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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Eminent Domain and Easements: Determining Just Compensation for Transmission Lines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on just compensation for transmission line easements, including procedural rules on appeals in expropriation cases.
When Government Delays Just Compensation: Property Return After Unreasonable Delay
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: government must pay just compensation promptly or risk losing expropriated property back to its owner.
Certiorari Remedy When Land Bank Questions Just Compensation Ruling
Supreme Court clarifies when Land Bank may use certiorari to question execution of agrarian just compensation awards.
Senior Citizen Discounts as Tax Credits: Ensuring Equitable Compensation for Private Establishments
The Supreme Court clarifies that the 20% senior citizen discount is a tax credit, not a mere deduction, ensuring fair treatment for private establishments.
Water District Board Compensation: Per Diems, Additional Benefits, and COA Disallowances
The Supreme Court clarifies that water district directors may receive only per diems under PD 198, with limited exceptions for good faith recipients.
Just Compensation in Expropriation: BPI v. National Power Corporation
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how courts determine just compensation in eminent domain cases, emphasizing evidence-based valuation over speculative market data.
Death Compensation for Seafarers: Proving Work-Relatedness of Illness
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a seafarer's death is compensable, and the evidence needed to prove work-related illness.
Power Lines and Property Rights: Determining Just Compensation for Easements
When power lines cross private land, is the owner owed an easement fee or full property value? The Supreme Court clarifies.
When Eminent Domain Leads to Total Loss: Just Compensation for Uninhabitable Property
When government projects render private property uninhabitable, the taking is deemed complete and full just compensation is due.
Fixed-Term Seafarers' Contracts: Illegal Dismissal and Compensation Standards
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that seafarers are contractual employees governed by POEA contracts, not regular employees under the Labor Code.
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.
Extending Compassion Death Benefits After Retirement Under THE Employees Compensation ACT
Can a retired teacher's heirs claim death benefits under PD 626 if the illness began during service? The Supreme Court says yes.
Attorney's Fees: How Philippine Courts Determine Reasonable Compensation for Legal Services
Philippine Supreme Court explains how courts determine reasonable attorney's fees under Rule 138 and the Code of Professional Responsibility.
Attorneys Fees Upholding A Lawyers Right TO Payment Despite Contract Termination
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on attorney's fees, contract termination, and a lawyer's right to compensation for services rendered.
Water District Board Members AND Compensation Clarifying Limits ON Allowances Beyond PER Diems
Fair Compensation in Land Reform: Ensuring Just Valuation for Expropriated Properties
The Supreme Court clarifies how agrarian land is valued, why courts—not agencies—fix just compensation, and what landowners can claim.
Overseas Workers' Illegal Dismissal: Compensation Rules Under RA 8042
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling on compensation for illegally dismissed overseas Filipino workers under Section 10 of RA 8042.
Fair Rental Value as Measure of Reasonable Compensation in Lease Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how courts determine fair rental value and reasonable compensation when lease agreements fail to fix rental rates.
Disturbance Compensation Reclassification Alone Does NOT Trigger Payment TO Tenants
Land reclassification alone does not entitle tenants to disturbance compensation; a final court order or DAR conversion is required.
Easement by Prescription: Why Permissive Use Never Ripens Into a Right-of-Way
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why tolerated use of land cannot create an easement by prescription, and when prescriptive periods for compensation begin.
Per Diem vs Other Compensation: Allowable Remuneration for Water District Board Members
The Supreme Court clarifies that water district board members may receive only per diems under PD 198, not allowances or bonuses.
Prescription and Work-Related Illness: Protecting Employees' Right to Compensation
Learn how the Supreme Court protected a widow's employees' compensation claim, ruling on prescription periods and work-related heart attacks.
Work Related Illnesses Proving Causation IN Employees Compensation Claims
Contract Interpretation Enforcing Equitable Compensation FOR Extended Services
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on equitable compensation for extended construction management services in Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas v. Santamaria.