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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Real Property Tax Refund: Illegality of Assessment and the Proper Claim Procedure
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that an invalid real property tax ordinance entitles taxpayers to refunds, but claims must follow the Local Government Code's procedure.
Just Compensation and Due Process: Protecting Landowners from Unjustified Government Taking
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on just compensation and due process in expropriation cases, protecting landowners' property rights.
Possession vs Ownership: Choosing the Right Court Action for Property Disputes
Learn from a Supreme Court case why possession and ownership require different legal actions, and why choosing the wrong remedy can be fatal.
Falsified Documents Can Transfer Property in the Philippines: The Legal Reality
Can forged deeds transfer land in the Philippines? Philippine law says no—but the legal system has limits. Learn the rules on falsified documents.
Land Registration and the Importance of Accurate Property Identification: Republic vs. Enriquez
A land registration case shows why accurate property identification is crucial, and how discrepancies in area can defeat a title application.
Torrens Title Indefeasibility Protection Against Collateral Attacks IN Property Disputes
Ejectment Actions Tolerance and the One-Year Filing Rule in Property Disputes
Learn how the one-year filing rule for ejectment cases works, and why mere allegations of tolerance are not enough in unlawful detainer suits.
Equitable Mortgage Intent Prevails Over Form in Property Transactions
In Romulo v. Layug, the Supreme Court ruled that a deed of absolute sale may be treated as an equitable mortgage when the parties intended it to secure a debt.
Tolerance Ends Unlawful Detainer AND Property Rights IN THE Philippines
When does tolerated possession become unlawful detainer? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on jurisdiction, demand, and ownership claims.
CO Ownership AND Laches Understanding Property Rights AND Delays IN Legal Claims IN THE Philippines
Equitable Mortgage vs Option to Buy: Distinguishing Intent in Property Transactions
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a sale with option to buy becomes an equitable mortgage, and the evidence needed to prove it.
Premature Partition: Estate Settlement Before Property Distribution
When heirs can and cannot demand partition of a decedent's property before estate settlement proceedings are completed.
Right of First Refusal in Property Sales: Understanding Legal Obligations
Learn how Philippine courts treat right of first refusal in property sales, including the rules on offers, counter-offers, and legal redemption.
Beyond Boundaries: How Erroneous Land Awards Undermine Property Rights and Due Process
When a buyer is evicted from purchased land, the proper remedy is warranty against eviction—not specific performance. This case explains why.
Warranty Against Eviction: Why Buyers Must Implead the Seller in Eviction Suits
Buyers who lose property to third-party claims must implead the seller in the eviction suit to enforce the warranty against eviction under Philippine law.
Structural Integrity vs Superficial Damage: What Property Buyers Must Know About Warranties
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies when cracks and leaks in a purchased property justify a refund or damages under the law.
Intestate Succession and Laches: Protecting Heirs' Rights to Family Property
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on heirs' rights to inherited property, extrajudicial settlement validity, and when laches cannot bar succession claims.
Real Property Tax Sales: Ensuring Proper Notice to Delinquent Owners
The Supreme Court clarifies the notice requirements for tax delinquency sales under P.D. 464, emphasizing strict compliance with statutory notice rules.
Challenging Land Titles: Understanding Extrinsic Fraud in Property Registration
The Supreme Court clarifies when fraud can void a land title—and why ordinary disputes over ownership are not enough.
Unmarried Couples Property Rights Understanding Co-Ownership in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine law treats property acquired by unmarried couples, including co-ownership rules, rights, and practical implications.
Unmarried Cohabitation and Property Rights in the Philippines: A Comprehensive Guide
Learn how Philippine law treats property acquired during unmarried cohabitation, including co-ownership rules, judicial separation, and practical legal tips.
Forcible Entry and Prior Possession: What Must Be Proven in Philippine Property Disputes
Learn how Philippine courts decide forcible entry cases by examining prior physical possession, evidence rules, and the limits of ownership claims.
Adverse Claims vs. Levy on Execution: Protecting Property Rights in the Philippines
Learn when an adverse claim can defeat a levy on execution in Philippine property law, based on a 2006 Supreme Court ruling.
Res Judicata in Philippine Land Disputes: Why a Reconstitution Case Doesn't Block Ownership Claims
A title reconstitution case doesn't settle ownership. Learn how res judicata applies in Philippine land disputes and protects your property rights.