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 Good Faith Can't Excuse Ignoring Red Flags in Government Projects
Supreme Court explains when courts can't stop government projects and why permits are privileges, not property rights.
Protecting Property Rights: Good Faith Mortgagees vs. Defective Titles in Philippine Law
Learn how Philippine courts protect good faith mortgagees from defective titles, and the legal safeguards for property rights.
VAT Refund Rights Real Property Inventory AND Transitional Input TAX Credit
Protecting Property Rights: Good Faith Purchasers vs Unregistered Claims
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on good faith purchasers, unregistered claims, and property rights under Article 1544 of the Civil Code.
Forged Signatures and Void Contracts: Protecting Property Rights in the Philippines
When is a deed of sale actually a mortgage? The Supreme Court explains equitable mortgage, forged signatures, and pactum commissorium.
Corporate Authority VS Stockholder Rights Upholding Property Sale Ratification IN Lopez Realty
Foreclosure Sales: The Impact of Non-Registration on Property Rights in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled that non-registration of a judicial foreclosure sale does not defeat the purchaser's rights.
Property Division After Void Marriages: The Barrido v. Nonato Ruling
Explaining how the Supreme Court divides property acquired during void marriages under Article 147 of the Family Code.
Co-Ownership and Good Faith: Understanding Property Rights in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that a co-owner can only sell their own share, and buyers must verify ownership of unregistered land.
Loan vs Donation: Proving Intent in Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when payments for another's property are loans, not donations, and the formal requirements for valid donations.
Res Judicata vs Ownership Claims: Understanding Property Disputes in the Philippines
A forcible entry ruling does not bar a later ownership-based recovery case. Learn the key distinctions from a 2014 Supreme Court decision.
Balancing Public Infrastructure and Private Property: Limits on Preliminary Injunctions
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may issue injunctions against government infrastructure projects under R.A. 8975.
Mortgage Disputes, Good Faith, and Final Judgments in Philippine Foreclosure
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on mortgage foreclosure, good faith of banks, and the finality of judgments in property disputes.
Mergers and Documentary Stamp Tax: Clarifying Tax Obligations in Corporate Restructuring
The Supreme Court clarifies when documentary stamp tax applies to property transfers in corporate mergers under the National Internal Revenue Code.
Fraudulent Land Titles: Possession Trumps Indefeasibility Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court rules that Torrens title indefeasibility cannot shield fraud when rightful owners remain in possession of the property.
Dismissal Without Prejudice and Just Compensation: When Court Deference Prevails in Attorney Conduct Cases
When an expropriation case is dismissed without prejudice, just compensation must still be based on the property's value at the time of taking, not at the filing of a later damages suit.
Just Compensation in Expropriation: When the Value Is Fixed at the Time of Taking
Explains the Supreme Court ruling that just compensation in expropriation is based on property value at the time of taking, not at filing of a later damages suit.
Just Compensation for Expropriated Property: Value at Taking, Not Later Filing
Supreme Court clarifies that just compensation for expropriated property is based on value at the time of taking, not at filing of a later damages case.
Good Faith and Land Titles: When Forged Deeds Void Property Ownership
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on forged deeds, good faith buyers, and why Torrens titles from fraudulent sales can be cancelled.
Appraisal Value vs. Foreclosure: Property Valuation Disputes in Mortgage Foreclosure
When can courts override government appraisals in agrarian reform? The Supreme Court clarifies just compensation rules and valuation standards.
Divorce AND Property Rights Protecting Marital Unions IN THE Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on divorce and property rights, protecting marital unions under Philippine law.
Challenging Evidence in IP Cases: When Can You Question a Search?
Learn when courts allow motions to suppress evidence in intellectual property cases, and the procedural traps that can sink a challenge.
Breach of Contract: Conditional Sales, Contracts to Sell, and the Right to Rescind
Understand when a buyer's non-payment lets a seller cancel a property deal, and the difference between a conditional sale and a contract to sell.
Forged Signatures and Void Sales: Protecting Conjugal Property Rights in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court nullified a sale based on forged signatures, protecting conjugal property and heirs' rights under Philippine law.