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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
Heirs Discord Upholding Partition Rights In Estate Disputes
The Supreme Court affirms that no co-heir may be forced to remain in co-ownership, and explains strict rules on appeals.
Priority of Registered Levy Over Unnoted Claims Protecting Creditors in Real Estate Disputes
Learn how registered levies protect creditors in Philippine real estate disputes and why unnoted claims lose priority under the Torrens system.
Good Faith and Land Titles: Protecting Innocent Purchasers in Real Estate Disputes
When is a bank a mortgagee in good faith? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on forged deeds and land titles.
Stare Decisis in Real Estate Disputes: When a Prior Ruling Binds Later Bank Cases
The Supreme Court applies stare decisis to dismiss a bank's reconveyance case, ruling that a prior finding of a void warehousing agreement binds all similar cases.
Why Correct Docket Fees Are Crucial for Jurisdiction in Philippine Property Disputes
Learn how docket fees affect court jurisdiction in property cases, based on a Philippine Supreme Court ruling on estate disputes.
Mortgage Obligations and Appeal Rights in Real Estate Disputes
The Supreme Court rules on mortgage obligations, appeal periods, and writs of execution in a dispute between borrowers and PNB.
HLURB's Primary Jurisdiction Over Real Estate Disputes Involving Unsound Practices
When does the HLURB have exclusive jurisdiction over real estate disputes? The Supreme Court clarifies in Tri-Corp v. Greystone.
Defining HLURB Jurisdiction When Real Estate Disputes Fall Under Court Authority
When does a real estate dispute belong in court instead of the HLURB? The Supreme Court clarifies the rule in Cadimas v. Carrion.
Res Judicata Bars Estate's Claim Over Properties Redeemed by Heir
Supreme Court explains when prior final judgments bar new claims over the same properties, applying res judicata to estate disputes.
Res Judicata in Estate Disputes: Prior Judgments Bar Relitigation of Property Ownership
A party cannot relitigate property ownership in probate proceedings when final judgments already settled the issue, the Supreme Court rules.
HLURB Jurisdiction and Protecting Homebuyers' Rights in Real Estate Disputes
The Supreme Court ruled that the HLURB has exclusive jurisdiction over disputes involving the rights and obligations of buyers and developers under PD 957, even if the developer files the case.
The Critical Role of Indispensable Parties in Philippine Estate Disputes
Learn how the Supreme Court protects Torrens titles against laches claims, and why registered owners must act promptly.
When Real Estate Disputes Belong in Regular Courts, Not HLURB
The Supreme Court clarifies when a lot sale dispute falls under regular court jurisdiction rather than HLURB's exclusive authority.
Upholding Contractual Obligations THE Enforceability OF Compromise Agreements IN Real Estate Disputes
Missed Deadlines Lost Cases Understanding Appeal Periods IN Philippine Real Estate Disputes
Learn how a 15-day appeal period in HLURB cases can bar your claim, from the SGMC Realty case.
Contract of Sale vs Contract to Sell: Key Differences and Legal Implications
Philippine Supreme Court explains the difference between a contract of sale and a contract to sell, and why the distinction matters in real estate disputes.
Right of First Refusal and Ownership Proof in Philippine Real Estate Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how courts resolve property ownership disputes and partition actions, emphasizing evidence rules and prescription periods.