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.
Foreclosure Suit as Sufficient Demand: Goldland Tower Ruling Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies when filing a foreclosure lawsuit itself serves as the legal demand required to put a debtor in default under Philippine law.
Foreclosure Judgments Must State Amount and Payment Period: Lontoc v. Tiglao
A foreclosure judgment must specify the exact amount due and the payment period under Rule 68, Section 2, or it cannot be executed.
Overvaluing Property When Does It Become A Crime Under Philippine Banking Laws
The Supreme Court clarifies when a bank appraiser's overvaluation of property becomes a crime under the General Banking Law, requiring proof of intent to influence the bank.
Deficiency Claims After Mortgage Foreclosure: The Prieto v. BPI Ruling
Learn how the Supreme Court's Prieto v. BPI ruling protects borrowers from unproven deficiency claims after mortgage foreclosure in the Philippines.
Extrajudicial Foreclosure in the Philippines: Why a Special Power of Attorney Is Required
The Supreme Court ruled that a general foreclosure clause is not enough—mortgagees need express authority to sell property extrajudicially.
Tax Delinquency Sales: Why Notice to the Registered Owner Matters
The Supreme Court voids tax sales when LGUs notify only the tax declaration holder, not the registered owner. Learn the due process rule.
Forcing Title Surrender After a Property Sale: What the Law Says
Learn when courts can compel a certificate of title's surrender under the Property Registration Decree, and the key difference between its relevant provisions.
Navigating Tax Exemptions: The Legal Status of Government Instrumentalities in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when government instrumentalities like the LRTA are exempt from real property tax under the Local Government Code.
Supreme Court Fines Judge for Indefinite TRO and Delay in Resolving Case
SC penalizes judge for issuing an indefinite TRO and for undue delay, clarifying rules on multiple administrative offenses.
Third-Party Claims in Property Execution: PSALM v. Maunlad Homes Explained
Learn how Philippine law protects third-party property owners from wrongful levy during judgment execution, based on PSALM v. Maunlad Homes.
Levy on Mortgaged Property in the Philippines: Sheriff's Duties Explained
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that sheriffs may levy mortgaged properties to satisfy judgments, as debtors retain beneficial ownership until foreclosure.
Demand Is Key to Rescission Rights in Philippine Contract Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that demand is essential before rescission or foreclosure rights can be exercised under contract law.
Sheriff Dismissed for Unauthorized Auction and Falsified Sale Certificate
A sheriff who conducted an auction without authority and falsified a certificate of sale was dismissed from service for grave misconduct.
Certiorari vs Appeal: Choosing the Proper Remedy in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court explains why appeal and certiorari are mutually exclusive remedies, and why procedural rules matter in extraordinary actions.
Family Home Exemption: When Creditors Can Seize Your Property in the Philippines
The family home exemption protects Filipino families from creditors—but not for debts incurred before the home was constituted. Learn the rules.
Upholding Mortgage Foreclosure Waiver and Estoppel in Property Redemption
A mortgagor who attempts to redeem foreclosed property waives defects in the foreclosure sale and is estopped from later challenging its validity.
Loan Restructuring and Surety Release: Key Protections for Guarantors in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when loan restructuring releases a surety from liability, and what guarantors must know about their rights.
Sheriff’s Authority in Property Levy: What Francisco v. Cruz Teaches About Execution Sales
Learn how Francisco v. Cruz defines a sheriff’s limits in property levy and execution sales, and how to protect your rights.
Statute of Limitations in Philippine Contract Law: The 10-Year Rule for Written Contracts
Learn the 10-year prescriptive period for written contracts in the Philippines, when it starts, and how the Supreme Court applied it in a stock pledge dispute.
Execution Pending Appeal in the Philippines: When Can a Judgment Be Enforced Immediately?
Learn when Philippine courts may allow execution pending appeal, the good reasons required, and the safeguards protecting a losing party's right to appeal.
Sheriff’s Sales in the Philippines: Notice Rules and What Torres v. Cabling Teaches
Learn the notice and payment rules for sheriff’s sales in the Philippines, explained through the landmark case of Torres v. Cabling.