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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Barangay Jurisdiction in Property Disputes: Residency of the Real Party in Interest Controls
The Supreme Court clarifies that the real party in interest's residency, not the attorney-in-fact's, determines barangay lupon jurisdiction over disputes.
Torrens Title vs Adverse Possession: Protecting Property Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies how registered land under the Torrens system is protected against adverse possession claims.
Res Ipsa Loquitur in Property Damage: Employer Liability for Employee Negligence
When a car fire destroys property, res ipsa loquitur may shift the burden to defendants. Learn the rule from this Philippine Supreme Court case.
Protecting Property Rights: Third-Party Claims in Attachment Proceedings
Learn how third-party claimants must protect property rights in attachment cases under Rule 57, as clarified by the Supreme Court.
Land Retention Rights Under Agrarian Reform A Landowners Guide
The Supreme Court explains the five-hectare retention limit under RA 6657 and when a landowner's property may be exempt from CARP coverage.
When Can Unpaid Wages Be Offset Against Company Property? The Nadela Case
Philippine Supreme Court explains when legal compensation applies to offset unpaid wages against company property in employee's custody.
Tax Sale Invalidity: Strict Compliance With Notice Requirements Protects Property Rights
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how failure to give proper notice in tax delinquency sales invalidates the sale and protects property owners' rights.
Family Home Exemption: When Creditors Can Seize Your Property in the Philippines
The family home exemption protects Filipino families from creditors—but not for debts incurred before the home was constituted. Learn the rules.
Eminent Domain and Just Compensation: Manila's Duty to Pay for Expropriated Land
The Supreme Court rules that local governments must promptly pay just compensation for expropriated property, and cannot delay through procedural maneuvers.
Dismissed Counterclaims and Deposit Withdrawal After Failed Expropriation
When expropriation fails, can property owners still recover damages? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on compulsory counterclaims and deposit withdrawal.
Equitable Mortgage vs Absolute Sale: Protecting Borrowers in Land Transactions
When is a deed of sale actually a loan secured by property? The Supreme Court explains equitable mortgage protections for borrowers.
Fair Market Value vs. Actual Use: Defining Real Property Tax Assessments in the Philippines
The Supreme Court strikes down a Quezon City ordinance that based real property tax on deed prices, reaffirming actual use and fair market value as the legal standards.
Eminent Domain and Timeliness: When Property Owners Lose the Right to Claim Damages Against the Government
A Supreme Court ruling explains why property owners who win dismissal of an expropriation case must still act promptly to claim damages.
Finality of Judgments Curbing Dilatory Tactics in Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on final and executory judgments, stopping endless motions that delay property execution and justice.
Custody AND Care Sheriffs Duty TO Secure Attached Property NOT Favor Parties
Conjugal Property Rights: Wife's Timely Action Required to Contest Husband's Sale
A wife who fails to contest her husband's unauthorized sale of conjugal property within ten years may lose her right to invalidate the transaction.
How a Torrens Title Protects Your Right to Eject Unlawful Occupants in the Philippines
Learn how a Torrens title is the strongest proof of ownership in the Philippines and why it lets owners eject unlawful occupants from their property.
Urban Land Redemption Size Speculation and Neighborly Rights in Property Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when homeowners associations can sue, the limits of mandamus, and the rules on urban land disposition.
Partition of Property and Co-Ownership Claims in Unlawful Detainer Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how ejectment cases handle co-ownership claims and Torrens title holders' right to possession.
Certificate of Registration vs. Prior Title Claims: The Amante v. Serwelas Ruling on Vehicle Ownership
The Supreme Court in Amante v. Serwelas affirmed that a certificate of registration creates a strong presumption of ownership in property disputes.
Charity vs. Agrarian Reform: Reconciling Conflicting Laws on Land Distribution
Can a charitable institution's property be covered by agrarian reform despite a law banning its sale? The Supreme Court says yes.
Estate Mortgage Invalidity Securing Court Approval FOR Estate Property Transactions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why estate property mortgages require court approval under Rule 89, with practical guidance.
Torrens Title in the Philippines: Direct vs Collateral Attacks in Property Disputes
Understand the difference between direct and collateral attacks on Torrens titles in Philippine property law, and how courts treat ownership challenges.
Estafa Through Misappropriation: Liability Even Without Direct Handling of Property
Supreme Court clarifies that estafa under Article 315(1)(b) can arise even when property is received by an employee, not the accused directly.