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.
When a Parent Pays for Property in a Child's Name: Implied Trusts vs. Presumed Donations
Philippine law presumes a donation when a parent pays for property titled in a child's name. Learn how to overturn this presumption.
Conjugal Property Presumptions: Protecting Separate Assets from a Spouse's Debts
Learn how the Supreme Court protects separate property from a spouse's debts and what evidence overcomes the conjugal presumption.
Forged Donation Municipality Liable FOR Taking Private Land Without Just Compensation
Supreme Court rules a municipality must pay just compensation when it builds a road on private land under a forged deed of donation.
Notarial Duty Consequences Of Neglecting Proper Identification IN Philippine LAW
A notary who fails to verify identities faces suspension and perpetual disqualification, as shown in a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Accion Publiciana in the Philippines: Recovering Possession of Real Property
Learn how accion publiciana works in the Philippines, when to file it, and what the Ontiveros case means for property owners seeking to recover possession.
Reconveyance for Void Contracts: Imprescriptible Actions Under Article 1410
When a land transfer rests on a void or inexistent contract, an action for reconveyance does not prescribe, protecting rightful owners.
Immutability of Judgments When Finality Prevails Over Claims of Minority in Criminal Cases
When does a final judgment yield to supervening events? The Supreme Court clarifies the exceptions to immutability of judgment.
Estafa by Deceit in Property Sales: Lessons from Dulay v. People
The Supreme Court's ruling in Dulay v. People clarifies estafa by deceit in property transactions and the buyer's duty to verify ownership.
Land Title Reversion in the Philippines: What Property Owners Should Know
A Supreme Court ruling on land title reversion explains when the State can cancel titles over public domain lands, even against innocent purchasers.
When a Notarized Deed of Sale Fails: Consent Is Key in Philippine Property Transfers
A notarized deed does not guarantee a valid sale. The Supreme Court explains why genuine consent is essential in property transactions.
Lawyer Disbarred for Borrowing Money From Client: Ethical Lessons
The Supreme Court disbarred a lawyer who borrowed money from a client using a forged title. Learn the ethical rules.
Overlapping Land Titles in the Philippines: Priority of Registration and Legal Remedies
When two titles cover the same land, the earlier registered title prevails. Learn the rules and remedies in Philippine property disputes.
Forged Signatures and Land Titles: Proving Fraud in Philippine Property Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies what evidence is needed to prove forged signatures in land transactions and reconveyance claims.
Unlawful Detainer: Proving Prior Tolerance to Win an Ejectment Case
Learn the four requisites of unlawful detainer and why proving prior tolerance is key to winning an ejectment case in the Philippines.
Quieting of Title in the Philippines: Direct vs. Collateral Attacks Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies when challenging a land title's validity is a direct attack, not a collateral one, in quieting of title cases.
Reconstitution of Lost Title: Supreme Court Clarifies Rules on Proof and Sources
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may order reconstitution of a lost or destroyed land title under Republic Act No. 26.
Prior Sale Beats Inheritance: Supreme Court on Land Ownership Disputes
When a valid sale predates an inheritance claim, the buyer owns the land. The Supreme Court explains why Article 1544 on double sales does not apply.
Free Patent Land and Road Projects: When the Government Must Pay Just Compensation
The Supreme Court clarifies when the government must pay just compensation for right-of-way easements over free patent lands under the Public Land Act.
Unlawful Detainer vs Accion Publiciana: When Ejectment Cases Fail
Understand when an ejectment case fails and why accion publiciana is the proper remedy for recovering possession of property.
Unlawful Detainer vs. Accion Publiciana: Key Distinctions in Philippine Ejectment Cases
Learn the key differences between unlawful detainer and accion publiciana, and why filing the wrong action can get your case dismissed.
Lawyer Suspended for Lending Money to Client: Breach of Fiduciary Duty
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for three months for lending money to a client, citing Rule 16.04 of the Code of Professional Responsibility.
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.
Surrender of Owner's Duplicate Title: Buyers Cannot Withhold It Indefinitely
Buyers who hold an owner's duplicate title after a partial sale must register promptly; co-owners can compel surrender if registration is unreasonably delayed.
Upholding Land Ownership: Technicalities Yield to Substantive Rights in Property Disputes
SC rules procedural lapses cannot defeat a registered owner's right to recover property from tolerated occupants.