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.
Protecting Marital Property When A Forged Signature Undermines Ownership Rights
A forged signature on a special power of attorney cannot defeat a wife's conjugal property rights, as the Supreme Court ruled in Malabanan v. Malabanan.
Venue Stipulations and the Right Remedy: Pillars Property v. Century Communities
The Supreme Court clarifies when a venue stipulation binds parties and why dismissal for improper venue calls for certiorari, not appeal.
NPC's Real Property Tax Exemption Claim Fails: Ownership and Actual Use Matter
Supreme Court rules NPC cannot claim real property tax exemption for BOT power plant facilities it neither owns nor actually uses.
Co-Ownership Disputes: How Inheritance and Sales Affect Land Rights in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when administrative orders on land disputes become final and how co-ownership, inheritance, and sales affect property rights.
When a Mortgage on Trust Property Is Void: UCPB v. Spouses Chua
The Supreme Court rules that a bank cannot foreclose on properties held in trust when the trustee had no authority to mortgage them.
Mortgage Foreclosure and Third-Party Property: UCPB's Duty to Protect Borrower Interests
When a bank forecloses property mortgaged by a third party without the owner's consent, the Supreme Court protects the true owner's rights.
Unfair Competition and Trade Name Confusion: The Paperone Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies when a corporate name can amount to unfair competition under the Intellectual Property Code, even without trademark infringement.
Just Compensation and Judicial Notice Limits in Expropriation Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when courts may take judicial notice of other cases in determining just compensation for expropriated property.
When Counsel's Gross Negligence Excuses Procedural Lapses: B.E. San Diego v. Bernardo
A Supreme Court ruling on when gross negligence of counsel can excuse procedural errors and prevent deprivation of property rights.
Unregistered Sale vs Registered Levy: Who Wins Under Philippine Property Law
A buyer who fails to register a sale may still defeat a later levy on execution if ownership had already passed, explains a 2018 Supreme Court ruling.
Burden of Proof in Property Disputes: Establishing Rights and Damages in Demolition Cases
Supreme Court clarifies that claimants in demolition cases must prove ownership and damages by preponderance of evidence.
Contract to Sell vs. Sale: When Cancellation Is Valid Without Maceda Law
Supreme Court clarifies contract to sell rules, default judgments, and when Maceda Law does not apply to commercial property buyers.
Proving Land Is Alienable and Disposable: The Strict Rule After Republic v. Bautista
The Supreme Court clarifies that CENRO certifications alone cannot prove land is alienable and disposable for original registration under the Property Registration Decree.
Land Registration: Proving Alienable and Disposable Land in the Philippines
Learn the strict rule on proving alienable and disposable land for registration under the Property Registration Decree, explained in plain language.
Good Faith and Torrens Titles: Overcoming the Innocent Purchaser Presumption
The Supreme Court explains when a Torrens title holder loses the innocent purchaser presumption and what buyers must prove to keep their property.
Oral Contracts for Property: Six-Year Prescription Bars Stale Claims for Specific Performance
Oral agreements to transfer property must be enforced within six years. Learn how prescription works and why timely action matters.
Just Compensation in Expropriation: Zonal Value Is Not the Sole Basis
The Supreme Court affirms that BIR zonal value is only one factor in determining just compensation for expropriated property.
Distinguishing Robbery From Theft The Necessity of Violence or Intimidation in Taking Personal Property
The Supreme Court clarifies when a snatching is theft, not robbery, and what the prosecution must prove.
Reversion of Land Jurisdiction Lies Where the Title Is Challenged, Not the Judgment Itself
When a land title is attacked as spurious, the reversion case in court bars administrative cancellation of a leasehold agreement over the same property.
Laches and Jurisdiction: Upholding Final Judgments in Property Disputes
The Supreme Court rules that a four-year delay in filing an annulment of judgment constitutes laches, barring property claims.
Good Faith IN Property Sales Protecting Buyers Without Notice OF Claims
Buyer in Good Faith and Foreclosure Sales: When a Defective Auction Still Stands
The Supreme Court explains when a buyer in good faith can keep property even if the foreclosure sale had procedural defects.
Safeguarding Property Rights Strict Compliance IN TAX Delinquency Sales
Real Property Tax: Who Pays When Ownership and Possession Differ
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies real property tax liability when the registered owner is not in possession, citing Herarc Realty v. Provincial Treasurer of Batangas.