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.
Mergers and Documentary Stamp Tax: Clarifying Tax Exemptions for Corporate Restructuring
Supreme Court clarifies that real property transfers pursuant to a merger are not subject to documentary stamp tax under the NIRC.
Standing to Sue, Heirs' Rights, and Property Disputes in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on land registration, heirs' rights, and the standing of the Republic to oppose property claims.
Sleeping on Your Rights: Laches and Prescription in Property Disputes
The Supreme Court explains when a property claim fails due to laches and prescription, even for registered land.
Land Registration and Laches: Strict Proof Required in Vega-Era Property Disputes
A Supreme Court ruling shows that registered landowners who sleep on their rights for decades can lose their claim through laches and extinctive prescription.
Forged Signatures and Property Rights: How Laches and Prescription Can Defeat a Land Claim
A Supreme Court ruling shows why delay can destroy a landowner's claim, even when fraud is alleged, and how laches and prescription bar stale property suits.
Demolition Orders and Due Process: Key Lessons from the Alangdeo Case
The Supreme Court invalidated a demolition order in Alangdeo v. City Mayor of Baguio, reinforcing due process and legal safeguards for property owners.
Writ of Possession, Third-Party Claims, and Redemption Rights in Property Disputes
A writ of possession cannot evict third parties holding property adversely to the judgment obligor. Explaining Sio Tiat King v. Lim.
Upholding Finality: Supreme Court Reaffirms Requirements for Valid Motions for Reconsideration in Property Dis
Learn how the Supreme Court protected the finality of judgments and clarified the limits of appellate review in a property mortgage dispute.
Forgery vs Good Faith: Protecting Registered Land Owners in Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when buyers of forged deeds can claim good faith protection and when registered owners keep their title.
Oil Depot Relocation Balancing Public Safety AND Property Rights IN Manila
A look at how Philippine courts weigh public safety concerns against private property rights in urban redevelopment cases.
The Impact of a Lost Title: Protecting Property Rights and Innocent Purchasers
A Supreme Court ruling on lost titles clarifies when a court can issue a new owner's duplicate and how innocent purchasers are protected.
Taxing Times: Government Instrumentalities and Real Property Tax Exemptions in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when government instrumentalities like airport authorities are exempt from local real property taxes.
Res Judicata in Property Recovery Cases: What the Supreme Court's Lee v. Chong Ruling Means
The Supreme Court clarifies how res judicata bars repeated claims over the same property, even when a new case is framed differently.
Contributory Negligence in Property Disputes: Balancing Rights and Responsibilities
When adjoining landowners cause damage to each other, Philippine courts weigh contributory negligence in awarding damages. Learn from the Vergara v. Sonkin case.
Reconstitution of Lost Titles: Supreme Court Clarifies Rules in Favor of Property Owners
Supreme Court clarifies reconstitution of lost land titles under RA 26, allowing practical evidence when records are destroyed.
Dividing Inherited Lands: Ownership Disputes and Property Rights in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts resolve inherited land disputes, including pacto de retro sales, co-ownership, and the rights of buyers in good faith.
Real Party in Interest and Property Disputes: Standing to Sue Explained
Learn how Philippine courts determine who may sue in property cases, with insights from Lexber v. Dalman on standing and rehabilitation.
Beyond the Lease: Determining the Limits of Compromise Agreement Execution in Property Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies jurisdiction, prescription, and res judicata in accion publiciana, reinforcing the indefeasibility of Torrens titles.
Cash Deposit or Counter Bond: The Only Ways to Discharge an Attachment in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that only cash deposits or counter-bonds can discharge a writ of attachment—not real property.
When Can a Bank Deposit Real Property Instead of Cash to Lift an Attachment?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that under Rule 57, only cash deposit or counter-bond can lift a writ of attachment.
Proving Alienable and Disposable Status in Land Registration: Republic v. Lualhati
The Supreme Court clarifies what evidence proves land is alienable and disposable for original registration under the Property Registration Decree.
Redemption of Foreclosed Property: Full Payment Required, Good Intent Not Enough
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that redeeming a foreclosed property requires full payment of the redemption price within the one-year period, not just partial payments or good intentions.
Redemption of Foreclosed Property: Full Payment Within Period Is Required
Partial payments during the redemption period do not constitute valid redemption; full tender of the redemption price is required.
Redemption Rights and Bank Foreclosures: What GE Money Bank v. Spouses Dizon Teaches Us
Partial payments during the redemption period do not perfect a mortgagor's right to redeem foreclosed property, unless the bank's conduct clearly induces reliance.