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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When "May" Means Optional: Advance Payments in Property Sales
Supreme Court ruling on whether a buyer's advance payment obligation in a property sale is mandatory or discretionary, and its effect on contract rescission.
When Arbitration Clauses Do Not Bind Third-Party Buyers in Land Sales
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when arbitration clauses in contracts bind only parties, not third-party land buyers.
Navigating Buy-Bust Operations in the Philippines: What You Need to Know About Drug Law Enforcement
The Supreme Court explains how buy-bust operations work in drug cases, what counts as valid entrapment, and why courts trust police testimony in shabu sales.
Simulated Sales in Philippine Property Law: Intent, Foreign Ownership, and the Blanco v. Quasha Precedent
Learn how Philippine courts determine simulated sales, why intent matters, and the key lessons from Blanco v. Quasha on property transactions.
When a Spousal Sale Is Void: Buyer Beware in Philippine Property Law
Philippine Supreme Court explains when sales between spouses are void, why in pari delicto does not apply, and what buyers must check.
Decoding Deeds Philippine Supreme Court Clarifies Contract Interpretation IN Property Sales
How the Supreme Court applied the parol evidence rule and literal interpretation in a disputed property sale with mortgage assumption.
SEC vs Court Jurisdiction in Corporate Property Sales: Key Lessons from Saura v. Saura
When does a corporate dispute belong to the SEC rather than regular courts? The Supreme Court clarifies jurisdiction rules in Saura v. Saura.
Lost Your Property to Foreclosure? Know Your Rights to Proper Notice in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court protects borrowers from invalid foreclosure sales when banks fail to follow notice and publication rules.
Earnest Money Perfected Contracts Understanding Philippine Property Sale Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on earnest money, contract perfection, and rescission in property sales explained in plain language.
Demand Is Key: Understanding Rescission in Philippine Real Estate Sales
The Supreme Court explains when a buyer can still pay after missing a deadline in a property sale, and why demand for rescission matters.
Maximize Tax Credits: Sales Tax on Packaging Materials vs. Miller's Tax in the Philippines
Learn when sales tax on packaging materials can be credited against miller's tax, based on a key Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
Validating Foreclosure Sales: Due Process and Property Rights in Philippine Law
A 1999 Supreme Court ruling explains when extrajudicial foreclosure sales are valid despite claims of defective notice, low price, or holiday sale.
Conditional Land Donations in the Philippines: Reversion Rights and Valid Sales
When a conditional land donation fails, when can the donor validly sell the property? The Supreme Court explains reversion rights.
Annulment of Property Sale: Protecting Your Rights Against Fraud in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts annul property sales obtained through fraud, using the landmark Archipelago v. Court of Appeals case as a guide.
When Can a Lawyer Buy a Client's Property? Philippine Law on Attorney-Client Deals
Philippine law restricts lawyers from buying property in litigation they handle, but not all client-property sales are barred. This case explains the limits.
Corporate Authority in Property Sales: Why Board Approval Matters in the Philippines
A corporate officer cannot sell company land without board approval. Learn the due diligence steps to protect your property transaction.
Void Sales: Why Philippine Law Demands Spousal Consent for Conjugal Property
A spouse cannot sell conjugal property alone. Guiang v. CA explains why such sales are void, not just voidable.
Perfecting CAR Sales Contracts IN THE Philippines Understanding Buyer Rights AND Seller Obligations
Learn when a car sale contract is perfected in the Philippines, buyer rights, and seller obligations from the Xentrex Automotive case.
Absolute vs Conditional Sale Understanding Philippine Real Estate Contracts
Learn the key differences between absolute and conditional sales in Philippine real estate, and what the Supreme Court says about buyer and seller rights.
Are Commissions Part of Minimum Wage in the Philippines? Employee Compensation Rights Explained
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies whether sales commissions count toward minimum wage compliance under the Labor Code, and explains due process rules for dismissal.
Tax Sale Notice: Protecting Property Rights in Philippine Tax Delinquency Sales
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on tax sale notice requirements, protecting registered owners' property rights in delinquent real property auctions.
Sheriff Misconduct Consequences of Unauthorized Actions in Foreclosure Sales
A deputy sheriff's unauthorized foreclosure sale notice led to suspension. Learn the rules on venue and sheriff accountability.
Double Sale of Property in the Philippines: Protecting Your Rights
Learn how Philippine law resolves double sales of property, who gets ownership, and how to protect your rights as a buyer.
Sheriff Misconduct in Execution of Judgment: When Enforcing a Writ Goes Wrong
A sheriff who took judgment debtors' property for himself and the creditor was dismissed for gross misconduct. Learn the rules on execution sales.