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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Lawyer Misconduct in Property Disputes: When Counsel Crosses Ethical Lines
A Supreme Court ruling reminds lawyers that notarizing and profiting from deals on disputed property violates the Code of Professional Responsibility.
Mortgage Sales and Interest Claims: Lessons from DBP v. Heirs of Danico
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when buyers of mortgaged property become liable for interest and how mortgage obligations are enforced.
Navigating Property Disputes Understanding Jurisdictional Limits IN Real Estate Litigation
Learn how Philippine courts determine jurisdiction in property disputes, based on the Supreme Court ruling in Spouses Liu v. Cruz.
Dishonored Checks in Property Sales: What the Supreme Court Ruling Means
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that dishonored checks can prove an unpaid property obligation, even when a separate rescission case is pending.
Unlawful Detainer vs Accion Publiciana: Key Property Dispute Lessons
Learn how the Supreme Court distinguishes unlawful detainer from accion publiciana, and why forum shopping can void administrative rulings.
Ensuring Notarial Integrity: The Critical Role of Identity Verification in Property Transactions
A Supreme Court ruling reminds notaries that failing to verify identity and personal appearance in property deeds carries severe penalties.
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.
Understanding Forcible Entry and Property Rights: Lessons from Ricardo v. Go
A lawyer bought property after litigation ended—was it ethical? The Supreme Court explains when lawyers may acquire property and what this means for property owners.
Sheriff Misconduct in Property Disputes: When Enforcing a Writ Becomes Oppression
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a sheriff's enforcement of a writ crosses into grave abuse of authority or oppression in property disputes.
Understanding Equity of Redemption in Philippine Property Law: A Landmark Case Insight
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies the equity of redemption for junior lien holders in judicial foreclosures, protecting their rights when not impleaded.
Understanding Bail Bond Forfeiture When Property Bonds Are at Risk
The Supreme Court clarifies the difference between an order of forfeiture and a judgment on the bond, and when property bonds may be replaced with cash.
Final Judgments Bind Successors in Interest: The Calubad Property Rule
A final court judgment binds buyers and mortgagees who acquire property after the ruling. Learn the Calubad case and due diligence lessons.
Lawyer Negligence in Property Registration: Client Trust and Your Rights
When a lawyer fails to register property or return client funds, the Supreme Court can impose suspension. Learn your rights.
Understanding Good Faith Purchasers and Property Rights in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court protects innocent purchasers for value in property disputes and what this means for your land ownership rights.
Property Disputes and Surveys: Why Courts Order Relocation Surveys in Writ of Possession Cases
The Supreme Court explains when courts may order a survey to ensure a writ of possession is enforced on the correct property.
Other Deceits Under Article 318: Lessons from Magalona v. People
Learn how the Supreme Court applied Other Deceits under Article 318 of the Revised Penal Code in Magalona v. People, and what it means for property transactions.
Property Title Cancellation and Reconveyance: Insights from a Philippine Landmark Case
Learn when private individuals can sue to cancel a free patent title and what distinguishes reversion from reconveyance in Philippine property law.
When Property Disputes Must First Go to Barangay Conciliation: Ngo v. Gabelo
The Supreme Court clarifies when failure to undergo barangay conciliation makes a property case dismissible, and why courts cannot simply suspend proceedings to cure the defect.
Mortgagee in Good Faith: Protecting Banks and Borrowers in Property Transactions
Supreme Court ruling on mortgagee in good faith doctrine and banks' duty of diligence in property loans.
Property Title Disputes and Notarial Duties: Lessons from a Philippine Administrative Case
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies notarial duties in property transactions, showing why proper identity verification matters in land disputes.
Notarial Negligence and Property Rights: Lessons from De Guzman v. Venzon
A notary's failure to verify identity can cost you your land. Learn the rules and penalties from a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Understanding Unlawful Detainer When Tolerance Must Be Proven in Property Disputes
The Supreme Court explains when an owner cannot use unlawful detainer to evict occupants without proving clear tolerance or permission.
Land Registration in the Philippines: Proving Alienable and Disposable Status
Philippine land registration requires proof that property is alienable and disposable public land. A recent Supreme Court ruling explains the strict requirements.
Understanding Jurisdiction in Agrarian Reform Disputes: Insights from a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Case
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified jurisdiction over agrarian reform disputes in Land Bank v. Heirs of Divinagracia, a key Philippine property law case.