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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Perfected Contract of Sale: The Decisive Role of Clear Agreement on Price
A "suggested indicative price" is not a definite price. The Supreme Court explains when a contract of sale is perfected.
Property Transfers in Common-Law Relationships: Navigating Legal Restrictions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on property transfers to common-law spouses, void sales, and conjugal property rules explained.
Breach of Contract and Bad Faith: When Moral Damages Are Not Automatic in Sales Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that mere breach of contract does not justify moral damages absent proof of bad faith or fraud.
Double Sale Doctrine Prior Rights and the Impact of Contractual Breach
Explaining the double sale doctrine under Philippine law, prior registration rights, and how contractual breaches affect ownership claims.
Equitable Mortgage Intent Prevails Over Form in Property Transactions
In Romulo v. Layug, the Supreme Court ruled that a deed of absolute sale may be treated as an equitable mortgage when the parties intended it to secure a debt.
Equitable Mortgage vs Option to Buy: Distinguishing Intent in Property Transactions
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a sale with option to buy becomes an equitable mortgage, and the evidence needed to prove it.
Dishonesty and Due Process: When Breach of Trust Justifies Termination
Supreme Court affirms dismissal of sales clerk for unauthorized scrap metal sale, clarifying just cause and due process in Philippine labor law.
Right of First Refusal in Property Sales: Understanding Legal Obligations
Learn how Philippine courts treat right of first refusal in property sales, including the rules on offers, counter-offers, and legal redemption.
Equitable Mortgage vs Pacto de Retro: Protecting Borrowers' Rights
When is a sale with right to repurchase actually an equitable mortgage? The Supreme Court explains the legal presumption protecting borrowers.
Breach of Contract Upholding Rescission Rights in Land Sales
When a buyer defaults on a land sale agreement, the seller may validly rescind. The Supreme Court explains the limits of a buyer's right to demand execution of a contract.
Real Property Tax Sales: Ensuring Proper Notice to Delinquent Owners
The Supreme Court clarifies the notice requirements for tax delinquency sales under P.D. 464, emphasizing strict compliance with statutory notice rules.
Real Estate Foreclosure in the Philippines: Notice Requirements and Due Process
A look at Guanco v. Antolo and why strict notice and posting rules govern extrajudicial foreclosure sales in the Philippines.
Family Home Exemption: Claiming Protection Before the Execution Sale
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when and how judgment debtors must claim the family home exemption from execution sale.
Breach of Contract: Understanding Rescission in Real Estate Transactions
Learn how a defective foreclosure sale was voided by the Supreme Court and what it means for buyers and mortgagors.
VAT on Sale of Assets: When Is It "In the Course of Trade or Business"?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a sale of company assets is subject to VAT, requiring that the sale occur in the course of trade or business.
When Can a Sale Be Annulled? Lessons from Ishida v. De Mesa-Magno
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a sale can be annulled, and why courts cannot grant reliefs not prayed for in a complaint.
Documentary Stamp Tax on Foreign Exchange Sales: Who Pays
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on documentary stamp tax liability for foreign exchange sales to the Central Bank.
Co-Ownership Lost by Sale: Acquired Title Prevails Over Unasserted Heirship
When siblings sell inherited land without one heir, the buyer's 30-year possession can defeat the omitted heir's claim. Here's why.
Laches and Indigenous Land Rights: When Delaying a Claim Can Cost You Everything
A Supreme Court ruling shows that laches can bar recovery of ancestral land, even when a sale lacked required government approval.
VAT Zero-Rating for PEZA-Registered Enterprises: Tax Incentive Choices Clarified
PEZA firms choosing income tax holiday over 5% gross income tax remain VAT-registered and may claim zero-rated refunds on export sales.
Who Is in Delay in Reciprocal Obligations? Philippine Contract of Sale Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when delay begins in reciprocal obligations under a contract of sale, and why mutual default cancels out.
Quieting Title Actions Are Imprescriptible When Owner Is in Possession
A quieting of title action does not prescribe if the owner remains in possession, even after a void execution sale.
Due Process in Corporate Disputes: Prescription and Quieting of Title Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when actions to quiet title are imprescriptible, protecting possessors from wrongful execution sales.
Fraudulent Conveyance: When Property Sales Defeat Creditors' Rights
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a property sale is fraudulent against creditors and when creditors can rescind.