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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BUY Bust Operations Legality AND Proof IN Drug Sale Convictions
Agency and Authority: Why a Written Mandate Is Paramount in Real Estate Sales
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why an agent's authority to sell land must be in writing, or the sale is void.
Protecting Marital Property When a Spouse’s Signature Matters
A forged special power of attorney cannot defeat conjugal property rights. Learn the rules on spousal consent in property sales.
Superior Registered Title Prevails Protecting Prior Land Rights Despite Subsequent Sales
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when an earlier registered title beats later buyers, even innocent purchasers for value.
Right of First Refusal Protects Lessees Over Third-Party Buyers
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains how a lessee's right of first refusal can override a sale to a third party, even a government entity.
Foreclosure Sales Upholding Validity Despite Single Bidder
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that extrajudicial foreclosure sales remain valid even with only one bidder, settling the two-bidder rule question.
Lump Sum vs. Unit Price in Land Sales: The Del Prado v. Caballero Rule
Philippine land sale disputes often hinge on lump sum versus unit price contracts. The Supreme Court's ruling in Del Prado v. Caballero clarifies the rules.
VAT vs Amusement Tax: What Cinema Operators Should Know
The Supreme Court ruled cinema ticket sales are subject to local amusement tax, not VAT. Learn the key points.
Buy-Bust Operations: Proving Illegal Drug Sale and Possession Beyond Reasonable Doubt
A Supreme Court ruling affirms that buy-bust operations can establish both illegal drug sale and possession, and explains what evidence courts require for conviction.
Contractual Obligations Survey Requirement Prevails Over Rescission Rights IN Land Sale Agreements
Supreme Court rules survey obligation in land sale contracts prevails over rescission rights, clarifying breach requirements under Philippine law.
In Land Sales, Survey Duty Prevails Over Payment Deadlines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a seller must survey land before demanding payment, and when rescission is improper.
Entrapment vs Instigation: Defining the Boundaries in Drug Sale Convictions
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between valid entrapment and unlawful instigation in drug cases, affirming a buy-bust conviction.
VAT Refund Denied for Failure to Print "Zero-Rated" on Invoices
Philippine Supreme Court rules that failure to print "zero-rated" on sales invoices bars VAT refund claims, even for exporters.
Adverse Claim vs Execution Sale: Protecting Prior Registered Rights Over Land
The Supreme Court ruled that a levy on execution is subordinate to valid encumbrances already annotated on the title, and that an adverse claim gives constructive notice to all.
Perfected Sales vs Contracts to Sell: Ownership Transfer and Good Faith in Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the difference between a contract of sale and a contract to sell, and how good faith determines ownership in double sales.
Double Sale or Ownership: Resolving Property Disputes in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts resolve property disputes, from double sales to registration issues, and what the Diaz v. Republic ruling means for landowners.
Finality of Foreclosure: Rights and Duties After a Mortgage Default
What happens after a mortgage default and foreclosure sale becomes final? The Supreme Court clarifies the mortgagor's rights and duties.
Liquidator’s Fees: SEC Authority to Fix Compensation in Corporate Liquidation
Supreme Court clarifies SEC’s power to determine liquidator’s fees when parties fail to agree, in Catmon Sales v. Yngson.
Rescission and Refund Rights in Real Estate Sales: What PD 957 Buyers Should Know
Learn how PD 957 protects condominium buyers with refund rights, and which court hears criminal cases for violations.
Forged Signatures and Land Disputes: Protecting Property Rights in the Philippines
A forged deed of sale transfers no title under Philippine law. Learn how the Supreme Court protected family property rights in this landmark ruling.
Compromise Agreements: How Courts Interpret "Action" and Uphold Contractual Obligations
The Supreme Court ruled that selling receivables violated a compromise agreement's broadly to include the sale of the receivables.
Good Faith vs Torrens Title Resolving Land Ownership Disputes in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether a Torrens title or a deed of sale prevails in land possession disputes.
Torrens Title vs Deed of Sale: Who Wins a Possession Dispute in the Philippines?
In a Philippine ejectment case, a Torrens title beats an unregistered deed of sale. Learn the rule from Spouses Barias v. Heirs of Boneo.
Simulated Sales and Fraudulent Asset Transfers: Protecting Creditors Under Philippine Law
When debtors hide assets through fake sales to relatives, creditors can have those transfers voided. The Supreme Court explains how.