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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Conditional Sale vs Contract to Sell: Protecting Property Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the crucial difference between a conditional sale and a contract to sell, and why buyers must pay the full price to own property.
Mortgage in Good Faith: Banks vs Unregistered Land Sales in the Philippines
When does a bank lose protection as a mortgagee in good faith? The Supreme Court clarifies the rule on unregistered land sales.
Investment Scams and the Legal Definition of a Salesman Under the Securities Regulation Code
Supreme Court ruling on when an investment consultant becomes a
Upholding Conviction In Drug Sale Ensuring Chain OF Custody IN Evidence Handling
A drug sale conviction reversed because broken chain of custody cast doubt on the identity of seized shabu.
Agrarian Reform Land Transfer Validity Hinges on Prior Tenant Knowledge of Ownership Changes
A land sale executed before PD 27 must be known to tenants to bind them; otherwise, the land stays under Operation Land Transfer coverage.
Protecting Homebuyers: PD 957 Prevails Over Bank Mortgages in Subdivision Sales
Supreme Court rules banks must honor PD 957 protections for subdivision buyers, even when properties are mortgaged to secure developer loans.
When Church Approval Is Key: Validity of Property Sales by Religious Corporations
Supreme Court rules on when a religious corporation's property sale is unenforceable without required church approvals, citing the Corporation Code.
Double Sale of Land: Prior Knowledge Defeats Claim of Good Faith
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on double sales of land: a buyer who knows of prior claims or occupants cannot claim good faith.
Ownership Disputes and Wrongful Property Levy: Why Registration Prevails Under Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling on why unregistered sales lose to registered titles and levies, and what buyers must prove to claim good faith.
Breach of Trust: Defining Qualified Theft Through Grave Abuse of Confidence in Employment
A sales clerk who failed to remit collections was convicted of qualified theft, not estafa. The Supreme Court explains the key difference.
Contractual Obligations Prevail Enforcing Notice Requirements In Foreclosure Sales
When a mortgage contract requires personal notice of foreclosure, the bank must comply—or the sale may be void.
Overcoming Document Regularity Evidence To Prove Forgery In Property Disputes
The Supreme Court explains how clear and convincing evidence can overturn the presumption of regularity of a notarized deed of sale in property disputes.
Perfected Contract of Sale: When Ownership Trumps Title Reservation
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a sale is perfected despite a title reservation clause in the invoice, and why buyers must pay.
Prescription and Laches in Deed of Sale Cases: Lessons from Sanchez v. Sanchez
When can a deed of sale be challenged in court? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on prescription and laches in Sanchez v. Sanchez.
Writ of Possession After Foreclosure: When the Surplus Must Be Returned
Philippine Bank of Communications v. Yeung clarifies when a writ of possession issues after foreclosure and how sale surpluses are handled.
Buy-Bust Operations and the Integrity of Drug Evidence in Illegal Sale Cases
The Supreme Court affirms a drug sale conviction, explaining the elements of the offense and why minor lapses in evidence handling do not automatically acquit.
Written Demand and Unlawful Detainer: Protecting Landowners From Unauthorized Property Sales
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a written demand triggers ejectment and why an unconstitutional decree cannot justify continued possession.
Contractual Obligations Upholding Written Agreements in Property Sales
Supreme Court ruling on unlawful detainer, unconstitutional decrees, and good faith in property possession disputes.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: Asset Sales vs Mergers in Tax Liability
When is a buyer liable for a seller's tax debts? The Supreme Court clarifies asset sales vs mergers.
BUY Bust Operations Proving Illegal Drug Sales Beyond Reasonable Doubt
Fraudulent Consent in Property Sales: Protecting Owners From Unknowing Transfers
Learn how Philippine courts handle property sales involving alleged fraud, void marriages, and co-ownership claims in this case analysis.
Breach of Contract in Sales: Who Bears Liability for Non-Delivery and Refused Goods
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies liability when a buyer refuses delivery and a seller fails to deliver, with damages computed.
Contract to Sell: Full Compliance Required Before Seller Must Convey Property
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that buyers under a contract to sell must fully comply with all obligations—not just payment—before demanding a deed of sale.
Contract to Sell: Full Compliance Required Before Buyer Can Demand Deed of Sale
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that buyers under a contract to sell must fulfill all obligations—not just the purchase price—before demanding a deed of sale.