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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Double Sale: Good Faith Registration Prevails Only Without Knowledge of Prior Claims
In a double sale, first registration wins only if done in good faith. Learn the rule from De la Cena v. Briones.
Good Faith Mortgage vs Forged Title: Protecting the True Property Owner's Rights
Can a bank keep a mortgage on property bought through a forged deed? The Supreme Court clarifies the true owner's remedies.
Good Faith and Due Diligence in Property Transactions: Lessons from Bautista v. Silva
When is a buyer of real property truly in good faith? The Supreme Court clarifies the duty to inquire beyond a special power of attorney.
Accountability in Public Works: Good Faith and Falsification of Documents by Public Officials
Supreme Court acquits three DPWH officials charged with falsifying road project completion reports, stressing good faith and lack of personal participation.
Judicial Accountability: Good Faith Exception for Erroneous Judgments
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that judges cannot be disciplined for erroneous rulings made in good faith, absent fraud or malice.
Good Faith Builder Rights Under Article 448: Key Lessons from a Philippine Supreme Court Case
Understand the rights of a builder in good faith under Philippine law, including the landowner's options under Article 448 of the Civil Code.
When Judges May Conduct Preliminary Investigation and Issue Warrants: Lessons from Lumbos v. Baliguat
A judge's authority to conduct preliminary investigation and issue warrants, explained through an administrative case dismissed for good faith.
Contempt of Court: Ensuring Due Process and Avoiding Abuse of Judicial Authority
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when judges may issue arrest warrants in preliminary investigations and why good faith shields them from administrative liability.
Good Faith vs Due Diligence: Protecting Rights in Real Estate Transactions
When is a buyer or mortgagee of land truly in good faith? The Supreme Court clarifies the duty to investigate beyond the Torrens title.
Estafa Tightrope: Good Faith vs Criminal Intent in Bounced Check Cases
Supreme Court acquits AFPSLAI exec in falsification case, stressing that conviction requires proof of damage as alleged in the information.
Double Sale of Property in the Philippines: Why Registration and Good Faith Are Your Best Protection
Learn how Philippine law resolves double sales of property and why timely registration and good faith determine ownership.
Good Faith as a Defense in Philippine Election Offenses: The Garcia Case
When can good faith excuse an election officer's error? The Garcia ruling explains intent in vote canvassing offenses under RA 6646.
Navigating Anti-Graft Laws in Philippine Government Transactions: Good Faith and Due Diligence
Learn how Philippine courts apply good faith and due diligence standards in government asset sales under the Anti-Graft Law.
Good Faith in Property Sales: Protecting Buyers From Fraudulent Land Titles
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on void reconstituted titles and the rights of innocent purchasers for value in property sales.
Buyer Beware: The Limits of Good Faith in Land Purchases When Red Flags Appear
When buying registered land, good faith has limits. Learn when red flags defeat a buyer's claim of innocence in Philippine property law.
When Good Faith Fails: Financing Firm's Foreclosure Voided for Ignoring Occupants' Rights
A financing firm's foreclosure was voided for bad faith because it ignored occupants' notice of a prior unregistered sale. Learn the due diligence rule.
Double Sale Prior Good Faith Purchaser Prevails Over Subsequent Mortgagee
Good Faith Builder Landowners Options When Construction Erroneously Occurs ON Neighboring Land
Good Faith and Due Diligence When Lawyers Rely on Official Records
When can a lawyer rely on official receipts without facing disciplinary action? The Supreme Court explains the limits.
Good Faith Purchase When A Buyers Knowledge Voids Land Title Protection
Good Faith Under Scrutiny Exploring THE Limits OF Mortgagee Protection IN Philippine LAW
Good Faith vs Negligence: Understanding Administrative Dishonesty in Philippine Civil Service
When does using public funds become administrative dishonesty? The Supreme Court explains good faith, negligence, and accountability for court officials.
Mortgage in Bad Faith When Due Diligence Falls Short
A mortgagee who fails to verify the identity and authority of the mortgagor is not in good faith and loses protection under PD 1529.
Graft Case Lessons When Good Faith Defenses Fail Public Officials
A mayor's conviction under Section 3(e) of RA 3019 shows when good faith defenses fail public officials in graft cases.