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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Newspaper Circulation and Foreclosure: Ensuring Public Notice in Property Sales
Supreme Court nullifies foreclosure sale because notice was published in a newspaper not circulated in the city where the property was located.
Good Faith and Land Sales: Protecting the True Landowner in Philippine Property Law
The Supreme Court clarifies that Torrens titles are not proof of ownership, and that a Filipino buyer can cure a flawed land sale from an alien.
Defining the Employer: Coca-Cola's Control Over Contracted Salesmen
When is a contractor a labor-only contractor? The Supreme Court clarifies employer liability and control over contracted salesmen.
Perfected Sales Obligations Arise Upon Delivery Despite Documentation Disputes
Supreme Court clarifies that delivery of goods perfects a sale, making payment due even if invoices and purchase orders are disputed.
Drug Sale Conviction Affirmed: Entrapment Evidence and Legal Presumptions in Shabu Cases
Supreme Court affirms drug sale and possession conviction, explaining buy-bust operations, entrapment evidence, and presumptions in Philippine drug cases.
Real Action vs Annulment: How Courts Determine Proper Docket Fees in Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when an annulment of sale case is a real action requiring higher docket fees based on property value.
Redemption Rights When A Sale Disguises A Loan Equity Prevails
When a bank finances a subdivision project, it cannot ignore buyers who already paid for lots. The Supreme Court explains why.
Drug Sale Conviction Upheld: Minor Inconsistencies Do Not Undermine Police Testimony
The Supreme Court affirms drug sale and possession convictions, ruling that minor inconsistencies in police testimony do not impair credibility.
Brokers Entitlement Commission Rights Despite Sale Circumvention
Redemption Rights in Foreclosure Sales: Scope and Transferability Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies the scope of redemption rights in extrajudicial foreclosure sales and when such rights may be validly transferred.
Equitable Mortgage: When an Absolute Sale Is Really a Loan Security
The Supreme Court explains when a deed of absolute sale is actually an equitable mortgage, and what parties must do to recover property.
Equitable Mortgage vs Sale: How Philippine Law Protects Landowners from Unfair Deals
The Supreme Court ruled that a deed of sale can be treated as an equitable mortgage, protecting landowners from transactions that secretly secure a debt.
When Actions to Nullify Deeds of Sale Based on Fraud Do Not Prescribe
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that actions to declare void contracts, like deeds of sale tainted by fraud or lack of consent, are imprescriptible.
Prior Physical Possession in Ejectment Cases: Sales v. Barro
Why owners must allege prior physical possession in forcible entry cases, and how jurisdiction depends on the complaint's allegations.
Heirship Rights vs. Execution Sales: Protecting Inherited Property in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court protects heirs' rights when inherited property faces competing claims, and what the Dela Cruz ruling means for Filipino families.
Family Home Exempt from Execution: When Courts Must Inquire Before Levy and Sale
Supreme Court voids execution sale of alleged family home, requiring trial courts to conduct proper inquiry before levying exempt properties.
Conditional Sales and Inheritance Rights: Resolving Land Ownership Disputes in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts resolve land disputes involving conditional sales, inheritance, and registration requirements under the Public Land Act.
Perfected Contract of Sale vs. Writ of Preliminary Attachment: Balancing Obligations with Due Process
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a contract of sale is perfected and when a writ of preliminary attachment may be improperly issued.
Entrapment vs Frame-Up: Proving Illegal Drug Sale Beyond Reasonable Doubt
The Supreme Court explains the difference between valid buy-bust entrapment and a mere frame-up in drug cases, and what evidence convicts.
Mortgage Foreclosure Minor Errors IN Notice DO NOT Necessarily Void THE Sale
Breach of Warranty in Realty Sale: Buyer Entitled to Reduced Purchase Price
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on breach of warranty in realty sales and the buyer's right to proportionate price reduction.
Warranty Against Eviction in Car Sales: Buyer's Duty to Verify Ownership
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on warranty against eviction, prescription periods, and buyer's duty to verify ownership in used car sales.
Entrapment vs Instigation: Defining the Line in Philippine Drug Sale Cases
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies the difference between valid entrapment and prohibited instigation in illegal drug sale cases under RA 9165.
Adverse Claims and Good Faith: Protecting Prior Rights in Property Sales
When an adverse claim annotated on a title protects a prior buyer against a later attaching creditor, and why good faith matters.