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.
Capital Gains Tax on Real Property in the Philippines: Rates and Filing
Learn the capital gains tax rate on real property in the Philippines, how it is computed, and when to file.
Internet Transactions Act Philippines (R.A. 11967): What Online Sellers Must Know
R.A. 11967, the Internet Transactions Act of 2023, sets new rules for online sellers in the Philippines. Learn obligations, liabilities, and compliance steps.
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.
Conditional Sale vs. Contract to Sell: A Supreme Court Ruling on Ownership, Breach, and Forum Shopping
The Supreme Court clarifies when a "conditional sale" is really a contract to sell, and warns against forum shopping in property disputes.
Oral Share Sale Agreements in the Philippines: Enforceability and Remedies After Breach
Learn when oral agreements to sell shares are enforceable in the Philippines, and the remedies available when a seller backs out.
Unlawful Detainer vs Forcible Entry: Key Distinction in Property Possession Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies the crucial difference between unlawful detainer and forcible entry, and why tolerance must exist from the start of possession.
Navigating Land Expropriation and Title Reconstitution: A Philippine Law Guide
The Supreme Court clarifies how expropriation, reconstituted titles, and res judicata interact in property disputes.
Protecting Installment Buyers Understanding Rescission Rights Under THE Maceda LAW
The Supreme Court clarifies the strict notarial and grace period requirements for canceling installment contracts under the Maceda Law.
Installment Land Sales in the Philippines: Buyer Rights and Contract Reinstatement
Learn how the Supreme Court protects installment buyers' right to reinstate contracts under the Maceda Law.
When Lawyers Serve Two Masters: Ethical Violations in Land Deals and Public Office
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer-mayor for helping circumvent land ownership rules and practicing law while in public office.
Good Faith Buyers and Title Defects: Lessons from Billote v. Badar
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on good faith buyers, Section 4 Rule 74 annotations, and co-owner sales of undivided shares.
Contract to Sell vs Contract of Sale: Adverse Claims on Philippine Property Titles
Learn how the Supreme Court distinguishes contract to sell from contract of sale, and when adverse claims on land titles are valid under PD 1529.
Investment Prudence and SSS Officials' Liability in Stock Purchase Decisions
Supreme Court clarifies when SSS officials may be held liable for investment decisions, applying the prudent man standard under the SSS Law.
When Can a Foreign Corporation Sue in Philippine Courts? The Monsanto Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when an unlicensed foreign corporation can sue in the Philippines, focusing on transactions through local indentors.
Constructive Delivery in Property Sales: What the Tamayao Case Teaches Buyers
A notarized deed can transfer ownership, but registration is key. The Tamayao case shows why due diligence matters in Philippine property sales.
Conjugal Property Transfers After the Family Code: When a Spouse's Consent Is Required
The Supreme Court clarifies when a spouse's sale of conjugal property without consent is void or voidable, and the prescriptive period for challenging it.
Co-Ownership and Ejectment: When a Co-Owner Can Be Evicted for Forcible Entry
A co-owner who forcibly takes exclusive possession of common property can be ejected. Learn the rules on co-ownership and forcible entry from a 2022 Supreme Court ruling.
Equitable Mortgage vs Pacto de Retro: Protecting Borrowers From Unfair Loan Agreements
When is a "sale with right to repurchase" really a loan? The Supreme Court explains equitable mortgage and pactum commissorium.
Forcible Entry: Prior Physical Possession Prevails Over Delayed Evidence
Supreme Court clarifies that in forcible entry cases, prior physical possession is key, and evidence first presented on appeal cannot be considered.
Co-Ownership vs. Partition: Clarifying Property Rights in the Philippines
A co-owner may sell only his undivided share; buyers become co-owners, and the proper remedy is partition, not annulment.
Fraudulent Land Patents Void Derivative Titles Even for Good-Faith Buyers
Supreme Court ruling: titles derived from fraudulently obtained land patents are void, even if current owners bought in good faith.
Corporate Veil and Judgment Execution: Can a Successor Corporation Be Held Liable?
When a judgment debtor's assets pass to another corporation, can the winner enforce the judgment against the successor? The Supreme Court explains.
Product Imperfection Liability: How Consumers Can Demand Replacement Under the Consumer Act
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when defective products must be replaced under the Consumer Act and who bears liability.
Income Tax vs. Stock Transaction Tax: Tax Exemptions in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies that stock transaction tax is a percentage tax, not income tax, limiting exemptions under the NIRC.