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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
Buy-Bust Money Not Essential for Drug Conviction, Says Supreme Court
The Supreme Court clarifies that failure to present buy-bust money does not doom a drug prosecution if credible witnesses prove the sale.
Breach of Contract in Property Sales: Rights, Interest, and Damages Under Philippine Law
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling on unpaid property sale balances clarifies when nominal damages, attorney's fees, and 12% interest apply.
Waiver of Publication in Foreclosure Sales: Protecting Public Interest Over Private Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court rules parties cannot waive publication requirements in extrajudicial foreclosure sales under Act No. 3135.
Conditional Sales of Co-Owned Property: Understanding Consent and Obligations
Explore the Supreme Court's ruling on reconveyance actions, prescription periods, and the rights of buyers in conditional sales of co-owned property.
Entrapment vs Instigation: Safeguarding Rights in Drug Sale Cases
Learn the difference between valid entrapment and unlawful instigation in Philippine drug cases, and how courts protect accused persons' rights.
Boundaries Defined Resolving Land Disputes in Sales of Real Estate
Lessees cannot question a landlord's title to land, even if they claim the property belongs to the State.
Brokers Entitlement Procuring Cause VS Consummation OF Sale IN Real Estate Transactions
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a real estate broker earns commission—procuring cause vs actual sale consummation.
Co-Owner's Right of Redemption Does Not Apply to Sales to Another Co-Owner
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when co-owners may redeem property sold to third persons, and when the right does not arise.
Shifting Sands of Evidence: Drug Sale Convictions and the Weight of Testimony
A look at how the Supreme Court weighs conflicting police testimonies in drug busts, and why aggravating circumstances must be alleged in the information.
Priority of Registered Attachment Liens: Protecting Creditors in Real Property Sales
When a registered attachment lien beats an unregistered sale: lessons from Biñan Steel v. Garcia on creditor protection in Philippine property law.
Security of Tenure Prevails: Land Sales Do Not Override Tenant Rights Under Agrarian Reform
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how land sales cannot override tenant rights and security of tenure under agrarian reform laws.
Sale vs Promise to Sell: When Ownership Passes in Real Estate Deals
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the difference between a contract of sale and a promise to sell, and when ownership actually transfers to the buyer.
Registered Vehicle Owner Liable for Driver Negligence Despite Unregistered Sale
Philippine Supreme Court rules registered vehicle owners remain liable for driver negligence even after unregistered sale, protecting accident victims.
Upholding Mortgage Foreclosure Waiver and Estoppel in Property Redemption
A mortgagor who attempts to redeem foreclosed property waives defects in the foreclosure sale and is estopped from later challenging its validity.
Judge Fined for Acting as Real Estate Broker in Sale Within His Jurisdiction
A Philippine judge was fined for acting as a real estate broker in a sale within his jurisdiction, violating judicial conduct rules.
Notarization Is No Empty Ritual: Lessons from Rosales v. Ramos on Notarial Duties
A notary public who fails to record a notarized deed faces revocation and suspension. Learn the duties and consequences.
Questioned Signatures and Church Property: Forgery Must Be Proven, Not Presumed
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on forgery of signatures in a 1936 deed of sale involving church property, and the rules on handwriting evidence.
Lawyer Indefinitely Suspended for Dishonesty and Defying Court Processes
A lawyer who kept a client's sale proceeds, issued bad checks, and defied court orders was indefinitely suspended by the Supreme Court.
Automatic Membership in Property Associations: Upholding Contractual Obligations and Property Rights
Philippine Supreme Court rules that automatic membership clauses in deeds of sale bind successors-in-interest, who must pay association dues.
Proving Simulation of Property Sales: The Burden on Those Who Impugn a Deed
The Supreme Court clarifies when a notarized deed of sale may be declared simulated and who bears the burden of proof.
Challenging Contract Validity: Proving Simulation in Property Sales Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies the burden of proving simulated contracts in property sales, emphasizing that mere family relations do not prove simulation.
Drug Sale Consummation Delivery Trumps Payment Under the Dangerous Drugs Act
In People v. Rodriguez, the Supreme Court ruled that delivery of illegal drugs completes a drug sale even without payment. Learn the rules.
Dangerous Drugs Act: Delivery Completes the Crime Regardless of Payment
In People v. Rodriguez, the Supreme Court ruled that delivering illegal drugs completes the crime of sale even without payment.
Void Sales and Mortgagee Rights: Protecting Landowners From Fraudulent Transactions
Learn how Philippine courts protect landowners from fraudulent sales and mortgagee rights in property transactions.