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.
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.
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.
Contract of Sale vs Contract to Sell: What Buyers and Sellers Must Know
The Supreme Court clarifies the difference between a contract of sale and a contract to sell, and when rescission is proper.
Upholding Notarial Integrity: Consequences for False Notarization and Misrepresentation
A lawyer who notarized a deed without the seller's presence and made untruthful statements in court faces suspension, fine, and notarial disqualification.
When Must Property Sellers Deliver the Title? The Fil-Estate v. Hermana Realty Rule
Full payment of the purchase price entitles a buyer to demand the deed of sale and owner's duplicate title, even if taxes remain unpaid.
Unlawful Detainer and Contract Cancellation: The R.A. 6552 Requirement
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a seller cannot eject an installment buyer without first complying with R.A. 6552's cancellation rules.
Understanding Unlawful Detainer When Tolerance Isn't Enough to Evict
When a contract to sell governs possession, a seller cannot evict via unlawful detainer without first complying with RA 6552's cancellation rules.
When Sellers May Keep Partial Payments in a Failed Property Sale
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a seller may keep partial payments as rentals after a failed contract to sell.
Overlapping Land Claims Resolving Boundary Disputes IN Property Registration
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies remedies for unpaid sellers in land sales, distinguishing dacion en pago from absolute sale.
Unpaid Property Resolving Sales When Buyers Fail TO PAY
When buyers fail to pay, sellers may rescind the sale. This article explains the legal rules on unpaid property sales in the Philippines.
When a Car Purchase Goes Wrong: Establishing Liability in Sales Transactions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a person who receives payment and issues a receipt in a car sale can be held liable as a seller.
Upholding Integrity in Notarial Duty: Consequences of Improper Acknowledgment in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court suspends a notary public for notarizing a deed without the seller's husband personally appearing—a reminder that notarization is never a routinary act.
Protecting Property Rights: Good Faith Purchasers Prevail in Land Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies that a buyer who relies on a clean Torrens title in good faith keeps ownership, even if the seller's title was later found defective.
Delivery vs Sale in Drug Cases: When a Courier Becomes a Seller
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between illegal sale and illegal delivery of dangerous drugs under RA 9165, and the importance of consideration.
Tax Waivers and Faulty Agreements: When Buyers and Sellers Are Bound by Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a developer's unauthorized sale still binds a property owner, and why final judgments are immutable.
Upholding Real Estate Sales: The Limits of Unilateral Contract Rescission
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that a seller cannot unilaterally rescind a real estate sale without a court decree or contractual stipulation.
Solidary Liability in Real Estate Contracts: Understanding Co-Sellers' Obligations
When do co-sellers remain liable after foreclosure? The Supreme Court clarifies deficiency obligations, payment application, and solidary liability.
Solidary Liability in Subdivision Sales: AFP Retirement System v. Sanvictores
Supreme Court holds co-sellers jointly liable under Contract to Sell, explaining solidary obligations and apparent authority under Philippine law.
Rescission Rights Enforcing Compromise Agreements In Property Sales
When a buyer defaults on a court-approved compromise agreement, the seller may rescind and enforce the original contract without a separate action.
Caveat Emptor: The Risk Borne by a Buyer in Bad Faith in Property Transactions
A buyer who fails to verify a seller's title bears the loss. The Supreme Court explains caveat emptor and bad faith in Ranara v. De Los Angeles.
Subrogation and Compensation When Payment of Another's Debt Extinguishes Obligations
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on legal subrogation and compensation when a business buyer pays the seller's unpaid bills.
Lawyer Suspended Five Years for Dishonest Land Deal and Disregard of Court Orders
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for five years for deceiving a seller in a land deal and ignoring court and IBP orders.
Misrepresentation in a Contract to Sell Does Not Automatically Mean Estafa
The Supreme Court acquitted a seller of estafa despite a false claim of ownership, showing that not every misrepresentation in a contract is a crime.
Bill of Lading and Carrier Liability: When Delivery Without Surrender Is Allowed
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a carrier may release goods without the original bill of lading, and why the seller's unpaid claim lies against the buyer, not the carrier.