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.
When a MOA Becomes a Binding Contract: Lessons from a Property Sale Dispute
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a Memorandum of Agreement becomes a binding contract of sale, and why parties cannot later disavow it.
Unlocking VAT Refunds for Zero-Rated Sales: The Attributability Requirement in Philippine Tax Law
The Supreme Court clarifies that input VAT need not be directly and entirely attributable to zero-rated sales for refund claims, easing the path for VAT-registered taxpayers.
Defective Service of Summons and Prior Unregistered Sale: Key Lessons from Go v. Court of Appeals
Supreme Court clarifies rules on service of summons by publication and priority of prior unregistered sales over registered levies.
Priority of Registered Levy vs Prior Unregistered Sale in Philippine Property Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a registered levy on execution beats a prior unregistered sale, and when it does not.
Priority of Registered Levy vs. Prior Unregistered Sale in Property Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when a prior unregistered sale beats a later registered levy on execution, and the rules on service of summons by publication.
Contract to Sell vs Contract of Sale: Adverse Claims on Philippine Property Titles
Learn how the Supreme Court distinguishes contract to sell from contract of sale, and when adverse claims on land titles are valid under PD 1529.
Agrarian Reform Land Transfer Ban: What Beneficiaries and Buyers Must Know
Supreme Court clarifies the 10-year ban on selling agrarian reform lands, the void sale rule, and the buyer's right to recover payment.
Equitable Mortgage Prevails When A Deed Of Sale Masks A Loan Agreement
When a deed of sale actually secures a loan, Philippine law treats it as an equitable mortgage. The Supreme Court explains the rules.
VAT Refund Claims: Complete Documents and Zero-Rated Sales Requirements
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies VAT refund rules on complete documents, zero-rated sales proof, and input tax computation for taxpayers.
Prescription in Property Disputes: The Necessity of Trial for Determining the Validity of Land Sales
When is a land sale valid despite an injunction? The Supreme Court clarifies perfection of contracts and the need for trial.
Possession Rights Balancing Property Sales AND Building Occupation
Supreme Court ruling on when a buyer of land can keep occupying a building pending title issuance, and when attorney's fees are unwarranted.
Renewable Energy Incentives Registration IS KEY TO VAT Zero Rating
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that renewable energy producers must register with the DOE to enjoy VAT zero-rating on power sales.
Lawyer Disbarred for Breach of Trust in Sale of CARP-Awarded Land
Supreme Court fines disbarred lawyer P100,000 for selling clients' CARP-awarded land without consent, violating fiduciary duties.
Writ of Possession: Ministerial Duty vs Third-Party Adverse Claims in Foreclosure Sales
The Supreme Court clarifies when a writ of possession is ministerial and when third-party adverse claims can stop it.
Breach of Trust: Defining Qualified Theft in Employee Misappropriation Cases
A sales manager's failure to remit sale proceeds is qualified theft, not carnapping, when trust and confidence are abused.
Constructive Delivery in Property Sales: What the Tamayao Case Teaches Buyers
A notarized deed can transfer ownership, but registration is key. The Tamayao case shows why due diligence matters in Philippine property sales.
Void Deeds: How Forgery Affects Property Titles in the Philippines
A forged deed is void and conveys no title. Learn how the Supreme Court protects family homes from fraudulent sales.
Enforcing Debt Obligations: Promissory Notes and Checks as Evidence in Sales Transactions
Supreme Court rules promissory notes and dishonored checks can prove a sale and enforce payment, reversing the Court of Appeals.
Upholding Land Sale Agreements: Clear Evidence Needed to Challenge Real Estate Transactions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on Ortigas land dispute underscores the heavy burden of proving intimidation in challenging real estate sales.
Interest on Overdue Accounts: Clarifying the Scope of Legal Interest and Unconscionability in Sales of Goods
The Supreme Court clarifies when legal interest applies to stipulated interest and how courts determine unconscionable rates in sales transactions.
Equitable Mortgage vs Sale: Protecting Possessory Rights in Philippine Property Law
When is a deed of sale actually an equitable mortgage? The Supreme Court explains how Article 1602 protects possessory rights.
Condominium Foreclosure Special Authority Imperative FOR Extrajudicial Sales
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that condominium corporations need special authority to extrajudicially foreclose units for unpaid dues.
Navigating Real Estate Installment Contracts: The Importance of Proper Rescission Under the Maceda Law
Learn how the Supreme Court clarifies rescission rules for real estate installment sales and the rights of buyers under the Maceda Law.
Protecting Land Rights: Innocent Purchaser Status and Due Diligence in Property Sales
The Supreme Court clarifies when summary judgment is improper in property disputes involving claims of innocent purchaser status and good faith.