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.
Litis Pendentia and Final Judgment: Preventing Relitigation of Property Ownership
A final ruling on property ownership in one case bars a later suit on the same issue, even if the form of action differs.
Tax Declarations and Property Ownership: When a Summary Judgment Oversteps
The Supreme Court clarifies when a partial summary judgment ordering a tax declaration constitutes grave abuse of discretion, and the proper remedy to challenge it.
Property Ownership and Possession: Lessons from a Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies ownership, possession, and the role of tax declarations in property disputes.
Property Ownership and Adverse Possession: The Supreme Court's Ruling on Deeds and Occupation
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when occupation ripens into ownership, and why a defective deed cannot transfer property rights.
Misrepresentation and Legal Ethics: A Lawyer's Duty to Uphold Integrity
A lawyer who misrepresents property ownership and refuses to return earnest money faces suspension under the Code of Professional Responsibility.
When the Ombudsman Can Dismiss Graft Cases: Ownership Disputes and Certiorari Limits
Explaining when the Ombudsman may dismiss a graft complaint that hinges on a property ownership dispute, and why certiorari cannot cure errors of judgment.
Property Ownership Disputes Among Heirs: When a Void Deed Ends an Ejectment Case
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how a final judgment nullifying a deed of sale affects an ongoing unlawful detainer case between parties.
Determining Good Faith Remand FOR Trial ON Property Ownership Disputes
When can the Supreme Court remand a property dispute for trial? Learn from Toledo v. Court of Appeals on good faith buyers.
How Marital Status Determines Property Ownership in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling explains how marital status affects property ownership, co-ownership rules, and the validity of selling property without spousal consent.
Good Faith and Land Titles: When Forged Deeds Void Property Ownership
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on forged deeds, good faith buyers, and why Torrens titles from fraudulent sales can be cancelled.
Superior Right Prior Land Decree Prevails Over Tax Declarations in Property Ownership Disputes
In property disputes, a prior decree of registration prevails over tax declarations. The Supreme Court explains why in Heirs of Delfin v. Rabadon.
Contract to Sell: Seller's Right to Rescind and Recover Property Ownership
When a buyer covertly transfers title before full payment in a contract to sell, the seller may rescind and recover ownership.
Challenging Residency Claims: The Supreme Court on Election Eligibility
A candidate's one-year residency requirement for local office demands clear proof of domicile, not just property ownership or voter registration.
Reconstitution of Lost Titles: Why Original Documents Matter for Property Ownership
Philippine Supreme Court explains strict requirements for reconstituting lost land titles under RA 26, emphasizing original documents over substitutes.
Residency vs. Domicile in Philippine Elections: The Pundaodaya Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies that voter registration and property ownership do not prove election residency, which legally means domicile.
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.
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.
Final Judgment Immutability VS Justice Resolving Conflicting Property Ownership Claims
Contract to Sell vs Contract of Sale: How Ownership Transfers in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains the key difference between a contract to sell and a contract of sale, and when property ownership actually transfers.
Res Judicata and Property Disputes: Why a Final Judgment Bars a Second Suit
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains how res judicata prevents relitigation of property ownership after a final judgment.
Quieting Title in the Philippines: How to Protect Your Property Rights
Learn how Philippine courts resolve property ownership disputes through quieting title actions, based on the Supreme Court ruling in Imbat v. Soliven.
Defective Land Title Overcoming Fraud IN Property Ownership Claims
Buying All Shares Does Not Transfer Corporate Property Ownership: Silverio v. Filipino Business Consultants
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: acquiring controlling shares of a corporation does not give a stockholder ownership or possession of corporate assets.
Void Marriages and Property Rights: Ownership in Cohabitation After Bigamous Marriage
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on property ownership when a marriage is void due to bigamy. Learn the rules on co-ownership and creditor claims.