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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Forged Wills and Fraud: Protecting Estates from Deceit
A forged will led to criminal liability for estafa through falsification of public document. Learn the legal rules and practical lessons from Obando v. People.
Revocation of Special Administration: Balancing Discretion and Due Process in Estate Settlement
Explore the Supreme Court's ruling on revoking special administrators and appointing regular administrators in estate proceedings.
Res Judicata and Forum Shopping: When Repeated Motions Delay Justice
Philippine National Bank v. Intestate Estate of Francisco de Guzman clarifies res judicata, forum shopping, and the limits of repeated motions to dismiss.
Estate Administration Prioritizing Family Ties Over Illegitimacy in Heir Selection
Supreme Court rules on appointing administrators, weighing family ties and adoption over illegitimacy bars in estate cases.
Agency and Authority: Why a Written Mandate Is Paramount in Real Estate Sales
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why an agent's authority to sell land must be in writing, or the sale is void.
Lis Pendens Cancellation: Estate Settlement Finality vs Unrelated Agreements
When a judicially approved compromise ends estate proceedings, lis pendens on covered property may be deemed cancelled under PD 1529.
One Title, One Truth: Resolving Conflicting Claims in the Maysilo Estate Saga
The Supreme Court resolves a decades-old land dispute, affirming that only one OCT No. 994 exists and dismissing a petition for mandamus.
Inventory of Estate: Donated Property Must Be Included for Collation Among Heirs
Supreme Court rules donated property must be included in estate inventory for collation, even if the deed was not notarized or registered.
Who Can Contest Property Taxes: Defining Legal Interest in Real Estate Assessments
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies who may protest real property tax assessments and what "legal interest" means under the Local Government Code.
Extinguishment of Easement When Ownership Unites Rights May Fade
When one person owns both the dominant and servient estates, an easement of right of way may be extinguished by operation of law.
Rescission and Refund Rights in Real Estate Sales: What PD 957 Buyers Should Know
Learn how PD 957 protects condominium buyers with refund rights, and which court hears criminal cases for violations.
Perfecting Appeals: The Jurisdictional Requirement in Estate Proceedings
Why filing both a notice of appeal and record on appeal is jurisdictional in estate cases, and what happens when a party fails to perfect an appeal.
VAT Credits for Real Estate Dealers: The Transitional Input Tax Rule
The Supreme Court ruled that real estate dealers may claim 8% transitional input tax credit on land inventory, not just improvements.
Forgery Undermines Real Estate Sale: Protecting Property Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains how forged deeds transfer no rights, and why good faith buyers can still be protected under Philippine property law.
Heirship Rights and Legal Standing in Stockholder Claims: Puno v. Puno Enterprises
Heirs of a deceased stockholder do not automatically gain stockholder rights. Learn the rules on inspection, dividends, and estate settlement.
Perfected Contract vs Contract to Sell: Earnest Money and Timely Payments in Real Estate Deals
Learn when earnest money perfects a sale, the difference from a contract to sell, and how late payments can still be cured under Philippine law.
Heirs Obligation Estate Debt Survival Beyond Death IN Philippine LAW
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that debts survive death—heirs inherit obligations but only up to the estate's value. Learn the rules.
Guardianship for the Weak-Minded: Protecting Vulnerable Adults from Family Exploitation
Supreme Court affirms guardianship over mentally weak adult with vast estate, protecting her from relatives who dissipated her properties.
Probate Appeals and Executor Disqualification: Lessons from the Marcos Estate Case
The Supreme Court clarifies appeal rules in probate cases and when a criminal conviction disqualifies an executor for moral turpitude.
Real Estate DUE Diligence Realty Firms Held TO Higher Standard AS Innocent Purchasers
Death and Legal Representation: How Estate Claims Proceed in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on estate claims, probate jurisdiction, and why the value of the decedent's estate determines which court hears the case.
Probate Jurisdiction Absence OF Estate Value Dooms Will Allowance
The Supreme Court nullified a will allowance because the petition failed to allege the estate's gross value, stripping the trial court of jurisdiction.
Spousal Consent in Real Estate Sales: When a Sale Without It Is Void
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why selling conjugal property without the wife's consent makes the sale void, explained in plain language.
Voluntary Easements Survive: Why Adequate Access Does Not Cancel a Granted Right of Way
A voluntary right of way cannot be cancelled just because the dominant estate gains another outlet. Learn the rule from a 2009 Supreme Court case.