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.
Acquisitive Prescription and Partition: Understanding Property Rights in the Philippines
Learn how acquisitive prescription and partition work in Philippine property law through a recent Supreme Court ruling on family inheritance disputes.
Disbarment for Falsifying Documents and Violating Notarial Duties
A lawyer who falsified deeds and notarized documents for a deceased person was disbarred, highlighting the sanctity of notarial duties.
Upholding Notarial Duty Consequences FOR Incomplete AND Improperly Executed Documents
A notary public who notarized deeds with missing signatures and absent parties faces suspension and commission revocation, as ruled by the Supreme Court.
Prior Sale Beats Inheritance: Supreme Court on Land Ownership Disputes
When a valid sale predates an inheritance claim, the buyer owns the land. The Supreme Court explains why Article 1544 on double sales does not apply.
Forged Deeds and Disputed Titles: How Philippine Courts Determine Land Ownership
A Supreme Court ruling explains how courts resolve land ownership disputes when a deed of sale is alleged to be forged.
Tax Declaration vs Title: Resolving Property Disputes in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how tax declarations, birth certificates, and deeds of sale affect property ownership disputes between heirs.
Equitable Mortgage: When an Absolute Sale Is Really a Loan Security
The Supreme Court explains when a deed of absolute sale is actually an equitable mortgage, and what parties must do to recover property.
Partnership vs Loan: Proving the True Nature of Money Transfers in Family Business Disputes
When is a transfer of funds a loan rather than a share of profits? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules of evidence in family business disputes.
Presumption of Regularity of Public Documents: The High Bar for Proving Falsification
Public documents enjoy a presumption of regularity. Learn the high evidentiary standard needed to overcome it in administrative cases.
Equitable Mortgage vs Absolute Sale: What Philippine Courts Look For
When is a deed of sale really a mortgage? The Supreme Court explains the rules on equitable mortgage in Cirelos v. Hernandez.
Perfected Sale vs Mortgage: When a Seller's Breach Doesn't Void a Sale
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a seller's breach doesn't void a perfected sale, distinguishing sale from mortgage.
Upholding Partition Agreements: Notarized Deeds as Valid Public Documents in Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on notarized deeds of partition as public documents, their presumption of regularity, and evidentiary weight in property disputes.
Tax Delinquency and Public Auction: When a Tax Sale of Land Is Invalid
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a tax delinquency auction sale of real property is invalid and what documents prove a valid tax sale.
Registered Vehicle Owner’s Liability for Accidents: Aguilar v. Commercial Savings Bank
Philippine law holds the registered vehicle owner primarily liable for accidents, even if another person was driving. Learn the rule and its practical impact.
Can a Notary Public Also Be a Witness? Philippine Rules Explained
Philippine law generally allows a notary public to also witness the documents they notarize, except for wills. Learn the rules and limits.
Upholding Authenticity: Validating Contracts of Sale Despite Registration Lapses
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that notarized deeds of sale remain valid and binding even if not registered with the Register of Deeds.
Customs Forfeiture in the Philippines: Illegal Removal of Goods and the Buyer Beware Rule
When goods are illegally removed from customs custody, forfeiture can reach any buyer, even one claiming good faith. Learn the rules.
Paraphernal vs Conjugal Property: How Cadastral Court Findings Settle Ownership
A final cadastral court finding that a wife inherited land overcomes the presumption of conjugal property, the Supreme Court rules.