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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Attorney Misconduct in Real Estate Deals: A Case Study in Ethical Duties
A lawyer's three-year suspension for executing multiple deeds of sale shows why ethical duties bind attorneys in personal real estate transactions.
Mortgage IN BAD Faith Banks Duty OF Diligence IN Real Estate Transactions 2
Upholding Land Sale Agreements: Clear Evidence Needed to Challenge Real Estate Transactions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on Ortigas land dispute underscores the heavy burden of proving intimidation in challenging real estate sales.
Navigating Property Sale Disputes: The Importance of Accurate Contract Descriptions in Real Estate Transaction
A lawyer's drafting mistake won't bar contract reformation when the parties' true intent is clear from their acts.
Contract of Sale vs Contract to Sell: When Ownership Transfers in Philippine Real Estate
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between contract of sale and contract to sell, and when ownership actually transfers in real estate transactions.
Caveat Emptor and Land Titles: The Duty of Due Diligence in Real Estate Transactions
Buyers of land with administratively reconstituted titles must exercise extra diligence. The Supreme Court explains why in Jurado v. Spouses Chai.
Caveat Venditor Upholding Good Faith in Real Estate Transactions
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how good faith and apparent authority negate criminal intent in property takings, protecting honest actors.
Mortgagee in Good Faith: Protecting Lenders in Real Estate Transactions
Learn how the Supreme Court protects mortgagees in good faith who rely on Torrens titles, and what this means for lenders.
Mortgage in Good Faith: Protecting Lenders in Philippine Real Estate Transactions
The Supreme Court explains how the mortgagee-in-good-faith doctrine shields lenders who rely on a clean Torrens title, even if fraud taints the chain.
Protecting Land Ownership: The Limits of Good Faith in Real Estate Transactions
The Supreme Court clarifies when a buyer of registered land cannot claim good faith, protecting true owners from fraud.
Mortgagee in Bad Faith: Title Defects and Lender Responsibility in Real Estate Transactions
When a mortgagor lacks title at the time of mortgage, lenders cannot claim good faith protection. Learn from Claudio v. Saraza.
Mortgage in Good Faith: Upholding Banks' Due Diligence in Real Estate Transactions
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when banks qualify as mortgagees in good faith despite defective titles, protecting foreclosures.
Breach of Contract and the Limits of Bank Manager Authority: Apparent Authority in Real Estate Transactions
When does a bank branch manager's promise bind the bank? The Supreme Court explains apparent authority in Games and Garments Developers, Inc. v. Allied Banking Corporation.
Protecting Land Ownership: The Limits of Good Faith in Real Estate Transactions
The Supreme Court clarifies when a property owner's claim of fraud in a real estate mortgage fails for lack of evidence.
Perfecting Repurchase Agreements: The Necessity of Unqualified Acceptance in Real Estate Transactions
A Supreme Court ruling explains why a qualified acceptance of a repurchase offer is merely a counter-offer, not a perfected contract.
Mortgage in Bad Faith: Protecting Co-Owner Rights in Real Estate Transactions
When a co-owner mortgages shared property without authority, the mortgage binds only that co-owner's share if the lender fails due diligence.
Buyer Beware: Due Diligence in Philippine Real Estate Transactions
The Supreme Court reminds buyers of registered land that a title is not enough—due diligence requires inquiry beyond its four corners.
Authority TO Sell Written Power IS KEY To Valid Real Estate Transactions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on Estate of Lino Olaguer clarifies when a written power of attorney is required for valid real estate sales.
Perfecting a Contract of Sale: Price and Payment Terms in Real Estate Transactions
Learn how Philippine courts treat price and payment terms in contracts of sale, and what makes a sale perfected and binding.
Protecting Your Property Investments: Understanding Buyer in Good Faith in Philippine Real Estate Law
Learn how Philippine courts treat "buyer in good faith" and banks' duty of diligence in real estate transactions, based on a Supreme Court ruling.
Breach of Contract: Understanding Rescission in Real Estate Transactions
Learn how a defective foreclosure sale was voided by the Supreme Court and what it means for buyers and mortgagors.
Good Faith vs Due Diligence: Protecting Rights in Real Estate Transactions
When is a buyer or mortgagee of land truly in good faith? The Supreme Court clarifies the duty to investigate beyond the Torrens title.
Double Sale Doctrine Protecting THE Rights OF First Buyers IN Real Estate Transactions
Conditional Sales of Land: Upholding Contractual Obligations in Real Estate Transactions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on foreclosure, redemption rights, and the consequences of failing to prosecute a case for injunction.