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 Property Rights Clash: Can a Claim for Damages Survive a Mooted Injunction
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains when a damages claim survives even after the main injunction case becomes moot.
Property Rights and Nuisance: Balancing Interests in Land Use Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when land use becomes a nuisance, when it can be abated, and how courts balance competing property rights.
Good Faith vs Due Diligence: Protecting Land Titles in the Philippines
When can a forged land title become valid? The Supreme Court explains the limits of good faith and due diligence for property buyers.
Default Judgments and Due Process: Proving Ownership Claims in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that default judgments still require proof of claims, and bare allegations cannot establish ownership of property.
Partition Rights CO Ownership VS Prior Judgment IN Philippine Property LAW
Supreme Court clarifies that a default judgment cannot substitute for proof of co-ownership, and a tax declaration alone does not establish title.
Writ of Possession and Third-Party Rights in Extrajudicial Foreclosure Sales
When can a writ of possession be issued despite a third party's possession of foreclosed property? The Supreme Court clarifies the rule.
When a Writ of Possession Is Ministerial: The Sombilon Case on Foreclosure and Lawyers' Purchase Limits
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts must issue writs of possession after foreclosure and whether lawyers may buy property from banks.
Exclusive Ownership vs Successional Rights: Clarifying Property Claims in Inheritance Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when heirs acquire rights to property and how titles describe ownership in inheritance disputes.
When Tolerated Use Ends: Establishing Ownership Rights Over School Property
Supreme Court ruling on tolerated possession, laches, and ownership rights when government uses private land for schools.
Squatters Rights vs Government Housing Programs When Occupancy Doesnt Guarantee Ownership
Explore the 2014 Supreme Court ruling on corporate dissolution and property rights in Alabang Corporation v. Alabang Hills Village Association.
Mortgaging Co-Owned Property: Limits on a Co-Owner's Authority
A co-owner cannot mortgage or encumber the entire co-owned property without the consent of all other co-owners. This article explains the limits of a co-owner's authority under Philippine law.
Lease Agreements and Inheritance: What Tenants Should Know About Property Transfers
A lessee's occupancy does not create a vested right to buy property. Learn the limits of tenant rights when ownership changes.
Estafa and Inflation: Supreme Court on Disproportionate Penalties in Property Crimes
The Supreme Court explains why courts cannot adjust estafa penalties for inflation and what Article 5 of the Revised Penal Code requires instead.
Unraveling Implied Trusts Protecting Family Interests in Property Disputes
The Supreme Court explains implied resulting trusts in family property disputes, clarifying prescription, parol evidence, and ownership rights.
Conditional Sale vs Contract to Sell: Protecting Property Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the crucial difference between a conditional sale and a contract to sell, and why buyers must pay the full price to own property.
When Utility Inspectors Enter Private Homes: Abuse of Rights and Unreasonable Search Claims
Explaining when utility inspections of private property are lawful, and when they may give rise to damages for abuse of rights.
Land Registration by Acquisitive Prescription: The Need for Patrimonial Property Status
Learn why land registration under Section 14(2) of PD 1529 requires proof that the land was patrimonial property at the start of possession.
Land Registration Under Section 14(2): The Patrimonial Property Requirement
The Supreme Court clarifies when alienable public land becomes private property subject to acquisition by prescription under PD 1529.
Property Disputes: Jurisdiction and Estoppel in Free Patent Repurchase Cases
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on RTC jurisdiction over free patent repurchase actions and the principle of jurisdiction by estoppel.
Proving Alienable and Disposable Land Status for Title Registration
Land registration requires proof the property is alienable and disposable public land—possession alone is not enough.
Nominal Damages Liability of a Third Party Transferee in Property Disputes
A third-party buyer of property cannot be held liable for nominal damages unless it violated the plaintiff's rights.
When Can a Property Buyer Be Liable in a Forcible Entry Case?
The Supreme Court rules that a subsequent buyer of property cannot be held liable for nominal damages unless it violated the plaintiff's rights.
Indispensable Parties Protecting Lienholder Rights IN Property Disputes
When the government takes private land for public use, it must pay just compensation—even if the owner once reserved the lot for road widening.
Just Compensation Required When Government Takes Private Property for Roads
Supreme Court rules government must pay just compensation for private property taken for road widening, not demand donation under PD 1529.