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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Mortgaged Property Sales Upholding Ownership Rights Despite Unapproved Transfers
Conjugal Property Sale Without Spousal Consent Is Void, Not Just Voidable
A sale of conjugal property without the other spouse's written consent is void under the Family Code. Buyers must verify the seller's authority to sell.
Drug Sale Conviction Reversed: How the Chain of Custody Rule Protects the Accused
In People v. Nasara, the Supreme Court acquitted a drug-sale defendant after police failed to follow the chain of custody requirements under R.A. 9165.
Buy-Bust Operations: Procedural Lapses Do Not Automatically Invalidate Drug Sale Convictions
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that lapses in buy-bust procedures do not automatically invalidate drug convictions if the sale and evidence are proven.
Friar Lands and Faulty Signatures: When Government Neglect Jeopardizes Land Ownership
The Supreme Court's Manotok ruling shows how documentary gaps in friar land sales can undermine even long-standing property claims.
Buy-Bust Operations: When Warrantless Arrests and Seized Drugs Are Valid in Drug Cases
A look at when buy-bust arrests are lawful, when seized drugs are admissible, and the penalties for illegal sale and possession of shabu.
Coconut Fees and Export Sales: Clarifying Obligations for Copra Exporters
Supreme Court clarifies that PCA fees attach upon purchase of copra by exporters, regardless of whether the coconut products are sold domestically or exported.
Preliminary Injunctions in Foreclosure: Clear Legal Right Required
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when courts may issue preliminary injunctions to stop extrajudicial foreclosure sales.
Redemption Rights Prioritizing Creditors IN Foreclosure Sales Under Philippine LAW
Acquisitive Prescription: Good Faith and Just Title in Land Ownership Disputes
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that a compromise agreement and a sale made during litigation cannot establish the good faith and just title needed for ordinary acquisitive prescription.
Redemption Rights in Tax Sales: When the One-Year Period Starts in Quezon City
The Supreme Court clarifies when the one-year redemption period starts for tax-delinquent properties sold at auction in Quezon City.
Sales Invoice Suffices for VAT Refund Claims: Disparity Between Goods and Services Eliminated
Supreme Court rules sales invoices can substantiate VAT refund claims for zero-rated services, not just official receipts.
Void Sale of City-Owned Market Stall: Refund of Price Under Article 1412
When a sale is void because the seller lacked authority to sell city property, the buyer may still recover the price paid under Article 1412.
Void Sale of Market Stall: Buyer Can Recover Price Despite Null Contract
Supreme Court rules on void sale of city-owned market stall, allowing buyer to recover P20,000 with interest despite null contract.
Badges of Fraud in Property Sales: When Courts Void Real Estate Deals
Philippine Supreme Court explains how "badges of fraud" can invalidate property sales, even absolute deeds, when fraud taints the transaction.
VAT Refund Apportionment When Exempt Sales Affect Tax Credit Claims
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when VAT refunds on capital goods must be apportioned if a taxpayer also has exempt sales.
Torrens Title Prevails Over Unregistered Deed in Possession Dispute
Supreme Court clarifies that a Torrens title gives the registered owner a better right to possession than an unregistered deed of sale.
Torrens Title vs Unregistered Sale: Who Has Better Right to Possess Land in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains why a Torrens title prevails over an unregistered deed of sale in disputes over land possession.
Finality of Execution Sale: Failure to Redeem Vests Indefeasible Rights
When a judgment debtor fails to redeem property within the one-year period, the execution sale becomes final and the purchaser gains indefeasible rights.
DARAB Jurisdiction Over Land Sale Disputes Involving CARP-Covered Agricultural Lands
The Supreme Court clarifies when DARAB, not regular courts, has jurisdiction over disputes involving sales of agricultural lands under CARP coverage.
Conspiracy and Drug Sales: Establishing Intent and Upholding the Presumption of Regularity
A Supreme Court ruling on how concerted acts prove conspiracy in illegal drug sales and when police regularity is presumed.
Breach of Trust Employee Dismissal Upheld for Unauthorized Sale of Company Assets
Supreme Court rules on when unauthorized disposal of company property justifies dismissal for serious misconduct and loss of trust.
Sale of Conjugal Property Without Spousal Consent: Void Contracts and Heirs' Rights
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on void sales of conjugal property without spousal consent, heirs' rights, and prescription periods explained.