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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Untangling Rescission: Prescription Periods in Philippine Property Sales
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when the four-year prescriptive period for rescission of a sale starts, using the Quirong v. DBP case.
Good Faith VS Notice Priority Rights IN Double Sale OF Land
Foreclosure Notice Requirements: BPI v. Puzon on Posting, Publication, and Presumption of Regularity
Supreme Court clarifies notice requirements in extrajudicial foreclosure, upholding sale where publication was made and presumption of regularity applied.
Zero-Rated Sales and VAT Refund Eligibility for Power Generation Companies
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling in San Roque Power Corp. v. CIR on VAT refunds for zero-rated sales by power generators.
VAT Refund Eligibility Zero Rated Sales and the San Roque Power Case
A look at the San Roque Power case, clarifying VAT refund eligibility for zero-rated sales under Philippine tax law.
Good Faith in Profit-Sharing Agreements: Lessons from Silverio v. Almeda
When a land sale includes a profit-sharing clause, the seller must act in good faith and disclose all resale details to the buyer.
Deed of Sale Presumed Valid Absent Clear Proof of Fraud
Supreme Court clarifies that notarized deeds of sale enjoy presumption of authenticity; challengers must present clear and convincing evidence of fraud.
Mortgage Rights Prevail Over Prior Unregistered Sale: Good Faith Purchasers Protected
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how a registered mortgage prevails over an earlier unregistered sale, protecting good faith purchasers.
Republication of Foreclosure Sale Notices: Protecting Third-Party Rights
When a foreclosure sale is postponed, the notice must be republished and reposted. The Supreme Court explains why in Metrobank v. Nikko Sources.
Protecting Marital Property: The Necessity of Spousal Consent in Property Sales
Learn how the Supreme Court protects conjugal property from unauthorized sales by one spouse, and why buyers must verify spousal consent.
Buy-Bust Operations: Entrapment vs Instigation in Illegal Drug Sales
Learn how Philippine courts distinguish entrapment from instigation in buy-bust operations, and why the distinction determines the validity of drug arrests.
When Property Titles Arent Always What They Seem Understanding Encumbrances AND Conditional Sales
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a reconveyance claim prescribes, distinguishing fraud from intimidation, and the importance of due process in property disputes.
Vitiated Consent and Simulated Sales: Understanding Contract Nullity in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when fraud vitiates consent and simulated prices void sales, using a family land dispute as a guide.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: When Substantial Compliance Suffices for Conviction
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Rusiana on chain of custody, substantial compliance, and conviction for illegal sale of drugs.
Chattel Mortgage Foreclosure: Attaching Creditors, Notice, and the Equity of Redemption
When a chattel mortgage is foreclosed, who must receive notice of the sale? The Supreme Court clarifies the rights of attaching creditors.
Possession vs. Sale: Proving the Distinction in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies why illegal sale and illegal possession of drugs are separate crimes requiring distinct proof, acquitting on one charge.
Unregistered Land Sales: Why Registration Matters in Ownership Disputes
A Supreme Court ruling explains why an unregistered deed of sale cannot bind third parties in property disputes over unregistered land.
Tax Sales and Due Process: Why Registered Owners Must Be Notified in Philippine Property Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on tax sales, due process, and the registered owner's responsibility in property taxation.
Forgery Undermines Real Estate Sale: Protecting Property Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains how forged deeds transfer no rights, and why good faith buyers can still be protected under Philippine property law.
Family Home vs Creditors: When Annulment Doesn't Shield Property From Sale
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether a family home can be sold to settle debts after marriage annulment, and the finality of court orders.
Publication Imperative Safeguarding Property Rights in Foreclosure Sales
Supreme Court rules strict publication of foreclosure sale notice is mandatory; failure invalidates sale and subsequent transfers.
Foreclosure Surplus: Mortgagor's Right to Excess Proceeds After Debt Recomputation
When a foreclosure sale yields more than the actual debt, the mortgagor is entitled to the surplus—with interest.
Perfected Contract vs Contract to Sell: Earnest Money and Timely Payments in Real Estate Deals
Learn when earnest money perfects a sale, the difference from a contract to sell, and how late payments can still be cured under Philippine law.
Estoppel in Land Sales: Upholding Agreements Despite Lack of Written Authority
Philippine Supreme Court rules on estoppel in land sales where an agent lacked written authority, protecting buyers who relied on the seller's silence.