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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Option to Purchase vs Contract to Sell: Understanding Property Rights and Obligations
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between an option to purchase and a contract to sell, and the consequences of failing to comply with their terms.
Conjugal Property Sale Without Spouse's Consent Is Void: Key Ruling
Supreme Court explains when a sale of conjugal property without the other spouse's consent is void, and why a mere option to buy is not enforceable.
Parental Love vs Property Rights: When Family Land Disputes Reach Court
A Supreme Court ruling on ejectment between parents and children, and when a builder in good faith may claim indemnity for improvements under Article 448.
When Payment Defaults Threaten Property Rights: Understanding Rescission in Real Estate Sales
A buyer's failure to pay the full purchase price can lead to contract rescission, even after years of partial payments. Learn the rules.
Contract of Sale vs Contract to Sell: Clarifying Obligations in Property Transactions
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies distinctions between contract of sale and contract to sell, and their impact on property rights and obligations.
Taxpayers Beware: Exhaust Administrative Remedies Before Appealing Property Tax Disputes to Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that property tax disputes must first go through administrative remedies before courts can intervene.
Sheriffs Overreach Defining THE Limits OF Property Levy IN Philippine LAW
When can a sheriff's levy on execution be considered excessive? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of property levy in Philippine law.
Court Approval Required Prior Rights Prevail IN Estate Property Sales
Disputes in Land Ownership: The Indispensable Parties in Property Cases
Learn when co-owners and the State must be impleaded in property disputes, based on a Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
Void Donations: Absence of Public Instrument Nullifies Property Transfer Despite Intent
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on void oral donations of immovable property and the formal requirements under Article 749 of the Civil Code.
Limits to Property Rights: Balancing Bank Security and Depositor Access
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a bank may bar a dismissed employee-depositor from its premises without abusing property rights.
Power Lines and Property Rights: Determining Just Compensation for Easements
When power lines cross private land, is the owner owed an easement fee or full property value? The Supreme Court clarifies.
Establishing Land Ownership The Critical Role of Property Identification in Acquisitive Prescription
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why identifying the exact property is essential before claiming ownership through acquisitive prescription.
Void Deeds: Consent and the Limits of Property Transfer in the Philippines
When is a property deed void? The Supreme Court explains consent, donations, and why a flawed transfer can be challenged anytime.
Statute of Frauds and Verbal Sales of Real Property in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains when verbal agreements to sell real property may be enforceable despite the Statute of Frauds.
When Eminent Domain Leads to Total Loss: Just Compensation for Uninhabitable Property
When government projects render private property uninhabitable, the taking is deemed complete and full just compensation is due.
Upholding Notarized Contracts Overcoming Forgery Claims In Property Sales
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on notarized deeds, forgery claims, and expert testimony in property sales.
Res Judicata and Property Rights: When a Prior Judgment Does Not Bar a New Case
The Supreme Court explains when res judicata applies and why a dismissed ejectment case does not bar a later action to recover ownership.
Res Judicata and Property Disputes: When an Ejectment Case Does Not Bar a Later Ownership Claim
Explains when res judicata applies in property disputes, distinguishing ejectment from accion reinvindicatoria under Philippine law.
Public Office Conduct: Mayor's Residence vs Public Good in Radio Antenna Installation
Supreme Court clarifies when courts may review Ombudsman findings on probable cause and public officers' use of government property.
Protecting Brand Identity: Jurisdiction Over Unfair Competition Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies which court hears unfair competition cases under the Intellectual Property Code, settling a jurisdictional question.
Protecting Marital Property: Understanding Consent Requirements in Real Estate Sales
The Supreme Court clarifies when spousal consent is required for real estate sales and the difference between contracts to sell and deeds of sale.
When Can a City Reclaim Leased Land? Revoking Tolerance Explained
Learn when a city can reclaim leased land by revoking tolerance, based on Philippine property law principles.
Taxing Charity: Real Property Tax Exemptions for Non-Profit Hospitals in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when non-profit hospitals qualify for real property tax exemptions under the Constitution and Local Government Code.