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.
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.
Private Land vs Free Patent: Protecting Ownership Rights in the Philippines
A free patent issued over private land is void. Learn the rules on ownership, possession, and title validity from this Supreme Court case.
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.
Lumber Transport in the Philippines: Private Land, Permits, and the Revised Forestry Code
A look at when transporting lumber from private land still requires DENR documents, and how courts compute penalties under the Forestry Code.
MWSS Acquires Land Title Through Acquisitive Prescription: Key Lessons
Land registration dispute clarifies how government agencies can acquire private land through long, open, and continuous possession.
Eminent Domain: Necessity, Procedure, and the Writ of Possession in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when the government may expropriate private land, the necessity requirement, and the rule on writs of possession.
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.
Protecting Your Property Rights Understanding Free Patents AND Land Ownership IN THE Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court protects private landowners from invalid free patents and what this means for your property rights.