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.
When a Right to Top Fails: Severability and Conditional Obligations in Share Sales
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies how severability clauses and conditional obligations determine bidder rights when a preferential right is voided.
Upholding Real Estate Sales: The Limits of Unilateral Contract Rescission
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that a seller cannot unilaterally rescind a real estate sale without a court decree or contractual stipulation.
Solidary Liability in Subdivision Sales: AFP Retirement System v. Sanvictores
Supreme Court holds co-sellers jointly liable under Contract to Sell, explaining solidary obligations and apparent authority under Philippine law.
Possession Disputes When Foreclosure Sales Meet Adverse Claims
When can a third-party possessor block a writ of possession after foreclosure? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules in Hernandez v. Ocampo.
Rescission Rights Enforcing Compromise Agreements In Property Sales
When a buyer defaults on a court-approved compromise agreement, the seller may rescind and enforce the original contract without a separate action.
Land Retention Rights and Good Faith in Agricultural Land Sales: Key Lessons
The Supreme Court clarifies when a buyer of tenanted rice or corn land can claim retention rights under PD 27 and agrarian reform laws.
When Direct Testimony Outweighs Forgery Claims in Philippine Land Sales
Supreme Court ruling on how direct testimony of a witness can overcome forgery allegations in a disputed land sale.
Conditional Sales vs. Adverse Claims: Protecting Property Interests in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court in Logarta v. Mangahis distinguishes conditional sales from adverse claims, and the proper registration rules under PD 1529.
Syndicated Estafa and Corporate Liability: When Public Solicitation Pierces the Veil
Supreme Court clarifies when a corporation's real estate sales to the public trigger syndicated estafa liability under P.D. 1689.
Tenant Redemption Rights: Tender of Payment Required in Agrarian Land Sales
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that agrarian tenants must tender or consign the redemption price to validly exercise their right of redemption.
Land Conveyance and Public Land Act Alienation Restrictions: A Guide to Reconveyance
Learn how the Public Land Act's five-year ban on selling free patent land affects property sales and reconveyance actions in the Philippines.
Voiding Land Sales Under Free Patent: The Five-Year Restriction on Alienation
When can a sale of free patent land be void? The Supreme Court explains the five-year ban and its consequences.
Void Free Patent Sales: When Buying Land Too Soon Means Losing It
Buyers of free patent land must wait five years before buying; early sales are void and the buyer only gets the price back.
Pacto de Retro Sales: Indispensable Parties and Overcoming Presumptions
Supreme Court clarifies who are indispensable parties in pacto de retro consolidation cases and when notarized documents prevail.
Land Registration: Proving Possession Since June 12, 1945 for Title Applications
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on pacto de retro sales, indispensable parties, and evidentiary weight of notarized documents in land title disputes.
Conjugal Property Sales When A Void Contract Still Speaks Volumes
When a deed of absolute sale is void for lack of spousal consent, can it still be used to prove a valid dacion en pago? The Supreme Court weighs in.
Tax Sales and Due Process: Protecting Property Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on tax sales, due process, and property rights protection for landowners and buyers.
Breach of Trust When a Commission Agreement Leads to Criminal Liability for Estafa
When does failing to remit sales proceeds become estafa, not just debt? The Supreme Court explains in Cheng v. People.
Co-Ownership and Unauthorized Sales: Protecting Property Rights in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court handles co-owned property disputes, redemption rights, and unauthorized sales in this Philippine civil law case analysis.
Divisibility of Contractual Obligations and Remedies for Breach in Philippine Sales Contracts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on divisible vs. indivisible obligations in sales contracts and remedies upon breach.
DARAB Jurisdiction Over Annulment of Land Sales Under CARP Coverage
Supreme Court clarifies DARAB jurisdiction over annulment of deeds of sale for agricultural lands covered by CARP, even without notice of coverage.
DARAB Jurisdiction Over Annulment of Land Sales Without DAR Clearance
The Supreme Court clarifies when the DARAB, not regular courts, has jurisdiction over annulment of land sales and title cancellation in agrarian reform cases.
Right to Top in Government Asset Sales: The Osmeña v. PSALM Ruling
Supreme Court clarifies when "right to top" provisions in government lease contracts violate public policy on competitive bidding.
Voiding Land Sales: The Public Land Act's Five-Year Prohibition and Reversionary Rights
When can a land sale be voided under the Public Land Act? Learn the five-year prohibition rule, reversion, and in pari delicto exceptions.