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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Co-Ownership and Unauthorized Sales: Property Rights Under Article 493
A co-owner may sell only their own share. Learn how the Supreme Court protected heirs' rights in Coronel v. Constantino.
Heirs AT Odds When Active Participation Waives Formal Substitution Requirements IN Property Disputes
Sheriff's Duty in Enforcing Solidary Obligations: Oliveros v. San Jose
A sheriff who stops after finding one judgment debtor has no property commits negligence when a co-debtor is solidarily liable for the same award.
Breach of Contract in Property Sales: Rights, Interest, and Damages Under Philippine Law
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling on unpaid property sale balances clarifies when nominal damages, attorney's fees, and 12% interest apply.
Torrens Title Prevails Over Unregistered Deeds in Land Ownership Disputes
When a property becomes registered under the Torrens System, prior unregistered claims are defeated. Learn the rules from Naawan Bank v. Spouses Lumo.
Reclamation Rights Private Property VS Public Domain IN THE Philippines
The Supreme Court ruling on SRA's liability as trustee clarifies how government agencies assume obligations of abolished entities.
Upholding Property Rights The Prescriptive Period For Reconveyance Actions
When does an action for reconveyance prescribe? The Supreme Court clarifies the 10-year rule and its exceptions in this important ruling.
Conditional Sales of Co-Owned Property: Understanding Consent and Obligations
Explore the Supreme Court's ruling on reconveyance actions, prescription periods, and the rights of buyers in conditional sales of co-owned property.
Contempt of Court for Re-Entering Property After Execution of Judgment
When a final judgment orders you to vacate property, re-entering it can lead to contempt of court. Learn from this Philippine case.
Boundaries Defined Resolving Land Disputes in Sales of Real Estate
Lessees cannot question a landlord's title to land, even if they claim the property belongs to the State.
Possession vs Ownership: When Courts Decide Who Owns Property
Philippine Supreme Court explains when unlawful detainer courts may resolve ownership issues and how lessees claim improvements.
Good Faith Purchaser Doctrine Protecting Property Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains how the good faith purchaser doctrine protects buyers who rely on Torrens titles, even when fraud taints the original transfer.
When Courts Decide Rate Cases: Income Tax and Property Valuation in Public Utility Regulation
The Supreme Court ruled on how income tax and property valuation methods affect electricity rate determinations by the Energy Regulatory Board.
Co-Owner's Right of Redemption Does Not Apply to Sales to Another Co-Owner
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when co-owners may redeem property sold to third persons, and when the right does not arise.
HLURB Jurisdiction vs Unlawful Detainer: Defining the Boundaries in Property Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when the HLURB has jurisdiction over subdivision lot disputes and when ejectment cases belong in regular courts.
DBP Foreclosure Redemption: Special Charter Rules Override General Redemption Law
When redeeming property foreclosed by DBP, mortgagors must pay the full outstanding debt, not just the auction purchase price.
Priority of Registered Attachment Liens: Protecting Creditors in Real Property Sales
When a registered attachment lien beats an unregistered sale: lessons from Biñan Steel v. Garcia on creditor protection in Philippine property law.
Stay of Execution, Conflicting Supreme Court Rulings, and Employee Rights in the Philippines
When two Supreme Court divisions issue conflicting final rulings, which prevails? The En Banc clarifies the law of the case doctrine and its impact on property and employee rights.
Upholding Mortgage Foreclosure Waiver and Estoppel in Property Redemption
A mortgagor who attempts to redeem foreclosed property waives defects in the foreclosure sale and is estopped from later challenging its validity.
Sheriff’s Duty vs. Corporate Identity: When Levy on a Third Party’s Property Is Allowed
A sheriff’s duty is ministerial, but good faith can excuse an erroneous levy. Learn the rule on third-party claims.
When Rape Precedes Robbery: Distinguishing Theft from Robbery with Rape
The Supreme Court clarifies when taking property after rape constitutes theft, not robbery with rape, in People v. Tamayo.
Assessed Value, Not Market Value, Governs Court Jurisdiction in Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court rules that in actions involving title to or possession of real property, the assessed value—not market value—determines which court has jurisdiction.
Adverse Claims and Good Faith: Protecting Mortgage Interests in Property Transfers
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how adverse claims and buyer good faith affect mortgage rights in property transfers.
Invalid Substituted Service Voids Ejectment Ensuring Due Process in Philippine Courts
When substituted service of summons fails, courts lack jurisdiction. Learn from Samartino v. Raon how due process protects property rights.