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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Unraveling Inheritance Rights Filiation AND THE Validity OF Extrajudicial Settlements
A Supreme Court ruling on filiation, inheritance rights, and the validity of extrajudicial settlements and deeds of sale.
Sale vs Commodatum: Property Rights and Contractual Intent in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how to distinguish sale from commodatum, and why proving ownership in recovery actions requires clear evidence of title and identity.
Unregistered Sale vs Attachment Priority OF Rights IN Land Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on unregistered land sales, laches, and ownership rights in property disputes explained in plain language.
Unregistered Sale vs Attachment Priority OF Rights IN Land Disputes 2
When an unregistered deed of sale is valid between parties, laches can bar heirs from recovering property after decades of inaction.
When a Buyer’s Conditional Offer to Pay Becomes a Breach: Lessons from Velarde v. Raymundo
A buyer who offers to pay only if new conditions are met may be in breach, entitling the seller to rescind the sale.
Sheriffs Overreach Resolving Redemption Disputes And Abuse OF Authority IN Foreclosure Sales
A sheriff who resolved a redemption dispute and issued a certificate of redemption usurped judicial power, earning a six-month suspension.
When Double Sale of Land Tests Good Faith and Judicial Impartiality
A priest bought land twice sold; the Supreme Court clarifies good faith in double sales and the limits of judicial discretion.
Mortgage in Bad Faith: When a Bank's Claim Is Trumped by a Prior Sale
A bank that forecloses on property it knew was already sold to another buyer cannot claim good-faith protection. Here's why.
Sheriffs Duty Upholding Integrity AND Preventing Simulation IN Auction Sales
When Sheriffs Abuse Execution Sales: Accountability and the Rule of Law
A sheriff's dismissal for a simulated auction sale shows why court officers must follow execution rules strictly.
Beyond Reasonable Doubt Upholding Conviction IN Drug Sale AND Possession Despite Procedural Claims
Government Accountability Unauthorized Asset Sales and Recovery of Funds
The Supreme Court rules on the validity of unauthorized sales of sequestered assets and the government's obligation to return proceeds.
Entrapment vs Instigation: Due Process in Drug Sale Arrests
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies entrapment vs instigation in drug busts, affirming a buy-bust conviction for shabu sale.
Unmasking Simulated Sales Protecting Your Property Rights IN THE Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts handle simulated sales, void contracts, and derivative suits to protect your property and stockholder rights.
Disputes in Real Estate: Clarifying Intent in Land Sale Agreements
When buyers and sellers disagree on what land was sold, Philippine courts look to the parties' true intent, not just the written deed.
Simulated Sales and Illegitimate Transfers: Protecting Legitimate Heirs' Rights
When a father sells property to illegitimate children to defeat a legitimate heir's share, the sale may be void as simulated.
Due Process and Foreclosure: Protecting Debtor Rights in Property Sales
A Supreme Court ruling shows how procedural rules on venue protect property owners from baseless suits, and what it means for debtors facing foreclosure.
When Sheriffs Overstep: Excessive Levy, Irregular Auction Sales, and Public Trust
A sheriff's excessive levy and irregular auction sale of levied property lead to suspension—what the rules require.
Sheriff's Misconduct in Property Seizure: The Limits of Execution and Abuse of Authority
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on sheriff's excessive levy, irregular auction sale, and abuse of authority in enforcing writs of execution.
Equitable Mortgage VS Absolute Sale Protecting Property Rights IN Financial Distress
Reviving Redemption: Equitable Extension of Redemption Rights in Grossly Inadequate Foreclosure Sales
When can a court revive an expired right of redemption? The Supreme Court explains in Cometa v. Court of Appeals.
Conditional Sales and Probate Court Approval: Protecting Heirs' Rights in Estate Transactions
Learn how Philippine courts handle conditional sales of estate property, protecting heirs' shares while honoring valid contracts.
Buyer Beware: Understanding Delivery Delays and Liabilities in Philippine Sales Contracts
Learn how Philippine courts treat conditional sales, court approval requirements, and seller liability when property sales face delays.
Probate Court Approval of Estate Property Sales: Heirs of Sandejas v. Lina
When a deceased person contracted to sell property before death, the probate court can authorize its conveyance—here's what the Sandejas ruling means for heirs and buyers.