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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Simulated Sales and Illegitimate Transfers: Protecting Legitimate Heirs' Rights
When a father sells property to illegitimate children to defeat a legitimate heir's share, the sale may be void as simulated.
Specific Performance and the Obligation to Transfer Clear Title: Palon v. Brillante
In Palon v. Brillante, the Supreme Court held that a seller who receives full payment must not only deliver the land but also cause the issuance of the buyer's separate title.
Land Retention Rights Prevail Landowners Choice Overrides Prior Land Transfer Certificates
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how a landowner's retention right under PD 27 can override a previously issued Certificate of Land Transfer.
Shareholder Rights vs Corporate Discretion: Mandamus and Stock Transfer Recording
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a corporate secretary must record stock transfers, SEC jurisdiction, and shareholder rights.
Perfecting Real Estate Sales in the Philippines When Receipts Seal the Deal
Learn when receipts perfect real estate sales in the Philippines, and the legal rules on ownership transfer.
Landowner Consent Is Essential in Agricultural Leasehold Transfers
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why a tenant cannot transfer leasehold rights without landowner consent, and the consequences of unauthorized assignment.
Unmasking Simulated Sales: Why a Notarized Deed Doesnt Guarantee a Valid Property Transfer in the Philippines
A notarized deed of sale is not always proof of a valid transfer. Learn how Philippine courts look beyond documents to determine true ownership.
Donation Inter Vivos vs Mortis Causa: Philippine Law on Property Transfers
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how to distinguish donation inter vivos from mortis causa, and when donations become irrevocable.
Contract to Sell vs. Contract of Sale: Key Distinctions in Philippine Property Law
Learn the crucial differences between a contract to sell and a contract of sale under Philippine law, and how ownership transfers.
Tenant Redemption Rights: Time Limits and Land Ownership Transfers
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on the two-year redemption period for agricultural tenants under RA 3844 and its effect on land transfers.
Breach of Express Warranty: Seller Liable for Unpaid Taxes Despite Transfer of Ownership
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: a vehicle seller's assurance that taxes were paid is an express warranty; breach makes seller liable for unpaid duties.
Rescission of Fraudulent Conveyances: Protecting Creditors' Rights in Property Transfers
When a debtor transfers property to evade creditors, the law allows rescission. China Banking Corp. v. Court of Appeals explains the rules.
Relocation vs Resignation: Employee Rights When a Business Transfers Under Philippine Law
When a company relocates, employees who refuse to transfer may still be entitled to separation pay under Philippine labor law.
Agrarian Reform Landowners Retention Rights Prevail Despite Prior Land Transfer
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on landowner retention rights under RA 6657 and PD 27, even after land transfer.
Election Law Violation: Transferring Employees Without Comelec Approval
Supreme Court clarifies that transferring or reassigning government employees during election period without COMELEC approval violates election law.
Forged Deeds and Extrinsic Fraud: Protecting Land Titles in the Philippines
A forged deed transfers no title. Learn how Philippine courts treat forged documents, pre-trial admissions, and what counts as extrinsic fraud.
Unregistered Stock Transfers: Creditors' Rights vs. Ownership Claims
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on unregistered stock transfers and their effect on creditors' rights to levy shares.
No Work, No Pay: Defying a Lawful Transfer Order Justifies Wage Denial
Employees who defy a lawful transfer order cannot claim wages under the "no work, no pay" principle, as the Supreme Court ruled in AKELCO v. NLRC.
Partnership vs Sale: Key Differences in Philippine Joint Venture Agreements and Property Contributions
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a property transfer is a partnership contribution, not a sale, and the legal consequences.
Deed of Assignment Validity: Signature Authenticity and Corporate Share Transfers in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on forged signatures, blank deeds of assignment, and share transfer validity in corporations.
Demotion Disguised as Transfer: Understanding Constructive Dismissal in Philippine Labor Law
When is a transfer a demotion? The Supreme Court explains constructive dismissal, management prerogative, and employee rights in Blue Dairy v. NLRC.
Valid Mortgage Even Before Title Transfer Philippine Property LAW Explained
Philippine Supreme Court explains why a mortgage can be valid even if the title transfers after the mortgage contract is signed.
Collation in Philippine Inheritance Law: When Lifetime Transfers Are Included in Estate Division
Learn when lifetime transfers must be included in estate division under Philippine inheritance law, based on Supreme Court rulings on collation.
When Can Your Boss Transfer You? Understanding Lawful Orders and Insubordination in Philippine Labor Law
The Supreme Court explains when a transfer is a valid management prerogative and when refusing it becomes insubordination.