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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Unmarried Couples and Property Rights in the Philippines: Co-Ownership in Illicit Relationships
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on property co-ownership for unmarried couples in adulterous relationships under Article 148 of the Family Code.
Writ of Possession in the Philippines: When Can a Bank Take Your Property
Learn when banks can take property in the Philippines through writs of possession, and how agrarian reform rights affect foreclosure cases.
Reconstitution of Land Titles: Protecting Property Rights in the Philippines
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling on judicial reconstitution of lost titles, emphasizing due process and jurisdictional requirements to protect property rights.
Laches vs. Torrens Title: Why Delay Can Cost You Your Land in the Philippines
A Torrens title is strong but not absolute—unreasonable delay in asserting ownership can lead to losing the property to laches.
Unregistered Lease vs Mortgage: Tenant Rights in Foreclosure Explained
When a lease is unregistered and the property is foreclosed, who wins? The Supreme Court clarifies tenant rights in Mercader v. DBP.
Search Warrants and Intellectual Property: The Imperative of a Specific Offense
A search warrant must be anchored on a specific existing offense. When the crime is repealed, the warrant falls.
Sheriff’s Duty of Custody: Liability for Negligent Loss of Seized Property
Philippine Supreme Court holds sheriff liable for dereliction of duty when a vehicle under custodia legis was lost due to unsafe storage.
Guardianship and Estate Rights: Resolving Inheritance Disputes Over Unauthorized Property Sales
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when heirs can redeem property sold on execution and how courts protect estate rights in inheritance disputes.
Cohabitation and Property Rights: When Co-Ownership Arises Under the Family Code
Mere cohabitation does not create co-ownership. Under Article 148 of the Family Code, actual contribution to acquisition is required.
Execution Pending Appeal: When Property Deterioration Justifies Immediate Enforcement
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on execution pending appeal, redemption rights, and when immediate enforcement is justified to prevent property deterioration.
When Barangay Conciliation Is Not Required: Court Ruling on Real Property Disputes
Supreme Court clarifies when barangay conciliation is not required before filing real property cases in court.
Heirs Bound by Contractual Duties in Property Leases: DKC Holdings v. Bartolome
When a lessor dies, are heirs bound by the lease contract? The Supreme Court explains transmissible obligations under Article 1311.
Oral Partition and Estoppel: When Long-Standing Property Agreements Prevail
Supreme Court ruling on oral partition, estoppel, and long-standing property agreements in Philippine civil law.
When a Title Isn't Truth: Challenging Property Co-Ownership Claims in the Face of Prior Marriage
A Supreme Court ruling on how Torrens titles can be overturned when property was acquired during a subsisting first marriage.
Rescission Rights Understanding Contractual Obligations in Property Sales
Learn how Philippine courts treat right of first refusal clauses, rescission remedies, and contractual obligations in property sales from a 2000 Supreme Court ruling.
Lis Pendens and Oral Partition: Protecting Property Rights in Real Estate
Explaining how the Supreme Court upheld an oral partition and quitclaims, clarifying quieting of title and property rights.
Oral Partition of Inherited Property: When Heirs' Agreements Prevail Over Unregistered Titles
Learn when an oral partition among heirs is valid and how quitclaims confirm ownership, even without registration.
Rescission of Fraudulent Conveyances: Protecting Creditors' Rights in Property Transfers
When a debtor transfers property to evade creditors, the law allows rescission. China Banking Corp. v. Court of Appeals explains the rules.
Lis Pendens in Co-Development Disputes: Protecting Rights Over Real Property
When can a notice of lis pendens be registered? The Supreme Court clarifies in Viewmaster v. Maulit that co-development claims over land qualify.
When Fraud Taints a Land Title: Reversion, Simulated Sales, and Buyer's Good Faith
Explore when the State can cancel a fraudulently issued land title and why buyers must investigate possession before purchasing property.
Reversion of Fraudulent Land Titles: The State's Right to Reclaim Public Property
The Supreme Court affirms the State's power to revert fraudulently acquired public land, even after the one-year indefeasibility period.
Res Judicata and Property Rights: Understanding Final Judgments in Inheritance Disputes
A look at how Philippine courts treat final judgments in inheritance disputes, using the Viado case to explain property rights.
Treachery and Defense of Property: When Is Deadly Force Justified
The Supreme Court explains when killing a fleeing thief is murder, not justified defense of property, and what makes surrender voluntary.
Extrinsic Fraud and Due Process in Property Disputes: A Philippine Supreme Court Primer
Learn how the Supreme Court defines extrinsic fraud and due process in property disputes, with practical guidance for litigants.