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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When a Verbal Land Sale Is Enforceable: The Statute of Frauds Exception
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a verbal sale of real property is enforceable despite the Statute of Frauds, citing partial performance.
Disclosure in Fire Insurance Policies: Avoiding Forfeiture Under the Other Insurance Clause
A fire insurance claim can be forfeited for failing to disclose other policies covering the same property. Learn the rules.
Good Faith Purchases and Property Rights: What Buyers Must Prove Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when buyers of registered land are truly "innocent purchasers" and what they must prove to keep property.
Lawyer Client Trust: Fiduciary Duties and Misconduct in Property Transactions
When a lawyer fails to account for client funds in a property transfer, the Supreme Court explains the fiduciary duty and consequences.
Theft by Misappropriation of Found Property: What Philippine Law Requires
Philippine law punishes keeping found property as theft. Learn the finder's duties and key lessons from a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Co-Ownership and Property Rights in the Philippines: The Racho Case on Consent
The Supreme Court clarifies when co-owners may sell inherited property and why consent of all heirs is required before partition.
Due Diligence in Property and Payment Transactions: Lessons from a Landmark Fraud Case
A Supreme Court ruling on ghost repairs shows why due diligence in verifying documents is critical before approving payments or entering transactions.
Understanding Property Rights: Land Ownership Extent and Ejectment in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine law defines land ownership extent—surface, subsurface, and airspace—and when ejectment cases apply to structures like firewalls.
Service of Summons and Due Process: A Philippine Property Dispute Lesson
The Supreme Court nullified a property ruling because summons was served at the wrong address, violating due process. Learn the rules.
Understanding Heirs' Obligations in Philippine Property Sales: A Landmark Supreme Court Ruling
Learn how a 2020 Supreme Court ruling clarifies heirs' obligations and foreign will probate requirements in Philippine property sales.
Overlapping Land Titles in the Philippines: Priority of Registration and Legal Remedies
When two titles cover the same land, the earlier registered title prevails. Learn the rules and remedies in Philippine property disputes.
Court Personnel Disbarred for Extorting Litigant Over Court Document
Supreme Court penalizes court interpreter for demanding money to release a litigant's property document, imposing fine and disqualification.
When Must Property Sellers Deliver the Title? The Fil-Estate v. Hermana Realty Rule
Full payment of the purchase price entitles a buyer to demand the deed of sale and owner's duplicate title, even if taxes remain unpaid.
Property Ownership and Adverse Possession: The Supreme Court's Ruling on Deeds and Occupation
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when occupation ripens into ownership, and why a defective deed cannot transfer property rights.
Property Disputes and Compromise Agreements: Lessons from the BASECO Case
A look at how the Supreme Court treated compromise agreements and property rights in a dispute involving the Province of Bataan and sequestered BASECO assets.
Abuse of Rights in Philippine Law: A Case Study on Mortgage and Property Transactions
The Supreme Court clarifies the abuse of rights principle under Article 19, showing when a bank employee's blunt remarks do not amount to bad faith.
Lease Renewal vs Extension: Supreme Court Clarifies the Critical Distinction
The Supreme Court clarifies the crucial difference between lease renewal and extension in a dispute over a government property lease.
Simulated Contracts in the Philippines: When a Deed of Sale Is Void
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a simulated deed of sale is void. Learn the rules on genuine intent in property transactions.
Navigating Property Disputes: The Importance of Clear Evidence in Philippine Land Ownership Cases
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies how proof of sale, not registration alone, determines ownership in Philippine land disputes.
Understanding Res Judicata: How Final Judgments Impact Property Disputes in the Philippines
Learn how final judgments shape property disputes in the Philippines, including the doctrine of res judicata and its practical implications.
Intervention Rights in Property Disputes: The PRA Reclamation Case Explained
When can a third party intervene in a property dispute? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules in a reclamation case involving the Philippine Reclamation Authority.
Misrepresentation and Legal Ethics: A Lawyer's Duty to Uphold Integrity
A lawyer who misrepresents property ownership and refuses to return earnest money faces suspension under the Code of Professional Responsibility.
When Lawyers Overstep: Misrepresentation in Property Redemption and Disbarment Risks
A lawyer's unauthorized claim to redeem property led to a two-year suspension. Learn the ethical rules and property redemption limits.
Lawyer Misconduct: Disbarment for Dishonesty and Deceit in Property Transactions
The Supreme Court disbarred a lawyer for fabricating court filings and a fake decision in a client's annulment case, underscoring strict ethical standards.