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.
Theft or Mistake: Gauging Intent in Employee Dismissal Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when an employee's taking of company property constitutes theft justifying dismissal, and when it is merely a mistake.
Marital Consent IS KEY Voiding Property Sales Without Spousal Agreement
Learn when a sale of conjugal property without spousal consent can be voided under Philippine law, and what buyers must check.
Assignment of Credit vs. Assumption of Liability: Clarifying a Bank's Role in Property Development
When a bank buys a developer's receivables, does it inherit the developer's obligations to buyers? The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction.
Land Registration Requires Impeccable Proof of Alienability
The Supreme Court nullified a land registration judgment where applicants failed to present documentary proof that the property was alienable and disposable public land.
Quieting Title and Fake Titles in Philippine Real Property Disputes
Learn how Philippine courts void fake titles in quieting title cases, using the CLT Realty vs. Phil-Ville Maysilo Estate ruling.
Writ of Possession for Subsequent Purchasers After Foreclosure: Key Rules
Learn when a subsequent buyer of foreclosed property can obtain a writ of possession and the procedural requirements under Philippine law.
Right of Way in the Philippines: Balancing Landowner Rights and Property Isolation
The Supreme Court explains when a compulsory easement of right of way may be granted, and why mere inconvenience does not justify imposing a burden on a neighbor's property.
Res Judicata Bars Repeat Lawsuits Over the Same Ejectment Dispute
A final judgment on the merits, even if later found erroneous, bars a second ejectment suit involving the same parties, property, and cause of action.
Expiration of Redemption Rights: Upholding Property Rights After Failure to Redeem
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on redemption period expiration, property rights, and consequences of failing to redeem within statutory period.
Public Dominion Property Cannot Be Levied on Execution: Water District Wins
Supreme Court rules water works systems are public dominion property, exempt from execution and auction sale in labor cases.
Public Use Prevails: Water System Properties Cannot Be Seized for Private Debts
Supreme Court rules water works systems devoted to public use are property of public dominion, exempt from levy and auction sale.
Earnest Money and Perfected Sales: When Payment Cannot Bind a Reluctant Seller
The Supreme Court explains when earnest money cannot create a binding contract of sale, protecting property owners from irregular payment schemes.
Upholding Property Rights When Caretaking Doesnt Equal Tenancy
The Supreme Court clarifies when a caretaker is not a tenant, and why the regular courts, not the DARAB, have jurisdiction over ejectment.
Writ of Possession for Subsequent Purchasers After Extrajudicial Foreclosure
The Supreme Court clarifies that a buyer who purchases foreclosed property from the auction winner may seek a writ of possession.
Grave Misconduct Requires Proof of Wrongful Intent, Not Just a Flawed Revaluation
When is a bad property valuation grave misconduct? The Supreme Court clarifies the evidence needed to hold public officers liable.
Mandamus and Property Rights: Court Orders for Possession Have Limits
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why a writ of possession cannot be issued in a mandamus case, and the proper remedy for winning bidders.
Attorney Suspended for Misusing Client Funds and Negligence in Title Transfer
A lawyer's two-year suspension for mishandling client funds and negligence in property title transfer, and the ethical rules violated.
Ejectment vs Ownership: Defining Jurisdiction in Philippine Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a property dispute is ejectment or an ownership action, and limits RTC appellate powers.
Priority OF Registered Levy Over Unregistered Sale Protecting Creditors Rights IN Property Disputes
Mistake vs Malice: When Honest Error Defeats Theft Charges in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains when honest mistake negates criminal intent in theft cases, acquitting a man who cut trees on the wrong property.
Balancing Public Safety and Private Property Access Rights on Limited Access Highways
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on property owners' rights to access limited access highways like NLEX, balancing police power and private interests.
PEZA Exempt From Local Property Taxes: Key SC Ruling Explained
The Supreme Court ruled PEZA is exempt from real property taxes as a government instrumentality. Learn the legal basis and implications.
PEZA Tax Exemption: Instrumentality of National Government and Real Property Tax
Supreme Court rules PEZA is exempt from real property tax as an instrumentality of the national government, clarifying local taxing limits.
Unlawful Detainer and Possession Rights in Philippine Property Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when a case is unlawful detainer versus accion publiciana, and why the complaint's allegations determine jurisdiction.