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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Sheriffs Cannot Pierce the Corporate Veil: Levying Corporate Property for a Stockholder's Debt
A sheriff who levies on corporate property to satisfy a stockholder's personal debt acts beyond authority. The Supreme Court explains why.
Res Judicata and Final Judgments: Why Property Disputes Cannot Be Relitigated
The Supreme Court explains how res judicata bars relitigating property disputes, using the Avisado v. Rumbaua case as a guide.
Unmasking Simulated Sales Protecting Your Property Rights IN THE Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts handle simulated sales, void contracts, and derivative suits to protect your property and stockholder rights.
Simulated Sales and Illegitimate Transfers: Protecting Legitimate Heirs' Rights
When a father sells property to illegitimate children to defeat a legitimate heir's share, the sale may be void as simulated.
When Injunctions Meet Supervening Events: Property Rights in Ejectment Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how supervening events affect injunctions in ejectment cases, protecting property rights.
Accommodation Mortgagor's Right to Redeem at Bid Price: Belo v. PNB
The Supreme Court clarifies that an accommodation mortgagor may redeem foreclosed property by paying only the bid price, not the entire loan.
Agents Cannot Acquire Principal's Property: Imprescriptible Action to Recover Trust Property
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that an agent's acquisition of the principal's property is void and the action to recover it is imprescriptible.
Due Process and Foreclosure: Protecting Debtor Rights in Property Sales
A Supreme Court ruling shows how procedural rules on venue protect property owners from baseless suits, and what it means for debtors facing foreclosure.
Improper Venue Nullifies Court Decision: Jurisdiction Over Real Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that improper venue in real property cases can void a trial court's ruling and justify certiorari.
Lis Pendens and Good Faith Purchasers: Property Rights After Notice Cancellation in the Philippines
Learn how lis pendens, notice cancellation, and good faith purchasers affect Philippine property rights, with insights from a 2001 Supreme Court ruling.
Sheriff's Misconduct in Property Seizure: The Limits of Execution and Abuse of Authority
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on sheriff's excessive levy, irregular auction sale, and abuse of authority in enforcing writs of execution.
Reassessing Criminal Liability: When Robbery With Homicide Becomes Theft, Homicide, and Murder
The Supreme Court clarifies when killing followed by taking property is not robbery with homicide but separate crimes of murder, homicide, and theft.
When Sheriffs Overstep: Excessive Levy, Irregular Auction Sales, and Public Trust
A sheriff's excessive levy and irregular auction sale of levied property lead to suspension—what the rules require.
Intent Matters Distinguishing Robbery With Rape From Separate Crimes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a sexual assault followed by taking property is one complex crime or separate offenses.
Equitable Mortgage VS Absolute Sale Protecting Property Rights IN Financial Distress
Sublessees Rights Establishing Superiority Over THE Original Lessors Claim IN Property Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when sublessees can assert rights superior to an original lessor's claim in property disputes.
Writ of Possession: Buyer's Right After Foreclosure Despite Pending Disputes
After foreclosure and failed redemption, a property buyer can obtain a writ of possession even if the former owner raises objections. Learn the rules.
Probate Court Approval of Estate Property Sales: Heirs of Sandejas v. Lina
When a deceased person contracted to sell property before death, the probate court can authorize its conveyance—here's what the Sandejas ruling means for heirs and buyers.
Buyer Beware: Understanding Delivery Delays and Liabilities in Philippine Sales Contracts
Learn how Philippine courts treat conditional sales, court approval requirements, and seller liability when property sales face delays.
Conditional Sales and Probate Court Approval: Protecting Heirs' Rights in Estate Transactions
Learn how Philippine courts handle conditional sales of estate property, protecting heirs' shares while honoring valid contracts.
Upholding Property Rights: Reconveyance and Damages for Unlawful Possession
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on void reconstitution of title, laches, and property recovery explained in plain language.
The Perils of Verbal Land Deals: Why Written Authority Is Non-Negotiable in Philippine Real Estate
Learn how the Supreme Court protects small property owners from expropriation and why written authority is crucial in Philippine land deals.
Unauthorized Pledge of Another's Property: Ownership Prevails in Replevin Action
A son's unauthorized pledge of his father's tractor as security for personal debt fails; the owner's right to recover possession prevails.
Revoking a Donation for Ingratitude in the Philippines: The Noceda Case
Philippine law allows donors to revoke gifts when donees show ingratitude, such as usurping the donor's property. Learn the rules and limits.