casa Milan case.
Navigating Water Rights: Upholding Property Rights Amidst Natural Easements
The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of natural water easements and property rights in this dispute over subdivision flooding and liability.
Land Rights Prior Subdivision Approval Does NOT Guarantee Free Patent Application Approval
Farmlot Reclassification Does NOT Exempt Land From Agrarian Reform
The Supreme Court ruled that reclassifying agricultural land as a farmlot subdivision does not remove it from agrarian reform coverage under RA 6657.
Agrarian Reform Reclassification As Farmlot Subdivision Does NOT Exempt Land From CARP Coverage
Supreme Court rules that reclassifying agricultural land as a farmlot subdivision before CARP does not exempt it from agrarian reform coverage.
Solidary Liability in Subdivision Sales: AFP Retirement System v. Sanvictores
Supreme Court holds co-sellers jointly liable under Contract to Sell, explaining solidary obligations and apparent authority under Philippine law.
When the Comelec En Banc Deadlocks: Division Rulings Stand, Not Dismissed
Supreme Court clarifies that a Comelec en banc deadlock on a motion for reconsideration affirms the division's ruling, not dismisses the case.
Ombudsman Findings Upheld: Grave Misconduct and Gross Neglect in Public Office
Supreme Court affirms Ombudsman's dismissal of PCSO division chief for grave misconduct and gross neglect of duty over unremitted lotto collections.
Protecting Subdivision Open Spaces: HLURB Jurisdiction and Mortgage Validity
Supreme Court rules subdivision open spaces cannot be mortgaged or foreclosed, and HLURB has jurisdiction over such disputes.
Open Space Preservation: HLURB Authority Over Subdivision Mortgage Disputes
When a developer mortgages a subdivision's designated open space, homeowners can seek annulment before the HLURB, not just the courts.
Open Space vs Private Property: Resolving Subdivision Land Disputes in the Philippines
Supreme Court ruling on when subdivision open spaces remain private property, and the limits of homeowners' claims over them.
Open Spaces and Private Land: What Talayan Village Teaches About Donations and Subdivision Parks
The Supreme Court ruled that a subdivision block used for years as a park remained private land because the donation of it was never accepted by the city government.
Buyers Right Prevails Enforcing Title Delivery IN Subdivision Sales
Supreme Court rules subdivision buyers who fully paid can compel title delivery despite later transfers to third parties.
Judicial Accountability: When Is a Collegiate Court Justice Liable for Undue Delay?
The Supreme Court acquitted three Court of Appeals justices of undue delay, clarifying that liability follows the division that actually decides a case, not the one that inherited it.
HLURB Jurisdiction in Subdivision Disputes: Residential Use vs Religious Worship
Supreme Court rules HLURB has jurisdiction over subdivision disputes involving residential use violations, including church operations in residential lots.
Property Division After Void Marriages: The Barrido v. Nonato Ruling
Explaining how the Supreme Court divides property acquired during void marriages under Article 147 of the Family Code.