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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Simulated Sales: When Intent to Transfer Ownership Is Absent
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a deed of sale is absolutely simulated and void, using Formaran v. Ong as a guide.
Tax Sales and Due Process: Protecting Property Rights in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts protect landowners from defective tax sales and uphold due process in property forfeiture cases.
Prohibition on Land Transfers Protecting Tenant Rights Under Agrarian Reform
Philippine Supreme Court explains why land sales to non-tenants are void under PD 27, protecting agrarian reform beneficiaries.
Writ OF Possession Rights OF Third Parties IN Foreclosure Sales
Stock Certificate Delay: When Rescission of Share Sale Is Allowed
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies rescission rules for delayed stock certificate issuance and who must return payments in share sales.
Void Writ of Execution: Supreme Court Nullifies Property Seizure and Auction
A void writ of execution invalidates all actions taken under it, including property levies and auction sales. Learn the rules.
Rescission Rights When Developers Fail to Deliver on Property Sales
Buyers who fully paid for a lot can rescind the contract and recover the property's market value when the developer fails to deliver title.
Entrapment vs Instigation in Illegal Drug Sales: Key Distinctions from a Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court distinguishes entrapment from instigation in drug cases, explaining why a buy-bust arrest remains valid when criminal intent originates from the accused.
Mortgage Without HLURB Approval: Buyer Protection in Condominium Sales
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a mortgage lacking HLURB approval is void only against the unit buyer, not the developer and bank.
The Perils of Proximity: Proving Illegal Drug Sales Beyond Reasonable Doubt
Explore how Philippine courts weigh proximity and buy-bust evidence in drug cases, using People v. Hambora as a guide.
Mortgagee in Good Faith Doctrine Protects Banks Despite Simulated Property Sales
Philippine Supreme Court rules banks can retain mortgage rights even when mortgagors' titles trace back to simulated sales, if bank acted in good faith.
Brokers Entitlement to Commission: The Efficient Procuring Cause in Real Estate Sales
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a real estate broker earns a commission, the efficient procuring cause rule, and written authority contracts.
Bad Faith in Unregistered Land Sales and Trust Disputes: Belle Corp. v. De Leon-Banks
When can a buyer of unregistered land be sued for bad faith? The Supreme Court clarifies pleading rules in trust and property disputes.
When Commissions Count in Separation Pay: A Philippine Labor Law Guide
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when sales commissions form part of salary for separation pay computation and when quitclaims are invalid.
BUY Bust Operations Establishing Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt IN Illegal Drug Sales
Zero-Rated Sales: Strict Invoicing Requirements for VAT Refund Claims in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: failure to comply with invoicing requirements is fatal to VAT refund claims. Learn the strict rules.
Navigating Land Disputes When Unproven Sales Fail Against Registered Titles
A Supreme Court ruling on why unproven deeds of sale cannot defeat registered land titles, and the limits of prescription in land disputes.
Control Test Decides Employer-Employee Relationship in Philippine Labor Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on Charlie Jao v. BCC Products Sales Inc. explains the control test and four elements determining employer-employee relationship.
Double Sales and Fraudulent Misrepresentation in Property Sales: The Roman Catholic Church v. Pante Case
A Supreme Court ruling on when misrepresentation voids a sale and how double sales are resolved under Philippine law.
Acquisitive Prescription and Double Sales: When Long-Term Possession Confirms Ownership
A Supreme Court ruling on how prior possession and good faith determine ownership in double sales of land.
Illegal Dismissal in the Philippines: When Loss of Trust and Confidence Doesn't Justify Termination
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that loss of trust and confidence requires willful breach by employee; poor sales performance alone is not enough.
Unmasking Deceptive Sales Tactics: Supreme Court Upholds Consumer Protection in Aowa Case
The Supreme Court affirms DTI's closure order against Aowa for deceptive sales schemes, strengthening consumer protection under the Consumer Act.
VAT Compliance Strict Invoicing Requirements FOR Tax Credit Claims IN THE Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on strict VAT invoicing requirements for zero-rated sales tax credit claims.
Land Sale Contracts in the Philippines: Ensuring Object Certainty and Navigating Legal Heirs
A Supreme Court ruling on forged land sales, object certainty, and the rights of legal heirs in Philippine property disputes.