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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Due Diligence in Real Estate Mortgages: A Lender's Responsibility
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why mortgage lenders must verify borrower identity and property status before approving real estate loans.
Possession VS Ownership WHO Holds THE Title During A Property Dispute
Foreclosure Sales: Bank's Right to Possession After Redemption Period Ends
Supreme Court ruling on a bank's right to possession of foreclosed property after the redemption period expires without redemption.
Docket Fees and Real Actions: How Property Disputes Determine Court Jurisdiction
The Supreme Court clarifies that complaints for specific performance involving real property are real actions, and docket fees must be based on property value.
Upholding Land Rights Resolving Title Disputes AND Granting Intervention IN Land Ownership Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on void land titles, fraudulent transfers, and late intervention in property disputes.
Heirs Rights AND Land Title Disputes Resolving Inheritance Conflicts IN Property Ownership
Abandonment of Property Justifies Rescission of Real Estate Contract
Supreme Court rules buyer's abandonment and non-payment of amortizations justify rescission of contract to sell, despite developer's alleged breaches.
Unfair Competition VS Parallel Importation Balancing Intellectual Property Rights AND Free Trade
Right OF First Refusal Clarifying Urban Land Reform LAW IN Property Disputes
Voiding Donations: Illicit Love and Its Impact on Property Rights
When a donation to a common-law partner is void under Philippine law, and what it means for property rights.
Lessor’s Liability for Defects and Repairs: Key Lessons from De Ysasi v. Arceo
Learn when Philippine lessors are liable for property defects and repairs, and why lessee inspection matters under De Ysasi v. Arceo.
Right of First Refusal in Property Sales: A Binding Contractual Obligation
When is a right of first refusal enforceable in Philippine property sales? The Supreme Court clarifies in PUP v. Firestone Ceramics.
GSIS Foreclosure Redemption: Balancing Member Needs and Fund Solvency
Supreme Court ruling on GSIS foreclosure redemption rights, explaining when members can repurchase foreclosed property and the limits of that right.
Protecting Condominium Buyers: Annulling Mortgage Foreclosure for Undeclared Encumbrances
Learn how the Supreme Court protected a condominium buyer from foreclosure due to undeclared mortgages, and what this means for property buyers.
Upholding Tenants' Rights: The Doctrine of Right of First Refusal in Property Sales
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on tenants' right of first refusal in property sales, explained in plain language for property owners and lessees.
Foreclosure and the Right to Possession: Protecting Bank Assets in Liquidation
A bank in liquidation can still seek a writ of possession over foreclosed property. Learn the rules on jurisdiction, intervention, and redemption.
Reforming Insurance Policies How Manifest Intent Prevails Over Technical Descriptions In Property Claims
A fire insurance dispute shows how courts prioritize the parties' true intent over technical misdescriptions in policies.
Chattel vs Real Property: How Mortgage Classification Affects Foreclosure Rights
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when machinery is chattel or real property, and why classification determines what a mortgage covers.
Laches and Land Registration: When Delay Bars Legal Recourse in Property Disputes
The Supreme Court explains how laches can bar a party from attacking a land registration decree, even on jurisdictional grounds.
Compromise Agreements Upholding Party Autonomy IN Contract Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that rescission of a contract for sale of real property requires judicial or notarial act, not mere letter.
Rescinding a Land Sale in the Philippines: Why a Letter Is Not Enough
Philippine law requires a judicial or notarial act to rescind a sale of immovable property—even with an automatic rescission clause.
Attorney’s Lien in the Philippines: Can It Attach to Real Property?
Philippine law limits attorney’s liens to judgments and client documents—not land. Learn the rules from a Supreme Court ruling.
Good Faith in Property Acquisition: Protecting Torrens Titles From Unrecorded Claims
Learn how the Supreme Court protects buyers of registered land from unrecorded claims, and why a notice of lis pendens must be properly annotated.
Redemption Rights vs Fraudulent Conveyance: Protecting Family Interests in Property Disputes
When a father assigns his right to redeem property to his son, can creditors later challenge it as fraudulent? The Supreme Court explains.