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 Pacto de Retro Sale: Protecting Property Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a sale with right to repurchase is actually an equitable mortgage, protecting property owners from unfair transactions.
Equitable Mortgage vs. Sale With Right to Repurchase: Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a "sale with right to repurchase" is actually an equitable mortgage, protecting borrowers from unfair foreclosure.
Receipts as Proof of Sale: Understanding Contract Perfection in Philippine Real Estate Law
When does a real estate sale become binding? The Supreme Court explains receipt requirements, fraud, and contract perfection in this Philippine case.
SEC vs Court Jurisdiction in Corporate Property Sales: Key Lessons from Saura v. Saura
When does a corporate dispute belong to the SEC rather than regular courts? The Supreme Court clarifies jurisdiction rules in Saura v. Saura.
Lost Your Property to Foreclosure? Know Your Rights to Proper Notice in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court protects borrowers from invalid foreclosure sales when banks fail to follow notice and publication rules.
Earnest Money Perfected Contracts Understanding Philippine Property Sale Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on earnest money, contract perfection, and rescission in property sales explained in plain language.
Simulated Co-Ownership and Legal Redemption: Understanding Implied Trusts in Philippine Property Law
When a deed of sale is simulated, no co-ownership arises, and the right of legal redemption does not apply. The Supreme Court explains implied trusts and their effect on property titles.
Unmasking Express Trusts in Philippine Property Law: Co-Ownership vs True Ownership
When a deed of sale is actually an express trust, the titled "owner" holds only as trustee. This case explains the difference.
Supreme Court Clarifies Penalty for Shabu Sale: Death Sentence Reduced to Reclusion Perpetua
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on drug sale penalties, conspiracy, buy-bust operations, and when death penalty is not automatic.
Car Plans in the Philippines: Lease or Installment Sale? Key Employee Rights and Employer Obligations
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on car plans: when a "lease" is really an installment sale, and what it means for employers and employees.
Demand Is Key: Understanding Rescission in Philippine Real Estate Sales
The Supreme Court explains when a buyer can still pay after missing a deadline in a property sale, and why demand for rescission matters.
Understanding Contracts of Sale vs Contracts to Sell in Philippine Property Law
Learn the key differences between contracts of sale and contracts to sell under Philippine law, and why the distinction matters for property buyers and sellers.
Time Is of the Essence: Prescription and Laches in Philippine Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how prescription and laches bar property claims filed decades after a sale with pacto de retro.
Unmasking Equitable Mortgages in the Philippines: When a Deed of Sale Isn’t Really a Sale
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a deed of absolute sale is actually an equitable mortgage, protecting borrowers from unfair land deals.
Maximize Tax Credits: Sales Tax on Packaging Materials vs. Miller's Tax in the Philippines
Learn when sales tax on packaging materials can be credited against miller's tax, based on a key Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
Validating Foreclosure Sales: Due Process and Property Rights in Philippine Law
A 1999 Supreme Court ruling explains when extrajudicial foreclosure sales are valid despite claims of defective notice, low price, or holiday sale.
Conditional Land Donations in the Philippines: Reversion Rights and Valid Sales
When a conditional land donation fails, when can the donor validly sell the property? The Supreme Court explains reversion rights.
Annulment of Property Sale: Protecting Your Rights Against Fraud in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts annul property sales obtained through fraud, using the landmark Archipelago v. Court of Appeals case as a guide.
When Can a Lawyer Buy a Client's Property? Philippine Law on Attorney-Client Deals
Philippine law restricts lawyers from buying property in litigation they handle, but not all client-property sales are barred. This case explains the limits.
Corporate Authority in Property Sales: Why Board Approval Matters in the Philippines
A corporate officer cannot sell company land without board approval. Learn the due diligence steps to protect your property transaction.
Ministerial Duty vs Discretion: When a Clerk of Court Must Act and the Consequences of Refusal
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a sheriff's duty to execute a deed of sale is purely ministerial, and the penalties for refusal.
Invalid Sheriff's Sale: Protecting Property Rights in Judgment Execution
Learn from Dayonot v. NLRC why a sheriff's lack of authority voids an auction sale and what it means for judgment execution.
Equitable Mortgage in Philippine Real Estate: Protecting Your Property Rights
When is a deed of sale actually an equitable mortgage? Learn how Philippine courts protect property owners from disguised loan transactions.
Void Deeds of Sale: Protecting the Vulnerable in Philippine Property Law
The Supreme Court explains when a deed of sale is void from the start, and why the vulnerable need protection.