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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Lost Chance to Repurchase: Understanding Time Limits in Property Sales with Right of Repurchase
The Supreme Court ruled that a vendor's right to repurchase property must be exercised within four years from the time the condition triggering it occurs.
Conditional Sales of Land: Upholding Contractual Obligations in Real Estate Transactions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on foreclosure, redemption rights, and the consequences of failing to prosecute a case for injunction.
Upholding Priority Rights: The Lessee's Right of First Refusal in Property Sales
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on a lessee's right of first refusal, its enforceability against heirs, and remedies for breach.
Sheriffs Duty Proper Notice AND Venue IN Execution Sales
A sheriff who changed auction venue without proper notice was held liable for simple neglect of duty. Know the rules.
Land Transfer Knowledge vs Registration in Agrarian Reform: Heirs of Hidalgo
Why unregistered land sales before PD 27 do not exempt property from Operation Land Transfer coverage.
Unregistered Land Sales and Agrarian Reform: The Limits of Ownership Transfer
When do unregistered property sales fail against agrarian reform coverage? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on land transfers and PD 27.
Foreclosure Validity: Proper Notice and Publication in Extrajudicial Sales
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies posting and publication requirements for valid extrajudicial foreclosure sales under Act No. 3135.
Express Trusts Upholding Beneficiaries Rights Despite Fictitious Sales
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on express trusts, beneficiaries' rights, and fictitious sales of property.
Protecting Land Titles: Good Faith Purchasers and Forgery in Property Sales
A Supreme Court ruling explains why a forged deed must be proven, not presumed, and how a registered owner's acts can protect an innocent buyer's title.
Loss of Trust and Confidence: When Temporary Assignment Does Not Justify Dismissal
Acting as a route salesman for three days did not make a driver-helper a trust-and-confidence employee, so dismissal was too harsh.
Upholding Public Trust: A Sheriff’s Liability for Unauthorized Foreclosure Sales
A sheriff who conducted foreclosure sales outside court authority was suspended for six months for breaching public trust in the judiciary.
PEZA VAT Refund: Zero-Rated Export Sales and Input Tax Credit Rights
Explaining CIR v. Cebu Toyo Corporation on PEZA enterprises' VAT refund rights for zero-rated export sales and unutilized input taxes.
Upholding Due Process in Execution Sales: Ensuring Fair Notice and Proportionality
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies sheriffs must follow Rule 141 procedures for execution expenses, ensuring due process and fair notice in levying properties.
Mortgage in Good Faith: How Registered Mortgages Protect Lenders Despite Title Defects
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how registered mortgages protect lenders in good faith, even when prior unregistered sales exist.
Contract Validity: Illness and Consent in Property Sales Under Philippine Law
Supreme Court ruling on when illness affects consent in property sales, and the burden of proving lack of capacity to contract.
Double Sale in the Philippines: Who Has the Better Right to the Property?
Philippine law on double sales explained: when a property is sold twice, good faith, registration, and possession decide who owns it.
Double Sales and Good Faith: Protecting Prior Rights in Property Disputes
When two sales of the same land occur, who wins? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on double sales and good faith.
Writ of Possession Is Ministerial Duty Despite Pending Mortgage Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why courts must issue writs of possession in foreclosure sales even when the mortgage validity is being challenged.
Real Property Sale Obligations: Who Pays Registration and Capital Gains Tax
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on vendor obligations for registration expenses, eviction of occupants, and capital gains tax in property sales.
Who Pays Capital Gains Tax and Sale Registration Costs in Philippine Property Deals
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies who bears capital gains tax and registration expenses in property sales, distinguishing obligations of individual and corporate sellers.
Perfected Sales vs. Recovery of Property: Understanding Real Actions in Philippine Law
When is a suit for specific performance actually a real action for recovery of property? The Supreme Court clarifies in Jimenez v. Jordana.
Upholding Compromise Agreements, HLURB Jurisdiction, and Contractual Obligations in Property Sales
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when the HLURB has jurisdiction over property disputes and affirms that compromise agreements bind parties unless vitiated or void.
Perfecting Contracts: Consent and the Statute of Frauds in Share Sales
A Supreme Court ruling explains when letters become a binding share sale contract and what the Statute of Frauds requires.
When Payment Defaults Threaten Property Rights: Understanding Rescission in Real Estate Sales
A buyer's failure to pay the full purchase price can lead to contract rescission, even after years of partial payments. Learn the rules.