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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Upholding Employee Rights When Supervisor Instructions Shield Against Dismissal for Disobedience
Philippine Supreme Court rules an employee following supervisor orders in good faith cannot be dismissed for willful disobedience.
Good Faith in Bigamy: Limits of the Defense and Judicial Accountability
Bigamy requires criminal intent, but good faith has limits. A judge who acquitted based on a foreign divorce decree was fined for gross ignorance of the law.
When Public Service Meets Financial Benefit: Balancing Compensation for Water District Board Members
The Supreme Court clarifies the limits on compensation for water district board members under PD 198, balancing strict rules with good faith.
Double Sale Doctrine: Prior Registration and Good Faith in Land Ownership Disputes
When two buyers claim the same land, who wins? The Supreme Court explains the double sale rule under Article 1544 and the crucial role of good faith and Torrens registration.
Double Sale of Land: Good Faith as the Decisive Factor in Ownership Disputes
In double sales of land, good faith determines ownership. The Supreme Court explains why a clean title alone does not protect a buyer who ignores visible occupants.
When Judges Err in Good Faith: The Limits of Administrative Liability
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that judges acting in good faith are not administratively liable for legal errors, but discourtesy to lawyers remains misconduct.
Judicial Discipline and Good Faith: When a Judge's Erroneous Ruling Is Not Misconduct
Explaining when a judge's erroneous legal interpretation amounts to administrative liability, and when good faith shields a magistrate from discipline.
Protecting a Buyer's Property Rights: The Venzon Case on Execution Sales and Good Faith
A buyer's pre-existing claim to property can defeat a later execution sale, even without registration, when the purchaser had actual knowledge.
Upholding Client Trust: Attorneys' Duty of Diligence and Accountability
Banks must honor commitments in good faith; courts award temperate damages when actual loss can't be precisely proven.
Mortgage in Good Faith: How Banks Are Protected From Fraudulent Land Titles in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how banks that accept mortgages in good faith are protected from forged or fraudulent land titles.
LIS Pendens AND Good Faith Impact ON Land Title Transfers IN THE Philippines
Judicial Immunity: When Judges Cannot Be Sued for Official Acts
The Supreme Court dismissed an administrative complaint against three Sandiganbayan justices, reaffirming that judges are shielded from suits over official acts done in good faith.
THE Duty TO Bargain Enforcing Good Faith IN Collective Bargaining Agreements
Co-Ownership and Good Faith: Property Rights Lessons from Tala Realty vs. Banco Filipino
A Supreme Court ruling on lease contracts, good faith, and the limits of property rights under Philippine law.
Voiding a Sale: Understanding Consent and Good Faith in Property Transactions
The Supreme Court explains when a Philippine deed of sale may be voided for lack of consent, and how the Torrens system protects buyers in good faith.
Upholding Land Sales Good Faith Purchasers Protected Despite Family Disputes
Administrative Case Penalties: When Good Faith and Long Service Can Reduce a Judge's Fine
Philippine Supreme Court explains mitigating circumstances in administrative cases against judges, reducing fines based on service record.
Good Faith No Defense: Falsifying PDS Justifies Dismissal of Court Employee
The Supreme Court rules that a court employee's false PDS entry warrants dismissal for dishonesty and falsification, rejecting good faith defenses.
Good Faith in Land Disputes: When a Builder Loses Rights Under Article 448
Philippine National Bank v. De Jesus clarifies when a builder on another's land can claim good faith rights under Article 448 of the Civil Code.
Voidable Contracts: Spousal Consent and Conjugal Property Sales Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court explains why a husband's sale of conjugal property without the wife's consent is voidable, not void, and how buyers can lose good faith protection.
Acquisitive Prescription Good Faith AND Just Title IN Land Ownership Disputes
Learn how good faith and just title affect acquisitive prescription in Philippine land ownership disputes, based on Supreme Court rulings.
Good Faith in Administrative Actions: Protecting Public Officials From Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies that good faith in filing administrative cases shields public officials from disciplinary liability, but lawyers must still respect courts.
Judicial Accountability: Good Faith and Protecting Judges From Baseless Claims
A look at Custodio v. Quitain on judicial accountability, good faith, and protecting judges from baseless administrative claims.
Forged Signatures and Good Faith: Protecting Property Rights in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains how forged deeds are void and why buyers must verify titles and possession before purchasing property.