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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Duty to Republish Notice in Extrajudicial Foreclosure: A Sheriff's Essential Obligation
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that rescheduling an extrajudicial foreclosure sale requires republication of the notice, or the sale is invalid.
When Is a Sales Manager Personally Liable for Company Debts? Agency Rules Explained
Philippine Supreme Court explains when an agent or sales manager can be held personally liable for company obligations under Article 1897.
Writ OF Possession Ministerial Duty VS Redemption Rights IN Foreclosure Sales
Buy-Bust Conviction Affirmed: Court Upholds Life Sentence for Shabu Sale
Supreme Court affirms life imprisonment for two women caught selling shabu in a buy-bust operation, ruling prosecution proved guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Public Land vs Private Rights: Resolving Fishpond Ownership Disputes in the Philippines
Supreme Court ruling on fishpond sales patents, public land classification, and the limits of government reversion actions.
Lump Sum Land Sales: Boundaries vs. Area Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on land sales, tenancy, and why property boundaries matter more than area in lump sum transactions.
Double Sale and Estafa: When a Land Transaction Can Lead to Criminal Charges
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a double sale of land becomes estafa, requiring deceit and damage, not mere breach of contract.
Contract to Sell vs Contract of Sale: Key Differences and Buyer Protections in Philippine Real Estate
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between a contract to sell and a contract of sale, and what it means for buyers and sellers.
Double Sale in the Philippines: How Good Faith and Prior Knowledge Decide Property Rights
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on double sale: a second buyer who registers first but knows of the first sale acts in bad faith and loses.
Double Sale of Land in the Philippines: Bad Faith Registration and Ejectment Rights
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on double sale of land: bad faith registration cannot defeat the first buyer's right to possession.
Equitable Mortgage in Philippine Law: When a Sale Is Not Really a Sale
Learn how Philippine courts treat contracts that appear as sales but are actually loans secured by property, and what equitable mortgage means for property owners.
Loss of Trust and Confidence: When an Employer's Dismissal Is Justified
The Supreme Court clarifies the legal standard for dismissing managerial employees based on loss of trust and confidence in Norsk Hydro v. Rosales.
Loss of Trust and Confidence: When Philippine Employers Can Validly Dismiss Employees
In Norsk Hydro v. Rosales, the Supreme Court upheld dismissal for loss of trust and confidence — but only with substantial proof and proper notice and hearing.
Dation in Payment and Perfected Contracts of Sale Under Philippine Law
When is a deposit earnest money? This case explains when a contract of sale is perfected and why a bank's qualified acceptance was only a counter-offer.
Perfected Contract of Sale: The Necessity of Unequivocal Agreement on Price and Terms in Real Estate Transacti
Learn how Philippine courts treat contracts of sale, emphasizing the need for clear agreement on price and terms to avoid disputes.
When Is a Contract of Sale Perfected? Lessons from Villanueva v. PNB
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when offers, counter-offers, and deposits create—or fail to create—a binding contract of sale.
Lost Deals: Why a Vague "Yes" Isn't Enough to Seal a Property Sale in the Philippines
A buyer's "conforme" to a seller's price without agreeing on payment terms is only a counter-offer. Learn from Villanueva v. PNB.
Protecting Your Property: Why Notice Is Crucial in Philippine Tax Sales
Learn how the Supreme Court nullified a tax sale for lack of proper notice to the true owner, and what this means for property buyers and owners in the Philippines.
Rescission Rights in Pacto de Retro Sales: When Can a Seller Reclaim Property
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a seller can rescind a pacto de retro sale and reclaim property from a defaulting buyer.
Sheriff's Duties in Execution Sales: Lessons from PNB Madecor v. Cachero
A sheriff's misconduct in an execution sale leads to dismissal. Learn the rules on levies, bids, and redemption.
Double Sale: Good Faith Registration Prevails Only Without Knowledge of Prior Claims
In a double sale, first registration wins only if done in good faith. Learn the rule from De la Cena v. Briones.
Interest on Loans and the Necessity of Written Agreements for Enforceability
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on double sales, good faith, and why written contracts matter for property and loan enforceability.
Novation in Property Sales: When a Deed of Absolute Sale Supersedes a Conditional Sale
Explaining when a later deed of absolute sale novates or supersedes an earlier conditional sale, based on a Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
Co-Owner's Sale of Undivided Share: When a Second Sale Is Void
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on co-ownership, double sale, and reconveyance actions. Learn the rules on land titles and fraud.