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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Right of First Refusal in Lease Agreements and Property Sales in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a lessee has a right of first refusal to buy leased property, and when a sale to a third party stands.
When Judges Notarize: Limits on Ex Officio Notarial Powers in Property Cases
A judge's unauthorized notarization of a private property document leads to a fine, clarifying ex officio notarial limits.
Good Faith in Land Registration: Protecting the Rightful Owner in Property Disputes
When does a second buyer's registration of property fail to defeat the first buyer's rights? The Supreme Court explains the good faith requirement under Article 1544.
Forum Shopping and Res Judicata: Boundaries in Property Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when filing multiple cases over different properties constitutes forum shopping, and when it does not.
Breach of Contract When a Bank Fails to Deliver Property Ownership
A 26-year property dispute shows how laches, notarized deeds, and documentary custody determine ownership rights in Philippine land cases.
Distinguishing Homicide From Robbery With Homicide: Intent Is the Decisive Factor
The Supreme Court explains when taking a victim's property after a killing is theft, not robbery with homicide.
Equitable Mortgage VS Absolute Sale Determining True Intent IN Property Transactions
Injunctions and Property Rights: Safeguarding Possession in Philippine Law
Philippine law protects possession through injunctions and property rights. This article explains how courts balance these interests.
Land Registration: How Clear Title Strengthens Ownership and Possession Rights
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how registered land rights and lease agreements strengthen claims to ownership and possession in property disputes.
Premature Dismissal Safeguarding A Partys Right TO Present Evidence IN Property Disputes
Learn how the Supreme Court protects a party's right to present evidence before dismissing property disputes, ensuring fair trials.
When "May" Means Optional: Advance Payments in Property Sales
Supreme Court ruling on whether a buyer's advance payment obligation in a property sale is mandatory or discretionary, and its effect on contract rescission.
Extrajudicial Partition and Property Rights in Philippine Inheritance Disputes
Understand how the Supreme Court upheld a 1951 extrajudicial partition, clarifying heirs' property rights, prescription, and laches in inheritance disputes.
Preventive Suspension of Public Officials: Graft Law Applies to Election Offenses
Unauthorized use of government property is fraud, so preventive suspension under the Anti-Graft Law applies even in election offense cases.
How Tax Declarations and Possession Solidify Property Rights in Philippine Land Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains when tax declarations prove ownership and how adverse possession cures defective titles.
Due Process in Land Acquisition: Understanding Property Rights in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts protect property rights in land acquisition disputes, and why clear legal title matters before seeking injunctive relief.
Partnership vs Sale: Key Differences in Philippine Joint Venture Agreements and Property Contributions
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a property transfer is a partnership contribution, not a sale, and the legal consequences.
Decoding Redemption Periods in Philippine Property Law: The 12-Month Rule
Understand the 12-month redemption period under Philippine law, how it is computed, and why timing matters in property auctions.
Simulated Sales in Philippine Property Law: Intent, Foreign Ownership, and the Blanco v. Quasha Precedent
Learn how Philippine courts determine simulated sales, why intent matters, and the key lessons from Blanco v. Quasha on property transactions.
When a Spousal Sale Is Void: Buyer Beware in Philippine Property Law
Philippine Supreme Court explains when sales between spouses are void, why in pari delicto does not apply, and what buyers must check.
Protecting Your Rights When Government Authority Crosses THE Line IN THE Philippines
A look at Obra v. Court of Appeals: when government officials seize property without probable cause, they violate constitutional rights and may be liable for damages.
Decoding Deeds Philippine Supreme Court Clarifies Contract Interpretation IN Property Sales
How the Supreme Court applied the parol evidence rule and literal interpretation in a disputed property sale with mortgage assumption.
Breach of Contract in the Philippines: Rescission and the Risks of Buying Property with a Notice of Lis Penden
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on rescission, reciprocal obligations, and why a notice of lis pendens binds any buyer of disputed property.
Lis Pendens and Due Diligence: Why Philippine Property Buyers Must Investigate Title Defects
Learn how the lis pendens rule and the Po Lam case show why Philippine property buyers must go beyond a title check to avoid costly legal disputes.
Protecting Your Loan Understanding Good Faith Mortgagees In Philippine Property Law
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains when a mortgagee is protected as a good faith lender, even if the mortgagor's title is later challenged.