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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Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies and Impartiality in HLURB Housing Disputes
The Supreme Court explains why a developer's bid to stop HLURB proceedings for alleged bias failed, and what the ruling means for parties in housing disputes.
Housing Rights: Actual Occupants Prevail Over Absentee Awardees in Government Projects
Supreme Court rules that absentee awardees cannot keep government housing lots meant for actual occupants, protecting bona fide residents' rights.
Due Process and Property Rights in Housing Programs: Lessons from Espinocilla v. Bagong Tanyag
The Supreme Court clarifies that due process in housing programs requires notice and hearing, not vested property rights from mere occupancy.
When Final Is Final: Ejectment Orders and Socialized Housing Claims
The Supreme Court upheld an ejectment and demolition order, ruling that a lost appeal cannot be replaced by certiorari and that RA 7279 protections require proof of beneficiary status.
Actual Occupancy vs Possession in SSS Housing: Contract Terms Govern
Supreme Court clarifies that "actual occupancy" differs from "possession" in SSS housing contracts, allowing rescission for breach.
Freedom to Contract vs Equity: No Perfected Contract, No Forced Sale of Government Property
Supreme Court rules equity cannot compel the National Housing Authority to sell land without a perfected contract of sale.
Expropriation and Due Process: When a City's Power of Eminent Domain Fails
The Supreme Court ruled that the City of Manila violated due process in expropriating private land for housing, failing to exhaust other acquisition modes under RA 7279.
Relocation Rights AND Preliminary Injunctions Upholding Development Plans Amidst Housing Disputes
Expropriation and Urban Development: When Can a City Take Private Land for Socialized Housing?
The Supreme Court clarifies the two-stage process of expropriation and when compliance with RA 7279's acquisition priorities must be shown.
Eminent Domain vs Urban Development: Balancing Public Need and Property Rights in Manila
The Supreme Court clarifies when local governments may expropriate private land for socialized housing under R.A. 7279.
Upholding Statutory Intent: HDMF Rule-Making Power and Employee Benefit Exemptions
Supreme Court rules HDMF exceeded its authority by requiring both provident and housing plans for Pag-IBIG exemption.
Understanding Anti-Squatting Laws in the Philippines: Due Process and Constitutional Considerations
The Supreme Court explains how anti-squatting laws interact with constitutional due process and housing rights in the Philippines.
Eminent Domain in the Philippines: Balancing Public Use and Private Property Rights
The Supreme Court clarifies when local governments may expropriate private land for socialized housing, and the due process limits on eminent domain.