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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Mortgage Validity and Protecting Property Rights Against Unauthorized Encumbrances
When a lease expires and a new agreement supersedes it, the original terms—including a right of first refusal—may no longer bind the parties or the buyer.
Eminent Domain and Jurisdiction: Why Expropriation Cases Belong to Regional Trial Courts
Expropriation suits are incapable of pecuniary estimation, so they belong to regional trial courts regardless of property value. Learn why.
Expropriation Cases Belong to RTCs: Bardillon v. Barangay Masili
Why expropriation suits always belong to regional trial courts, regardless of property value, and what this means for landowners and local governments.
Res Judicata Bars Relitigation of Reconveyed Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a prior final judgment prevents a second lawsuit over the same reconveyed property.
Jurisdiction and Summons Ensuring Due Process in Philippine Courts
Understanding how Philippine courts acquire jurisdiction over persons and property through proper summons, ensuring due process in civil and criminal cases.
Forged Signatures and Good Faith: Protecting Property Rights in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains how forged deeds are void and why buyers must verify titles and possession before purchasing property.
Illegitimacy, Inheritance Rights, and Marital Presumptions in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling on paraphernal property, contract of adhesion, and unconscionable interest rates shows how Philippine law protects borrowers and spouses.
Challenging Filiation: When Can Heirship Be Contested in Property Disputes
Philippine law sets strict rules on when filiation can be challenged in inheritance cases. Learn the key principles and deadlines.
Forcible Entry: Why Even Property Owners Cannot Eject Occupants by Force
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: owners cannot forcibly eject occupants, even trespassers. Learn the legal remedies for recovering possession.
Property Rights vs Due Process: When Forceful Eviction Is Illegal
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: owners cannot forcibly eject occupants, even trespassers, without court order. Know your rights.
Upholding Partition Agreements: Notarized Deeds as Valid Public Documents in Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on notarized deeds of partition as public documents, their presumption of regularity, and evidentiary weight in property disputes.
Clarifying Contract Obligations: Rentals vs Purchase Price in Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when rental payments form part of the purchase price in property disputes, protecting buyers from altered contract terms.
Lis Pendens When A Money Claim Doesnt Cloud Property Title
A money claim for construction services does not justify a notice of lis pendens on property titles, explains the Supreme Court.
Attorney Suspended for Misappropriating Client Funds and Neglecting Duties
Lawyer suspended one year for misusing client funds and failing to transfer property title, violating fiduciary duties under the Code of Professional Responsibility.
Tax Delinquency and Public Auction: When a Tax Sale of Land Is Invalid
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a tax delinquency auction sale of real property is invalid and what documents prove a valid tax sale.
Escrow Orders Protecting Property Rights Pending Litigation in the Philippines
Philippine courts may issue escrow orders to protect property rights during litigation. Learn the rules, requirements, and practical implications.
Encroachment and Land Ownership: How Philippine Courts Settle Property Boundary Disputes
Philippine law on encroachment and boundary disputes explained through Bernaldez v. Francia, including survey evidence rules and property rights.
Mortgage Foreclosure Estoppel Prevents Claimants From Denying Prior Actions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how estoppel bars property claimants from questioning a mortgage foreclosure after prior inconsistent acts.
Priority OF Liens When A Prior Attachment Beats A Subsequent Sale IN Property Disputes
Misrepresentation and Estafa: When Silence Isn't Golden in Property Sales
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on estafa under Article 316(2) RPC, the need for express misrepresentation, and civil liability for bad faith sales.
Breach of Contract: GSIS Liable for Failure to Return Title Despite Absence of Bad Faith
Philippine Supreme Court holds GSIS liable for breach of contract for failing to return a property title, even without bad faith. Learn the legal rules.
Expiration of Redemption Rights: Failure to Consign Full Payment Voids Repurchase of Unregistered Land
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why a defective consignation fails to redeem property sold with right to repurchase, and the risks of buying unregistered land.
The Torrens System Under Fire: Protecting Land Titles From Collateral Attack in Property Disputes
The Supreme Court reaffirms that Torrens titles cannot be collaterally attacked, requiring a direct action to cancel them.
Due Process in Land Disputes: Why Fair Resurveys Matter for Property Owners
The Supreme Court reminds courts that relocation surveys in land disputes must respect due process—both parties need notice and representation.