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 Contracts: When Property Transfers Are Void in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains when a simulated contract is void, not merely rescissible, using a P50-million property assignment case.
CO Ownership AND THE Right TO Alienate Understanding Property Partition IN THE Philippines
Upholding Contract Validity Against Claims of Forgery and Incapacity in Property Sales
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on proving forgery, mental incapacity, and undue influence when challenging notarized property sales.
Writ of Possession for Subsequent Property Purchasers After Foreclosure
Learn when subsequent purchasers of foreclosed property can obtain a writ of possession, and the hearing requirement under Philippine law.
Res Judicata and Due Process in Tax Sales: When a Prior Case Does Not Bar a New Suit
The Supreme Court clarifies when res judicata applies in tax delinquency sales and protects property owners' right to due process.
When a Tax Sale Lacks Notice: Due Process and Res Judicata in Property Auctions
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that a tax delinquency sale without proper notice violates due process and is not barred by res judicata.
Sheriffs Must Follow Execution Procedures Exactly or Face Administrative Liability
A sheriff who skipped the demand step before garnishing and levying property was suspended for simple misconduct by the Supreme Court.
Taxing Power vs National Electrification: LGU Levy on Electric Cooperatives
Supreme Court rules LGUs may levy electric cooperative properties for unpaid real property taxes despite EPIRA restrictions.
Alien Land Ownership Philippine Constitution Prohibits Direct Land Acquisition BY Foreign Nationals
Philippine Constitution bars foreigners from owning private land directly. Supreme Court explains the rule and its limits in a Quezon City property dispute.
Contract to Sell vs Contract of Sale: Resolving Conflicting Claims in Real Estate
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between a contract to sell and a contract of sale, and how courts resolve conflicting claims over real property.
Can a Trustee Mortgage Property Without the Owner's Consent? Supreme Court Says No
Learn from a 2017 Supreme Court ruling why a trustee cannot mortgage trust property without the owner's consent, and the consequences for banks that fail to verify ownership.
Balancing Property Rights When Homeowner Access Clashes With Association Control
Right of Way vs Contractual Obligations: Enforcing Compromise Agreements in Property Development
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when courts may review factual findings and how contractual penalties are reduced in breach cases.
Public Use Prevails Over Private Claims in Road Right-of-Way Dispute
Supreme Court rules that road rights-of-way are public dominion property, and private claimants cannot demand just compensation for land never validly acquired.
Eminent Domain and Just Compensation: Valuing Property at the Time of Taking
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling that just compensation for expropriated property is valued at the time of taking, not when the complaint is filed.
Inheritance Limits: Heirs' Liability in Property Disputes Clarified
The Supreme Court rules that heirs impleaded in property cases are liable only up to their inherited shares, not beyond.
Ownership Disputes: When a Lawyer Cannot Acquire a Client's Property in Litigation
The Supreme Court suspends a lawyer for acquiring property in litigation and selling client land without authority—key rules for family property disputes.
Easement Rights and Property Development: Clarifying Limits and Obligations in Construction Projects
Understand how the Supreme Court distinguishes reversion from annulment of titles, and what this means for property owners and developers.
Grave Misconduct for Teachers Who Leased School Property Without Authority
Supreme Court holds school officials liable for grave misconduct for unauthorized lease of school premises, affirming dismissal from service.
Breach of Public Trust: Unauthorized School Lease Leads to Dismissal
Public school officials dismissed for grave misconduct after leasing school property without authority and mishandling funds. Learn the legal rules.
Forged Signatures and Imprescriptibility in Co-Ownership Property Disputes
Forged deed transfers property by fraud; co-owner in possession can file imprescriptible quieting of title action.
Upholding Land Ownership After Fraudulent Free Patents and the Right to Reclaim Property
A Supreme Court ruling explains when builders on land they do not own are presumed in good faith, and why the landowner must choose between buying the house or selling the land.
Spousal Consent in Property Sales: Why a Sale Without Written Consent Is Void
Selling conjugal property without the other spouse's written consent is void under Philippine law. Learn the rules and buyer protections.
Eminent Domain and Just Compensation: Valuing Land Beyond BIR Zonal Valuation
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that BIR zonal values are mere guides, not binding limits, in determining just compensation for expropriated property.