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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Clean Water Act Enforcement: Sewerage Deadlines and the Limits of Good Faith
The Supreme Court clarifies that water concessionaires must meet the Clean Water Act's five-year sewerage deadline, tempering fines despite good faith.
Good Faith vs Criminal Intent: When a Mistake Isn't Estafa
The Supreme Court acquits a jeepney driver of estafa, clarifying that good faith and lack of criminal intent negate conspiracy in fraud cases.
Good Faith and the Duty to Return Illegally Granted Benefits in the NHA
Explore the Supreme Court's ruling on good faith and the obligation to return illegally granted benefits in the National Housing Authority.
Good Faith Defense in Graft Cases: When Official Duty Is Not Corruption
The Supreme Court acquits public officers of graft, ruling that honest mistakes in performing official duty are not corruption absent corrupt motive.
Disallowed Expenses Local Officials Must Refund Illegally Received Funds
Supreme Court rules local officials must refund disallowed EME funds, clarifying good faith does not excuse liability.
Good Faith and the Anti-Graft Law: When an Honest Mistake Leads to Acquittal
The Supreme Court clarifies that violating procurement rules alone does not prove graft—corrupt intent must be shown beyond reasonable doubt.
Beyond the Timesheet: Ghost Employee Acquittal Hinges on Good Faith and Actual Service
The Supreme Court acquits a former board member and five job order employees in a ghost employee case, emphasizing that actual service and good faith defeat charges of graft and falsification.
Fraudulent Land Patents Void Derivative Titles Even for Good-Faith Buyers
Supreme Court ruling: titles derived from fraudulently obtained land patents are void, even if current owners bought in good faith.
Splitting Contracts: Good Faith Alone Does NOT Excuse Violation of Procurement Laws
Supreme Court rules good faith is no defense for splitting contracts and bypassing public bidding under RA 9184.
Good Faith as a Shield: Accountability in Governance for Disallowed Transactions
When can good faith protect public officers from liability for disallowed transactions? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on accountability in governance.
Breach of Promise to Marry: Good Faith as a Prerequisite for Damages
Philippine Supreme Court rules that a party acting in bad faith cannot recover damages for breach of promise to marry.
Redundancy Dismissal Employers Must Prove Necessity NOT Just Inefficiency
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies redundancy dismissal rules: employers must prove good faith and actual redundancy, not mere inefficiency.
Good Faith Defense in Graft Cases: Insights from the Feliciano and Aquitania Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquitted water district officials of graft and malversation, clarifying the limits of criminal liability for good faith actions.
Understanding Fraudulent Property Transfers, Implied Trusts, and Good Faith Buyers in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when a fraudulent property transfer creates an implied trust and when buyers in good faith are protected under Philippine law.
Navigating Land Disputes: Understanding the Indefeasibility of Torrens Titles in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies how the indefeasibility of Torrens titles protects mortgagees in good faith and foreclosure sale purchasers in land disputes.
Mortgagee in Good Faith in the Philippines: What Jimenez v. Jimenez, Jr. Means for Property Owners
Learn how the mortgagee in good faith doctrine protects lenders and foreclosure buyers in the Philippines, explained through the Jimenez case.
Good Faith in Government Procurement: When Brand Specification Is Not Graft
The Supreme Court clarifies that procurement irregularities do not automatically prove graft under Section 3(e) of the Anti-Graft Law.
Good Faith Purchases and Property Rights: What Buyers Must Prove Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when buyers of registered land are truly "innocent purchasers" and what they must prove to keep property.
Navigating Liability in Government Housing Loan Disbursements: Insights from a Landmark COA Ruling
Learn how the Supreme Court rules on COA disallowances, good faith defenses, and liability for government employees who received disallowed benefits.
Understanding Good Faith in Government Contract Disputes When Public Officers Are Excused From Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies when public officers may be excused from liability in government contract disputes involving disallowed disbursements.
Understanding Redundancy: When Can Employers Legally Terminate Employees in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the requisites for valid redundancy termination in the Philippines, emphasizing good faith and fair criteria.
Understanding Liability for Disallowed Government Incentives: Insights from a Philippine Supreme Court Case
A Philippine Supreme Court case clarifies when government officials may be held liable for disallowed incentives, and the limits of good faith as a defense.
Recall of Appointments Without Notice and Hearing: Insights from a Landmark CSC Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when the CSC may recall a civil service appointment without prior notice and hearing, and the limits of good faith.
Limits of University Board Powers: Disallowed Benefits and Good Faith
Supreme Court clarifies when university boards exceed their powers in granting benefits, and when good faith excuses refund liability.