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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Compromise Agreements in Philippine Property Disputes: Ending Litigation With Finality
How a judicially approved compromise agreement in a property dispute becomes final and executory, barring further litigation between co-owners.
Buyer Beware Due Diligence and the Importance of Lis Pendens in Philippine Property Transactions
A Supreme Court ruling on lis pendens, due diligence, and buyer protection in Philippine real estate transactions.
Expropriation in the Philippines: Provisional Deposit and Writ of Possession Explained
Understand how the 1997 Rules on expropriation allow the government to take property upon depositing assessed value, and what this means for owners.
Equitable Mortgage vs Pacto de Retro Sale: Protecting Property Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a sale with right to repurchase is actually an equitable mortgage, protecting property owners from unfair transactions.
Strict Deadlines in Ejectment Cases: Why Missing the Answer Deadline Can Cost You Your Property in the Philipp
Learn how missing answer deadlines in ejectment cases can cost you your property, and understand the due process protections that may still apply.
Sequestration vs Lis Pendens: When a Notice Fails and Titles Get Cleared
Understand the Supreme Court's ruling on void PCGG sequestration notices and how property titles can be cleared when requirements are not met.
Protecting Your Conjugal Property: Understanding Time Limits for Annulment in the Philippines
Learn how res judicata bars repeated attacks on Torrens titles, and why final judgments protect conjugal property ownership.
SEC vs Court Jurisdiction in Corporate Property Sales: Key Lessons from Saura v. Saura
When does a corporate dispute belong to the SEC rather than regular courts? The Supreme Court clarifies jurisdiction rules in Saura v. Saura.
Paraphernal vs Conjugal Property: How Cadastral Court Findings Settle Ownership
A final cadastral court finding that a wife inherited land overcomes the presumption of conjugal property, the Supreme Court rules.
Lost Your Property to Foreclosure? Know Your Rights to Proper Notice in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court protects borrowers from invalid foreclosure sales when banks fail to follow notice and publication rules.
Earnest Money Perfected Contracts Understanding Philippine Property Sale Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on earnest money, contract perfection, and rescission in property sales explained in plain language.
Mortgage Law in the Philippines: Why You Can’t Mortgage Property You Don’t Own
Philippine mortgage law requires absolute ownership. Learn why mortgaging property you don't fully own is void, based on Lagrosa v. Court of Appeals.
Valid Mortgage Even Before Title Transfer Philippine Property LAW Explained
Philippine Supreme Court explains why a mortgage can be valid even if the title transfers after the mortgage contract is signed.
Mortgage Foreclosure: What Happens When a Bank Consolidates Title Before Your Case Ends
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on bank consolidation of foreclosed property title, TRO effects, and borrower rights during pending litigation.
Sheriffs Duty vs Custodia Legis: When a Writ of Replevin May Be Refused
When property is already forfeited to the government and in custodia legis, a sheriff must pause and seek judicial instructions before executing a writ of replevin.
Res Judicata in Philippine Property Law: Why Final Judgment Really Means Final
A 1999 Supreme Court ruling explains how conclusiveness of judgment bars relitigating mortgage validity in property disputes.
Simulated Co-Ownership and Legal Redemption: Understanding Implied Trusts in Philippine Property Law
When a deed of sale is simulated, no co-ownership arises, and the right of legal redemption does not apply. The Supreme Court explains implied trusts and their effect on property titles.
Navigating Res Judicata in Property Disputes: When Prior Judgments Bind Future Claims
Learn how res judicata bars relitigation of property disputes, with insights from a Philippine Supreme Court ruling on jurisdiction.
Protecting Your Inheritance Understanding Co-Ownership and Partition Rights in Philippine Property Law
Learn how Philippine law protects co-owners' rights to inherited property, including when and how to demand partition of family assets.
Accion Publiciana: Recovering Possession of Real Property in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts resolve accion publiciana cases—recovery of real property possession—through this Supreme Court ruling on prior possession vs. occupancy permits.
Co-Ownership Rights: Protecting Inherited Property From Unauthorized Mortgages
A co-owner cannot mortgage inherited property beyond his own share. Learn the rules protecting co-heirs from unauthorized encumbrances.
Unmasking Express Trusts in Philippine Property Law: Co-Ownership vs True Ownership
When a deed of sale is actually an express trust, the titled "owner" holds only as trustee. This case explains the difference.
Ejectment Case Dismissed Understand Philippine Court Jurisdiction IN Property Disputes
Learn when Philippine courts have jurisdiction over ejectment cases. A Supreme Court ruling explains the difference between forcible entry and unlawful detainer.