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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Jurisdiction and Estoppel by Laches in Philippine Property Disputes
Learn how the Supreme Court applied estoppel by laches when a party attacks jurisdiction in a case not on appeal.
The Weight of a Sheriff's Duty: Liability for Failing to Execute Court Orders
When a sheriff fails to take custody of attached property, the consequences are serious. This case explains the liability.
Sheriffs' Duty in Executing Writs of Attachment: Lessons from NBI v. Tuliao
A sheriff who leaves attached property with the debtor or creditor violates Rule 57. Learn the proper way to execute writs of attachment.
Combating Land Title Fraud: Reopening Decrees and Protecting Property Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies that reconstituted titles obtained through fraudulent or defective proceedings are void and cannot defeat actual possession.
Reconstitution of Land Titles: Ensuring Validity and Protecting Property Rights in the Philippines
Learn the strict requirements for judicial reconstitution of lost land titles under R.A. 26 and why non-compliance voids the proceedings.
Squatting Rights: When Tolerance Does Not Mean Consent in Philippine Property Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that sharing harvests or tolerating possession does not create ownership rights or consent to squatting.
Constructive Trusts Protecting Beneficiaries From Abuse OF Confidence
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on constructive trusts, fiduciary duty, and remedies for abuse of confidence in property relations.
Extended Leases Balancing Equity AND Contractual Obligations IN Property LAW
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on extending lease terms beyond contract expiry, balancing equity and contractual freedom in property law.
Forcible Entry Cases: Why Facts, Not Just Claims, Decide Property Disputes
Learn how Philippine courts decide forcible entry cases and why factual evidence, not mere claims, determines who keeps possession.
Right OF First Refusal Understanding Contractual Obligations IN Property Sales
When Is a Private Individual Considered a Public Officer? Malversation and Sandiganbayan Jurisdiction
A private individual designated as BIR custodian of distrained property is not a public officer, so the Sandiganbayan lacks jurisdiction over him for malversation.
Ejectment Suits: When Can a Landowner Reclaim Property From Someone Living There
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a landowner can eject occupants by tolerance, and the legal limits of guardians' authority.
Injunctions and Land Disputes: When Courts Can Dismiss Property Claims
Learn when Philippine courts may dismiss land disputes on laches or prescription grounds, and why trial is often required.
Laches and Prescription in Property Disputes: What the Supreme Court Said
A 1997 Supreme Court ruling clarifies when laches and prescription can dismiss a property case, and why these defenses need full trial.
Compromise Agreements and Corporate Authority: Balancing Co-Ownership Rights with Contractual Obligations
When a judicially-approved compromise agreement authorizes a corporation to sell co-owned property, prior consultation with the co-owner is not required.
Laches in Philippine Property Law: How Delaying Your Claim Can Cost You
A 1997 Supreme Court ruling shows how laches can bar a registered owner from recovering property after unreasonable delay. Learn the rules.
Conjugal Property vs Separate Property: Protecting Your Assets in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts distinguish conjugal from separate property, and why registration alone does not prove ownership during marriage.
Equitable Mortgage vs Absolute Sale: Protecting Property Rights in the Philippines
When is a deed of sale actually an equitable mortgage? The Supreme Court explains the legal presumption protecting property owners.
Land Ownership Disputes: How Government Reservations Affect Property Rights in the Philippines
Learn how government reservations like national parks affect land ownership rights in the Philippines, based on a landmark Supreme Court ruling.
Lis Pendens in the Philippines: Preventing Multiple Lawsuits and Wasted Resources
Learn how lis pendens works in the Philippines to prevent multiple lawsuits, protect property rights, and avoid wasted judicial resources.
Encroachment Disputes: Property Rights and Ejectment in the Philippines
When a neighbor's house encroaches on your land, can you file ejectment? The Supreme Court explains your rights and remedies.
Sheriff Negligence and Liability for Unreturned Seized Property
Philippine Supreme Court rules on sheriff's duty to return seized property and consequences of negligence in execution of writs.
Forum Shopping in Philippine Courts: A Guide for Property Developers
Learn how the Supreme Court penalizes forum shopping in property disputes, with practical guidance for developers facing multiple suits.
When Can an Agent Sell Your Property? The Limits of a Special Power of Attorney
A special power of attorney to eject squatters does not authorize selling land. Learn the limits of an agent's authority to dispose of real property.