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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Enforcing a Philippine Judgment: Time Limits, Property Levies, and Revival
Learn the 5-year rule for executing judgments in the Philippines, how to revive a dormant judgment, and what property a sheriff can levy.
When a MOA Becomes a Binding Contract: Lessons from a Property Sale Dispute
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a Memorandum of Agreement becomes a binding contract of sale, and why parties cannot later disavow it.
Priority of Registered Levy vs Prior Unregistered Sale in Philippine Property Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a registered levy on execution beats a prior unregistered sale, and when it does not.
Contract to Sell vs Contract of Sale: Adverse Claims on Philippine Property Titles
Learn how the Supreme Court distinguishes contract to sell from contract of sale, and when adverse claims on land titles are valid under PD 1529.
Defective Summons and Due Process in Property Disputes: Key Lessons from Spouses Abayon v. BPI
The Supreme Court clarifies when defective summons is cured by voluntary appearance and when courts violate due process in property disputes.
Adverse Claims on Registered Land: When They Can and Cannot Be Annotated
The Supreme Court clarifies when an adverse claim on registered land is valid, and when it must be cancelled under Philippine property law.
Priority of Registered Levy vs. Prior Unregistered Sale in Property Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when a prior unregistered sale beats a later registered levy on execution, and the rules on service of summons by publication.
Defective Summons and Voluntary Appearance: Due Process in Property Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when defective extraterritorial summons can be cured by voluntary appearance—and why due process still protects the defendant.
Corporate Dissolution and Property Rights: Real Party in Interest in Unlawful Detainer Cases
When a corporation's registration is revoked, its assets don't automatically pass to a new entity. Learn the real party in interest rule.
Litis Pendentia and Final Judgment: Preventing Relitigation of Property Ownership
A final ruling on property ownership in one case bars a later suit on the same issue, even if the form of action differs.
Interest on Just Compensation in Philippine Expropriation: The Tamparong Rule
The Supreme Court clarifies the legal interest rates on unpaid just compensation in expropriation cases, protecting landowners' property rights.
Indispensable Parties: Why an Estate Administrator Is Not Always Required in Property Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when an estate administrator is an indispensable party in property disputes, and the limits of raising new issues on appeal.
Conjugal Property vs Separate Insurance: When a Spouse's Death Does Not Pay Off the Mortgage
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a mortgage redemption insurance payout applies after a spouse's death, and how conjugal property is determined.
Prescription in Property Disputes: The Necessity of Trial for Determining the Validity of Land Sales
When is a land sale valid despite an injunction? The Supreme Court clarifies perfection of contracts and the need for trial.
Prescription in Property Disputes: Clarifying the Need for Trial on the Merits in Reconveyance Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when prescription bars reconveyance actions and why trial on the merits remains essential in property disputes.
Forged Signatures and Conjugal Property: Protecting Your Rights in Real Estate Mortgages
A foreclosure case dismissed for lack of jurisdiction teaches homeowners how to challenge defective mortgages and protect conjugal property.
Foreclosure Jurisdiction: Assessed Value of Property Determines the Proper Court
In foreclosure suits, the property's assessed value—not the loan amount—determines which court has jurisdiction. Learn from a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Possession Rights Balancing Property Sales AND Building Occupation
Supreme Court ruling on when a buyer of land can keep occupying a building pending title issuance, and when attorney's fees are unwarranted.
When Can a City Demand Access to Private Property? The Caloocan Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when local governments may demand access to private roads, balancing public service duties against property rights.
Heirship in Property Disputes: Can Ordinary Civil Actions Decide Inheritance?
The Supreme Court clarifies when heirship can be resolved in an ordinary civil action, not just special proceedings, for property disputes.
Confiscation of Property and Due Process Rights of Third-Party Owners
When can the government confiscate a vehicle used in illegal logging? The Supreme Court clarifies the due process rights of third-party owners.
Confiscation of Property: Balancing Government Authority and Due Process Rights
Explore how the Supreme Court balances state power to recover ill-gotten wealth against constitutional due process and prescription rights.
Surrender of Title and Duplicate Certificates in Property Disputes: Key Lessons from Manarin v. Manarin
When can a court compel surrender of a duplicate title? The Supreme Court clarifies remedies under P.D. 1529 in property disputes.
Mortgage in Good Faith vs True Owner: Navigating Philippine Property Law
Explore the Supreme Court's ruling on mortgagee in good faith versus true owner rights in Philippine property disputes.