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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Tax Sale Deposit Rule: When Section 267 of the Local Government Code Does Not Apply
Supreme Court clarifies when the Section 267 deposit requirement for tax sale challenges does not apply, remanding Beaumont case for trial.
Just Compensation in Expropriation: Timing and Evidence Standards
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when just compensation is reckoned and why courts cannot rely on arbitrary or stale comparable sales.
Buy-Bust Operations: Entrapment vs Instigation in Illegal Drug Sales
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between entrapment and instigation in buy-bust operations, affirming a drug sale conviction.
Surrender of Owner's Duplicate Title: Buyers Cannot Withhold It Indefinitely
Buyers who hold an owner's duplicate title after a partial sale must register promptly; co-owners can compel surrender if registration is unreasonably delayed.
Chain of Custody in Drug Sale Cases: Lessons from Belmonte v. People
The Supreme Court upholds a drug sale conviction, clarifying that minor deviations from Section 21's chain of custody rules are not fatal when integrity is preserved.
Delivery vs Sale in Drug Cases: When a Courier Becomes a Seller
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between illegal sale and illegal delivery of dangerous drugs under RA 9165, and the importance of consideration.
Spousal Consent in Property Sales: Why a Sale Without Written Consent Is Void
Selling conjugal property without the other spouse's written consent is void under Philippine law. Learn the rules and buyer protections.
Upholding Conviction Despite Procedural Lapses in Chain of Custody in Drug Cases
Supreme Court affirms drug sale conviction, ruling that minor chain of custody lapses do not automatically overturn a guilty verdict.
Filing an Annulment Case Does Not Stop the Redemption Period in Foreclosure Sales
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that filing an annulment case does not toll the one-year redemption period in extrajudicial foreclosure sales.
Perfecting Land Sales Understanding Contractual Obligations AND Legal Timelines IN Philippine Property LAW
Learn the legal rules on perfecting land sales in the Philippines, including contractual obligations and critical timelines under property law.
Replevin and Vehicle Sales: When Entrusting Your Car Makes You Lose Ownership
A Supreme Court ruling on replevin clarifies when entrusting a vehicle to an agent for sale transfers ownership, and what claimants must prove.
Upholding the Validity of a Sale When Allegations of Forgery Fall Short
The Supreme Court explains when a notarized deed of sale stands despite claims of forgery, and why bare allegations are not enough.
When a Forged Sale Is Void: Reimbursement, Accession, and Heirs' Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies what happens when a forged deed of sale is voided, including heirs' liability, refunds, and the rules on buildings built in bad faith.
VAT Refund Timeliness: The 120-Day Rule, BIR Ruling DA-489-03, and Strict Proof Requirements
Learn how the Supreme Court applied the San Roque doctrine to a prematurely filed VAT refund claim and the strict rules on zero-rated sales and invoicing.
Double Sale of Land: Good Faith and Prior Registration Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies double sale rules: good faith and registration determine ownership of land sold twice.
Writ of Possession After Tax Delinquency Sale: No Forum Shopping Certification Required
Supreme Court clarifies that a writ of possession petition after a tax delinquency sale is not an initiatory pleading, so no certification against forum shopping is needed.
Improper Levy Voids Execution Sale Protecting Due Process in Debt Recovery
Supreme Court rules labor tribunals cannot hold corporate officers liable without summons, voiding execution sales against them.
Summary Judgment vs Trial: Protecting Rights in Contract Disputes
How the Supreme Court protects judgment debtors from irregular execution sales in contract disputes, and what it means for your rights.
Invalid Execution Sales: The Imperative of Proper Levy on Properties in the Philippines
A lawful levy is a prerequisite to a valid execution sale. Learn the rules from a 2016 Supreme Court ruling.
Upholding Drug Conviction: Chain of Custody and Witness Credibility in Buy-Bust Operations
Supreme Court affirms drug sale and possession conviction, explaining when lapses in Section 21 chain of custody rules are not fatal.
When Can a Sale Be Rescinded: Abuse of Rights in Business Contracts
Supreme Court ruling on how a manufacturer's unfair competition against its own distributor can give rise to damages under the Civil Code.
Tax Waivers and Faulty Agreements: When Buyers and Sellers Are Bound by Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a developer's unauthorized sale still binds a property owner, and why final judgments are immutable.
When a Right to Top Fails: Severability and Conditional Obligations in Share Sales
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies how severability clauses and conditional obligations determine bidder rights when a preferential right is voided.
Lawyer Disbarred for Misappropriating Client Funds and Double-Dealing in Property Sale
Supreme Court disbars lawyer who converted client's loan proceeds, neglected title transfer duties, and represented conflicting interests.