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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Protecting Property Rights: Good Faith Purchasers Prevail in Land Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies that a buyer who relies on a clean Torrens title in good faith keeps ownership, even if the seller's title was later found defective.
Delivery vs Sale in Drug Cases: When a Courier Becomes a Seller
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between illegal sale and illegal delivery of dangerous drugs under RA 9165, and the importance of consideration.
Tax Waivers and Faulty Agreements: When Buyers and Sellers Are Bound by Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a developer's unauthorized sale still binds a property owner, and why final judgments are immutable.
Upholding Real Estate Sales: The Limits of Unilateral Contract Rescission
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that a seller cannot unilaterally rescind a real estate sale without a court decree or contractual stipulation.
Solidary Liability in Subdivision Sales: AFP Retirement System v. Sanvictores
Supreme Court holds co-sellers jointly liable under Contract to Sell, explaining solidary obligations and apparent authority under Philippine law.
Solidary Liability in Real Estate Contracts: Understanding Co-Sellers' Obligations
When do co-sellers remain liable after foreclosure? The Supreme Court clarifies deficiency obligations, payment application, and solidary liability.
Rescission Rights Enforcing Compromise Agreements In Property Sales
When a buyer defaults on a court-approved compromise agreement, the seller may rescind and enforce the original contract without a separate action.
Caveat Emptor: The Risk Borne by a Buyer in Bad Faith in Property Transactions
A buyer who fails to verify a seller's title bears the loss. The Supreme Court explains caveat emptor and bad faith in Ranara v. De Los Angeles.
Subrogation and Compensation When Payment of Another's Debt Extinguishes Obligations
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on legal subrogation and compensation when a business buyer pays the seller's unpaid bills.
Lawyer Suspended Five Years for Dishonest Land Deal and Disregard of Court Orders
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for five years for deceiving a seller in a land deal and ignoring court and IBP orders.
Misrepresentation in a Contract to Sell Does Not Automatically Mean Estafa
The Supreme Court acquitted a seller of estafa despite a false claim of ownership, showing that not every misrepresentation in a contract is a crime.
Bill of Lading and Carrier Liability: When Delivery Without Surrender Is Allowed
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a carrier may release goods without the original bill of lading, and why the seller's unpaid claim lies against the buyer, not the carrier.
Corporate Asset Transfers: When Does a Buyer Inherit the Seller's Liabilities
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a corporation buying all assets of another also inherits its liabilities, under Section 40.
Earnest Money and Perfected Sales: When Payment Cannot Bind a Reluctant Seller
The Supreme Court explains when earnest money cannot create a binding contract of sale, protecting property owners from irregular payment schemes.
Earnest Money Misconceptions When A Deposit Doesnt Guarantee A Sale
The Supreme Court clarifies that earnest money only binds a seller after a contract of sale is perfected—not before consent is given.
Deceptive Imitation: Unfair Competition Claims Without Trademark Registration
Learn how the Supreme Court upheld an unfair competition claim against sellers of counterfeit medicated oil, even without trademark registration.
Breach of Contract: Conditional Sales, Contracts to Sell, and the Right to Rescind
Understand when a buyer's non-payment lets a seller cancel a property deal, and the difference between a conditional sale and a contract to sell.
Double Sale Doctrine: Prior Registration Determines Land Ownership
When two buyers claim the same land from different sellers, prior registration of title prevails. Learn from a 2014 Supreme Court ruling.
Breach of Warranty Against Eviction: A Seller's Duty to Defend Property Title
When a seller's gross negligence in defending title causes the buyer's eviction, the seller acts in bad faith and must pay damages under Article 1555 of the Civil Code.
When a Buy-Bust Conviction Stands: The Weight of Police Testimony in Drug Cases
A Supreme Court ruling explains why a buy-bust team's testimony can convict a drug seller, and when courts will respect that credibility finding.
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: Minor Inconsistencies Won't Save Drug Sellers From Conviction
The Supreme Court explains why minor inconsistencies in police testimony do not destroy a buy-bust case, and why frame-up defenses rarely succeed.
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.