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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Contract of Sale vs Piece of Work: Subcontractor Rights Under Article 1729
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a supply agreement is a piece of work, giving subcontractors direct claims against project owners.
Conditional Sales of Land: Upholding Contractual Obligations in Real Estate Transactions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on foreclosure, redemption rights, and the consequences of failing to prosecute a case for injunction.
Equitable Mortgage vs Sale with Right to Repurchase: Protecting Borrowers in Property Deals
When is a "sale with right to repurchase" actually an equitable mortgage? The Supreme Court explains the legal tests protecting vulnerable borrowers.
Equitable Mortgage vs Absolute Sale: Protecting Vulnerable Parties in Property Transactions
When is a deed of sale really a loan? The Supreme Court explains how courts look beyond documents to protect vulnerable parties.
Equitable Mortgage vs Absolute Sale: Protecting Vulnerable Grantors in Property Transactions
When a deed of absolute sale is actually an equitable mortgage, courts look at intent and circumstances, not just the document's title.
When a Land Sale Contract Is Voidable: Illiteracy, Fraud, and Equitable Mortgage in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a deed of absolute sale is actually an equitable mortgage, protecting illiterate landowners from fraud.
Upholding Priority Rights: The Lessee's Right of First Refusal in Property Sales
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on a lessee's right of first refusal, its enforceability against heirs, and remedies for breach.
Sheriffs Duty Proper Notice AND Venue IN Execution Sales
A sheriff who changed auction venue without proper notice was held liable for simple neglect of duty. Know the rules.
Land Transfer Knowledge vs Registration in Agrarian Reform: Heirs of Hidalgo
Why unregistered land sales before PD 27 do not exempt property from Operation Land Transfer coverage.
Unregistered Land Sales and Agrarian Reform: The Limits of Ownership Transfer
When do unregistered property sales fail against agrarian reform coverage? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on land transfers and PD 27.
Foreclosure Validity: Proper Notice and Publication in Extrajudicial Sales
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies posting and publication requirements for valid extrajudicial foreclosure sales under Act No. 3135.
Express Trusts Upholding Beneficiaries Rights Despite Fictitious Sales
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on express trusts, beneficiaries' rights, and fictitious sales of property.
Protecting Land Titles: Good Faith Purchasers and Forgery in Property Sales
A Supreme Court ruling explains why a forged deed must be proven, not presumed, and how a registered owner's acts can protect an innocent buyer's title.
Loss of Trust and Confidence: When Temporary Assignment Does Not Justify Dismissal
Acting as a route salesman for three days did not make a driver-helper a trust-and-confidence employee, so dismissal was too harsh.
Upholding Public Trust: A Sheriff’s Liability for Unauthorized Foreclosure Sales
A sheriff who conducted foreclosure sales outside court authority was suspended for six months for breaching public trust in the judiciary.
PEZA VAT Refund: Zero-Rated Export Sales and Input Tax Credit Rights
Explaining CIR v. Cebu Toyo Corporation on PEZA enterprises' VAT refund rights for zero-rated export sales and unutilized input taxes.
Equitable Mortgage vs Pacto de Retro Sale: Property Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains the difference between equitable mortgage and pacto de retro sale, and why mortgagees cannot simply consolidate ownership.
Registered Mortgage Prevails Over Unregistered Sale Protecting Good Faith Purchasers
Mortgage in Good Faith: How Registered Mortgages Protect Lenders Despite Title Defects
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how registered mortgages protect lenders in good faith, even when prior unregistered sales exist.
Upholding Due Process in Execution Sales: Ensuring Fair Notice and Proportionality
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies sheriffs must follow Rule 141 procedures for execution expenses, ensuring due process and fair notice in levying properties.
Contract Validity: Illness and Consent in Property Sales Under Philippine Law
Supreme Court ruling on when illness affects consent in property sales, and the burden of proving lack of capacity to contract.
Unmasking Equitable Mortgages in the Philippines: A Guide for Property Buyers and Sellers
When is a deed of sale actually a loan? Learn how Philippine courts unmask equitable mortgages and protect property buyers and sellers.
Double Sale in the Philippines: Who Has the Better Right to the Property?
Philippine law on double sales explained: when a property is sold twice, good faith, registration, and possession decide who owns it.
Double Sales and Good Faith: Protecting Prior Rights in Property Disputes
When two sales of the same land occur, who wins? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on double sales and good faith.