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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Public Officials Beware: Good Faith Reliance on Subordinates Is No Shield Against Graft Charges
The Supreme Court clarifies that public officials cannot evade graft liability by claiming reliance on subordinates, especially when approving large transactions.
The Right to Litigate Must Be Exercised in Good Faith: Lessons from a Baseless Insurance Suit
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when filing a baseless lawsuit can expose a party to damages for bad faith litigation.
When Fraud Taints a Land Title: Reversion, Simulated Sales, and Buyer's Good Faith
Explore when the State can cancel a fraudulently issued land title and why buyers must investigate possession before purchasing property.
Reliance on Official Advice as Good Faith Defense in Anti-Graft Cases
Supreme Court holds that public officers who rely on prevailing BIR opinions act in good faith and cannot be liable under Section 3(e) of RA 3019.
Good Faith in Land Registration: Protecting the Rightful Owner in Property Disputes
When does a second buyer's registration of property fail to defeat the first buyer's rights? The Supreme Court explains the good faith requirement under Article 1544.
Double Sale of Land: Good Faith Registration Is Key to Ownership
In a double sale of land, the buyer who registers first in good faith wins. Bad faith registration confers no ownership.
Falsification of Public Documents: When Good Faith Fails as a Defense
Good faith may defend falsification charges, but it must be proven. Resoso v. Sandiganbayan shows why authorization and documentation matter.
Extrajudicial Foreclosure and Redemption: Lessons from DBP v. Piñeda
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified the one-year redemption period in extrajudicial foreclosure and the good faith rule for mortgagee possession.
Protecting Your Loan Understanding Good Faith Mortgagees In Philippine Property Law
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains when a mortgagee is protected as a good faith lender, even if the mortgagor's title is later challenged.
Building on Shaky Ground: Philippine Supreme Court Clarifies Ownership of Structures on Sold Land
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on ownership of structures built on sold land, explaining accession rights and good faith under the Civil Code.
Ombudsman's Discretion on Probable Cause: Why Good Faith Is a Trial Defense, Not a Dismissal Card
The Supreme Court rules that good faith is an evidentiary defense for trial, not grounds to block an Ombudsman indictment for probable cause.
Customs Forfeiture in the Philippines: Illegal Removal of Goods and the Buyer Beware Rule
When goods are illegally removed from customs custody, forfeiture can reach any buyer, even one claiming good faith. Learn the rules.
Acceleration Clauses in Philippine Chattel Mortgages: Rights and Limitations
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on acceleration clauses in chattel mortgages, good faith, and damages for wrongful foreclosure.
When Is a Sheriff Liable for Wrongful Execution? The De Guzman Rule
Philippine law shields sheriffs who execute judgments in good faith and with an indemnity bond. Learn the rules on wrongful execution and third-party claims.
Exercising Your Option to Purchase: Timeliness and Good Faith in Philippine Lease Contracts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on option-to-purchase clauses in lease contracts, timeliness of exercise, good faith, and fair market value pricing.
When IS A Judge Liable FOR Errors Understanding Judicial Misconduct AND Good Faith IN Philippine Courts
When Strikes ARE Legal Understanding Good Faith AND Illegal Dismissal IN Philippine Labor LAW
Protecting Your Property Rights: Why Forged Deeds Can't Stand in Philippine Law
Learn how Philippine courts treat forged deeds and protect property owners. A guide to reconveyance actions, prescription, and buyer's good faith.
Attorney Ethics: Navigating Conflicts of Interest in the Philippines
A lawyer cannot represent conflicting interests, even in good faith. The Supreme Court explains the rule and its penalties.
The High Cost of Negligence: Why Banks Must Exercise Due Diligence in Mortgage Transactions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on GSIS v. Salonga clarifies that banks and lending institutions cannot claim good faith by merely relying on titles.
Unmasking True Ownership: Implied Trusts and the Limits of Good Faith in Property Transfers
When a brother buys land but titles it in another's name, an implied trust arises. The Supreme Court explains when good faith buyers cannot defeat the true owner.
Leasehold Improvements: Lessee Rights and Obligations Under Philippine Law
Understand lessee rights to improvements under Article 1678 of the Civil Code, and why lessees are not builders in good faith.
Prior Land Title Prevails: Property Rights and Good Faith in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on ejectment, lease obligations, and why historical landmark status does not override property rights.
Encroachment Disputes: Rights and Obligations of Landowners and Builders in the Philippines
When a building encroaches on a neighbor's land, what are the parties' rights? The Supreme Court explains good faith, Article 448 options, and remedies.