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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Equitable Mortgage vs Absolute Sale: What Philippine Courts Look For
When is a deed of sale really a mortgage? The Supreme Court explains the rules on equitable mortgage in Cirelos v. Hernandez.
Interest on Maritime Liens in the Philippines: When Does the Clock Start Ticking?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when legal interest on a maritime lien begins to accrue—from extrajudicial demand, not from foreclosure sale.
Double Sale of Property in the Philippines: Why Registration and Good Faith Are Your Best Protection
Learn how Philippine law resolves double sales of property and why timely registration and good faith determine ownership.
Contract to Sell vs. Contract of Sale: Why Consent on Payment Terms Matters
The Supreme Court clarifies when a property agreement is a contract to sell, not a sale, and why consent on payment terms is decisive.
Writ of Possession: What Foreclosure Sale Purchasers Should Know
Understanding the writ of possession in extrajudicial foreclosure sales, and why courts issue it as a ministerial duty to the purchaser.
Unmasking Fraud in Property Deals: Supreme Court Clarifies Burden of Proof
The Supreme Court clarifies that fraud in property sales must be proven with clear evidence, not bare allegations.
Forged Deeds and Property Rights: Protecting Your Land Title in the Philippines
A forged deed cannot transfer ownership. Learn how Philippine courts protect registered landowners from fraudulent sales.
Tax Declaration vs. Deed of Sale: Proving Land Ownership in the Philippines
A tax declaration annotation is not proof of land ownership. Learn what documents legally establish title under Philippine law.
Upholding Notarized Deeds: Why Mere Denial Isnt Enough in Philippine Property Disputes
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that a notarized deed of sale cannot be overturned by a seller's bare denial, explaining the burden of proof in property disputes.
Navigating Anti-Graft Laws in Philippine Government Transactions: Good Faith and Due Diligence
Learn how Philippine courts apply good faith and due diligence standards in government asset sales under the Anti-Graft Law.
Equitable Mortgage vs Pacto de Retro Sale: Philippine Real Estate Security Rules
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a deed of sale with right to repurchase is actually an equitable mortgage, protecting borrowers from losing property.
Rescission of Real Estate Sales: Understanding Breach of Contract and Third Party Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on who may sue for rescission of real estate contracts, real party in interest rule, and implied trusts under Article 1448.
Meeting of Minds in Property Sales: Why Price Agreement Is Key in Philippine Contracts
Philippine contract law requires a meeting of minds on price for property sales. Learn from a Supreme Court ruling on consent and judicial ethics.
Equitable Mortgage vs Absolute Sale: Protecting Your Property Rights in the Philippines
When is a deed of absolute sale actually an equitable mortgage? Philippine law protects borrowers who sign sale documents to secure loans.
Area vs Boundaries in Philippine Property Sales: What Buyers Must Know
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when stated land area prevails over boundaries in property sales, and when price adjustments apply.
Estafa When A Cancelled Property Sale Leads TO Criminal Liability
Succession in Lease Agreements: Heirs' Obligations and Contractual Liabilities
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on lease succession, heirs' obligations, and contractual liabilities in property sales with boundaries.
Good Faith in Property Sales: Protecting Buyers From Fraudulent Land Titles
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on void reconstituted titles and the rights of innocent purchasers for value in property sales.
Co-Owner Redemption Rights: When Actual Knowledge Overrides Written Notice
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on legal redemption rights of co-owners, actual knowledge vs written notice, and laches in property sales.
Sheriff’s Duties and the Boundaries of Conduct in Foreclosure Sales
A sheriff’s fee demand before an auction can breach decorum. The Court fines a sheriff for conduct that put the judiciary in a compromising light.
Forum Shopping One Bite at the Apple in Philippine Courts
Learn how the Supreme Court barred a co-owner's legal redemption claim for being filed seven years after actual knowledge of the sale, applying laches and the relaxed written notice rule.
Contractual Obligations: When Agreed Interest Rates in Land Sales Are Upheld
The Supreme Court upheld a 24% annual interest rate in an installment land sale, ruling that parties are bound by their contract absent any legal prohibition.
Seafarer Disability Claims: When Repatriation Doesn't End Your Rights
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that seafarers repatriated due to vessel sale may still claim disability benefits under POEA contract.
Land Dispute Prior Rights Fraud Allegations IN Property Sales
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on land disputes, prior rights, and fraud allegations in property sales explained for everyday readers.