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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Revoking a Land Surrender: When Is an Affidavit Final Under Agrarian Law
A landowner's affidavit surrendering property under PD 27 is binding unless timely revoked; learn the rules on waiver and laches.
Conjugal Property Support Illegitimate Children Family Code Rules
Supreme Court clarifies when conjugal property may be levied to satisfy support obligations for illegitimate children under the Family Code.
Proof of Alienability Required: Land Registration Denied Without Government Certification
Supreme Court denies land registration where applicant failed to prove the property was alienable and disposable public land.
Expropriation of Small Lots Upheld: The Limits of RA 7279's Exemption Rule
Supreme Court clarifies when small property owners may be exempt from expropriation, and the prospective effect of RA 7279.
When Property Is Conjugal: Support Debts and the Right Appeal Route
A wife's attempt to shield a titled lot from execution for her husband's child support debt fails on procedure and property law.
When Landlocked Property Demands Passage: Establishing a Legal Right of Way in the Philippines
Philippine law allows landlocked owners to demand a right of way, but only after meeting four strict requirements. Learn the rules from a Supreme Court ruling.
Contractual Obligations and Third Party Rights in Property Lease Disputes
Supreme Court ruling on when lease penalties bind only contracting parties, not property owners who are third parties to the contract.
Double Sale of Immovable Property: Good Faith as the Decisive Factor in Land Ownership Disputes
Learn how good faith determines ownership in double sale cases under Philippine law, and what buyers must do to protect their property rights.
Government Liability When Illegal Land Seizure Requires Just Compensation
Supreme Court ruling on government liability for illegally seized property, default judgments, and limits on monetary awards.
Real Property Tax Exemption: Government Instrumentalities vs. Beneficial Use by Private Entities
When does a government agency's real property tax exemption end? The Supreme Court clarifies the rule on leased government properties.
LIS Pendens Protecting Real Property Rights IN Loan Disputes
Bigamous Marriage and Property Rights: When No Contribution Means No Co-Ownership
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on property acquired during a bigamous marriage and the crucial role of actual contribution in determining ownership.
Partitioning Property Understanding Co-Ownership and Heirs' Rights in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine law resolves double sales of inherited property, the role of registration, and heirs' rights in co-ownership disputes.
Double Sale of Land: Priority of Registered Title in Good Faith
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on double sale of land: who owns the property when the same parcel is sold twice.
Trademark Rights vs Registration: Resolving Unfair Competition Claims
The Supreme Court clarifies how trademark registration and actual use affect unfair competition claims under the Intellectual Property Code.
48-Hour Notice Rule in Security Contracts: Rights and Responsibilities
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the 48-hour notice rule in security service contracts and when agencies may be held liable for property loss.
Eminent Domain vs Land Titles: When Government Delay Fortifies Private Property Rights
Supreme Court ruling on how government delay in paying just compensation and registering expropriated land strengthens private landowners' Torrens titles.
Uninterrupted Possession Acquiring Property Rights Through Acquisitive Prescription
Explore how extraordinary acquisitive prescription works under Philippine law, using a Supreme Court ruling on adverse possession.
Writ of Possession Protecting Heirs' Rights in Undivided Estates
Learn how the Supreme Court protects compulsory heirs when a foreclosed property is subject to a writ of possession in an undivided estate.
Sheriffs Must Follow Auction Sale and Redemption Rules Strictly
A sheriff's failure to follow Rule 39 procedures on auction sales and property redemption constitutes simple neglect of duty, warranting suspension.
Inheritance Disputes: Redemption, Co-Ownership, and Prescription in Family Estates
When one heir redeems family property, does she own it? The Supreme Court clarifies co-ownership, prescription, and reimbursement rules.
Revival of Judgment and Venue: When Real Property Interests Determine the Proper Court
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on where to file an action to revive a judgment involving real property, and why venue depends on the nature of the underlying action.
Jurisdictional Thresholds in Property Disputes: Alleging Assessed Value Is a Must
In property disputes, the complaint must allege the assessed value of the property to determine whether the RTC or MTC has jurisdiction.
Contract to Sell vs Contract of Sale: How Ownership Transfers in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains the key difference between a contract to sell and a contract of sale, and when property ownership actually transfers.