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.
Unwritten Land Sales in the Philippines: When Possession and Improvements Matter
The Supreme Court clarifies when an unwritten sale of land can be enforced, focusing on possession, improvements, and partial performance under Philippine law.
Possession Rights Balancing Property Sales AND Building Occupation
Supreme Court ruling on when a buyer of land can keep occupying a building pending title issuance, and when attorney's fees are unwarranted.
Conditional Sales vs. Adverse Claims: Protecting Property Interests in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court in Logarta v. Mangahis distinguishes conditional sales from adverse claims, and the proper registration rules under PD 1529.
Mortgage Foreclosure Absence of Special Power to Sell Invalidates Extrajudicial Proceedings
Philippine Supreme Court rules that extrajudicial foreclosure requires a special power to sell inserted in or attached to the mortgage deed, otherwise the proceedings are void.
Agency and Authority: When a Deed Does Not Mean a Done Deal in Property Sales
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a deed of sale is void without proper agency authority under the Civil Code.
Agency and Authority: Why a Written Mandate Is Paramount in Real Estate Sales
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why an agent's authority to sell land must be in writing, or the sale is void.
Contractual Obligations Survey Requirement Prevails Over Rescission Rights IN Land Sale Agreements
Supreme Court rules survey obligation in land sale contracts prevails over rescission rights, clarifying breach requirements under Philippine law.
Estoppel in Land Sales: Upholding Agreements Despite Lack of Written Authority
Philippine Supreme Court rules on estoppel in land sales where an agent lacked written authority, protecting buyers who relied on the seller's silence.
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.
Certiorari Dismissed Untimely Appeals AND THE Finality OF Judgments
Explore how the Supreme Court upheld the dismissal of a Rule 65 petition, reinforcing the finality of judgments and the limits of certiorari.
Double Sale of Land in the Philippines: Bad Faith Registration and Ejectment Rights
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on double sale of land: bad faith registration cannot defeat the first buyer's right to possession.
Double Sale of Land: Why Prior Registration Alone Does Not Win Ownership
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that in double sales of land, prior registration only prevails if the second buyer acted in good faith throughout.
Rescinding a Land Sale in the Philippines: Why a Letter Is Not Enough
Philippine law requires a judicial or notarial act to rescind a sale of immovable property—even with an automatic rescission clause.
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.
Double Sale of Land: Good Faith Registration Is Key to Ownership
In a double sale of land, the buyer who registers first in good faith wins. Bad faith registration confers no ownership.
Corporate Authority in Property Sales: Why Board Approval Matters in the Philippines
A corporate officer cannot sell company land without board approval. Learn the due diligence steps to protect your property transaction.
Security of Tenure for Tenant Farmers: Upholding Leasehold Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court reaffirmed tenant farmers' security of tenure, ruling that land sale does not extinguish agricultural leasehold rights.
When Can an Agent Sell Your Property? The Limits of a Special Power of Attorney
A special power of attorney to eject squatters does not authorize selling land. Learn the limits of an agent's authority to dispose of real property.
Can a Judge Act as Notary Public? Limits on Judicial Notarization in the Philippines
Philippine judges may notarize documents only within official functions. Learn the limits, the Asis ruling, and practical compliance tips.