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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Writ of Possession and Third-Party Rights in Extrajudicial Foreclosure Sales
When can a writ of possession be issued despite a third party's possession of foreclosed property? The Supreme Court clarifies the rule.
Investment Scams and the Legal Definition of a Salesman Under the Securities Regulation Code
Supreme Court ruling on when an investment consultant becomes a
Mortgage in Good Faith: Banks vs Unregistered Land Sales in the Philippines
When does a bank lose protection as a mortgagee in good faith? The Supreme Court clarifies the rule on unregistered land sales.
Protecting Homebuyers: PD 957 Prevails Over Bank Mortgages in Subdivision Sales
Supreme Court rules banks must honor PD 957 protections for subdivision buyers, even when properties are mortgaged to secure developer loans.
When Church Approval Is Key: Validity of Property Sales by Religious Corporations
Supreme Court rules on when a religious corporation's property sale is unenforceable without required church approvals, citing the Corporation Code.
Double Sale of Land: Prior Knowledge Defeats Claim of Good Faith
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on double sales of land: a buyer who knows of prior claims or occupants cannot claim good faith.
Ownership Disputes and Wrongful Property Levy: Why Registration Prevails Under Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling on why unregistered sales lose to registered titles and levies, and what buyers must prove to claim good faith.
Contractual Obligations Prevail Enforcing Notice Requirements In Foreclosure Sales
When a mortgage contract requires personal notice of foreclosure, the bank must comply—or the sale may be void.
Breach of Trust: Defining Qualified Theft Through Grave Abuse of Confidence in Employment
A sales clerk who failed to remit collections was convicted of qualified theft, not estafa. The Supreme Court explains the key difference.
Contractual Obligations Upholding Written Agreements in Property Sales
Supreme Court ruling on unlawful detainer, unconstitutional decrees, and good faith in property possession disputes.
Written Demand and Unlawful Detainer: Protecting Landowners From Unauthorized Property Sales
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a written demand triggers ejectment and why an unconstitutional decree cannot justify continued possession.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: Asset Sales vs Mergers in Tax Liability
When is a buyer liable for a seller's tax debts? The Supreme Court clarifies asset sales vs mergers.
BUY Bust Operations Proving Illegal Drug Sales Beyond Reasonable Doubt
Fraudulent Consent in Property Sales: Protecting Owners From Unknowing Transfers
Learn how Philippine courts handle property sales involving alleged fraud, void marriages, and co-ownership claims in this case analysis.
Breach of Contract in Sales: Who Bears Liability for Non-Delivery and Refused Goods
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies liability when a buyer refuses delivery and a seller fails to deliver, with damages computed.
Simulated Contracts Ownership Rights and Intent in Property Sales
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on simulated property sales, trust agreements, and ownership rights when intent is to circumvent banking laws.
VAT Refund Claims: Strict Compliance with Invoicing Requirements Required
Philippine Supreme Court rules strict compliance with VAT invoicing requirements is mandatory for input VAT refund claims on zero-rated sales.
Just Compensation and Voluntary Land Sales: Valuing Property Under Agrarian Reform
A landowner who accepts payment and transfers title under agrarian reform cannot later seek higher just compensation. The Supreme Court explains.
When a Lawyer Buys His Client’s Land: Double Sale and Bad Faith Under Philippine Law
A lawyer who bought land his clients had already purchased lost the case. The Supreme Court explains double sales, bad faith, and unregistered land rules.
Unregistered Land Sales: Priority Rights and a Lawyer's Ethical Duty
When a lawyer buys his client's land, bad faith and conflict of interest can void the sale. Learn the rules on unregistered land priority.
False Pretenses AND Corporate Liability Understanding Estafa IN Securities Sales
Agency and Authority: When a Deed Does Not Mean a Done Deal in Property Sales
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a deed of sale is void without proper agency authority under the Civil Code.
Conflicting Land Titles in the Philippines: Prior Registration vs. Identity of Property
In VSD Realty v. Uniwide Sales, the Supreme Court remanded a land dispute to settle which of two conflicting titles traced back to the genuine OCT No. 994.
Protecting the Vulnerable: Rape of a Mentally Retarded Person and the Extent of Legal Safeguards
In People v. Rosales, the Supreme Court affirmed that knowledge of a victim's mental disability makes rape a qualified offense, raising the penalty and damages.