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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Forged Signatures and Land Titles: Proving Fraud in Philippine Property Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies what evidence is needed to prove forged signatures in land transactions and reconveyance claims.
Mortgage in Good Faith: How Banks Are Protected in Registered Land Transactions in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains when a bank-mortgagee in good faith is protected even if the mortgagor's title came from a forged deed.
Due Diligence in Land Transactions: Why a Faulty Agreement Can Cost You Your Property in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court's ruling on attempted estafa underscores the critical need for due diligence in Philippine land transactions.
Double Sale and Estafa: When a Land Transaction Can Lead to Criminal Charges
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a double sale of land becomes estafa, requiring deceit and damage, not mere breach of contract.
Equitable Mortgage vs Absolute Sale: Protecting Borrowers in Land Transactions
When is a deed of sale actually a loan secured by property? The Supreme Court explains equitable mortgage protections for borrowers.
Equitable Mortgage vs Pacto de Retro: Protecting Borrowers in Land Transactions
When is a deed of sale with right of repurchase actually an equitable mortgage? The Supreme Court explains in Blancia v. Calauor.
Public Officials and Due Diligence in Government Land Transactions
A Supreme Court ruling shows why possession of public land does not equal ownership, and why only the State can sue to recover public land wrongly titled.
Mortgage in Bad Faith: Due Diligence in Unregistered Land Transactions
When a bank fails to verify ownership of unregistered land before accepting it as collateral, it acts in bad faith and loses protection as a mortgagee.
Buyer Beware Protecting Yourself From Land Title Fraud IN THE Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts view taxpayer suits and land transactions, and what this means for protecting property rights.