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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Jurisdiction in Unfair Competition Cases: RTC vs MTC Explained
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that Regional Trial Courts, not Metropolitan Trial Courts, have jurisdiction over unfair competition cases under the Intellectual Property Code.
Lost Chance to Repurchase: Understanding Time Limits in Property Sales with Right of Repurchase
The Supreme Court ruled that a vendor's right to repurchase property must be exercised within four years from the time the condition triggering it occurs.
Authority Matters: Why Verbal Assurances From Bank Clerks Can't Seal Property Deals in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why verbal assurances from bank clerks cannot validate property transactions, and the importance of proper authority.
Unlawful Detainer THE Significance OF Initial Unlawful Entry IN Property Disputes
Due Process and Property Rights: When Notice of Legal Action Is Crucial
A Supreme Court ruling on administrative due process, notice, and property rights in tax declaration cancellations.
Equitable Mortgage vs Sale with Right to Repurchase: Protecting Borrowers in Property Deals
When is a "sale with right to repurchase" actually an equitable mortgage? The Supreme Court explains the legal tests protecting vulnerable borrowers.
Property Rights vs Self-Help: Landowners Cannot Evict Holdover Tenants Without Due Process
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on accion reinvindicatoria, property identification, and the limits of self-help in land disputes.
Untangling Land Titles, Prescription, and the Rights of Heirs in Property Disputes
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when heirs can recover property sold without their consent, and how prescription applies to constructive trusts.
Notice of Lis Pendens: When a Contract to Sell Justifies Annotation on Title
Learn when a notice of lis pendens may be annotated on a property title, even in a contract to sell dispute, based on Romero v. Court of Appeals.
Real Property TAX Penalties Illegal Overcharges AND Taxpayer Protection Under THE Real Property TAX Code
Clear Contract Terms Prevail Over Subjective Intent in Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on sugar quedans clarifies written agreements, damages proof, and interest rules in contract disputes.
Assessed Value vs Market Value: Key to Court Jurisdiction in Property Disputes
Philippine courts decide jurisdiction over property cases by assessed value, not market value. Learn the rule from Hilario v. Salvador.
Jurisdiction in Property Cases: Why Assessed Value Determines the Court
The Supreme Court clarifies that assessed value, not market value, determines which court has jurisdiction over property possession cases.
Demolition Orders and Property Rights: Balancing Possession and Due Process in Unlawful Detainer Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on demolition orders in unlawful detainer cases, protecting property rights and due process.
Sandiganbayan Jurisdiction Over Sequestered Assets in Partition Disputes
When a sequestered corporation's property shrinks in a partition case, the Sandiganbayan—not ordinary courts—has jurisdiction to protect it.
Equitable Mortgage vs Absolute Sale: Protecting Vulnerable Parties in Property Transactions
When is a deed of sale really a loan? The Supreme Court explains how courts look beyond documents to protect vulnerable parties.
Partition Ends Co-Ownership: Mortgage on Divided Property Valid
Supreme Court rules that a deed of partial partition ends co-ownership, making a subsequent mortgage on an adjudicated property valid without other heirs' consent.
Equitable Mortgage vs Absolute Sale: Protecting Vulnerable Grantors in Property Transactions
When a deed of absolute sale is actually an equitable mortgage, courts look at intent and circumstances, not just the document's title.
Real Property Tax vs Franchise Exemptions: RCPI Ruling for Telecom Firms
Supreme Court clarifies that "in lieu of all taxes" franchise clauses do not exempt telecom firms from real property tax on buildings and towers.
Morality vs Constitutionality: Manila's Ermita-Malate Ordinance Struck Down
The Supreme Court nullified Manila Ordinance No. 7783 banning motels and similar establishments in Ermita-Malate, ruling it violated due process and property rights.
Upholding Priority Rights: The Lessee's Right of First Refusal in Property Sales
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on a lessee's right of first refusal, its enforceability against heirs, and remedies for breach.
Authority to Sell: Bank Receivership and Corporate Deals During Receivership
When a bank is under receivership, its officers lose power over assets. Only the receiver may administer—not sell—bank property.
Theft of Court Property: Resignation Does Not Bar Administrative Liability
A court employee who stole and sold unserviceable court property was found guilty of grave misconduct despite resigning. Learn the rules.
Land Transfer Knowledge vs Registration in Agrarian Reform: Heirs of Hidalgo
Why unregistered land sales before PD 27 do not exempt property from Operation Land Transfer coverage.