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.
Eviction from Military Reservations: Government Authority and Squatters' Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Army v. Pamittan clarifies when the government may evict occupants of military reservations without a court order and the limits of squatters' rights.
Final Judgments in Philippine Courts: Supervening Events and the Doctrine of Immutability
Learn how the Supreme Court defines supervening events and why final judgments in the Philippines are generally immutable and unalterable.
Lost Land Title Petitions: Court Limits, Due Diligence, and Protecting Property Rights
Learn how Philippine courts handle petitions for new owner's duplicate titles, including jurisdictional limits, due diligence duties, and key lessons from a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Can Landowners Force Water Disconnection for Informal Settlers? Supreme Court Says No
The Supreme Court ruled landowners cannot compel water utilities to disconnect services to informal settlers, balancing property rights with essential services.
Unmarried Couples and Property Rights in the Philippines: Proving Co-Ownership
Unmarried couples in the Philippines must prove actual joint contribution to co-own property. Learn the rules from Lacbayan v. Samoy.
Barangay Boundary Disputes: Why Cadastral Maps Beat Tax Records
In boundary disputes between barangays, the Supreme Court gives greater weight to cadastral maps approved by the Director of Lands than to tax declarations.
Must-Carry Rule vs. Broadcasting Rights: The DTH Satellite Retransmission Case
The Supreme Court ruled that DTH satellite providers may carry free-to-air signals under the must-carry rule without violating broadcasting rights.
Injunctions in Ejectment Cases: Balancing Property Rights and Public Service
When can an ejectment judgment be stayed? City of Naga v. Asuncion shows how courts balance property rights against disruption of public services.
Lis Pendens Cancellation: Final Judgments and Property Rights Under Biglang-Awa
Learn when a notice of lis pendens can be cancelled after a final judgment, based on the Supreme Court ruling in Biglang-Awa v. Philippine Trust Company.
Future Inheritance Contracts Are Void: Arrogante v. Deliarte Explained
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on void contracts over future inheritance, and the exceptions that can save family property arrangements.
Right of Pre-emption for Adjoining Landowners in the Philippines: A Guide
Learn how Article 1622 protects adjoining landowners of small urban lots, explained through the Supreme Court case Contreras v. Alcantara.
Ejectment Case Jurisdiction in the Philippines: MTC vs RTC After Bejar v. Caluag
Filing an ejectment case in the wrong court risks dismissal. Learn how Bejar v. Caluag clarifies MTC vs RTC jurisdiction.
Nemo Dat Quod Non Habet: Why Title Verification Matters in Philippine Property Deals
Philippine law bars transferring property you don't own. Learn the nemo dat rule from Hermosilla v. Remoquillo and how to protect your purchase.
Proving Land Ownership in the Philippines: The June 12, 1945 Rule in Land Registration
Philippine land registration requires proof of possession since June 12, 1945. Learn the rules and the key case of Republic v. Carrasco.
Unprobated Wills and Ejectment: Why Probate Is Required Before Claiming Property Rights in the Philippines
An unprobated will has no legal effect in Philippine courts. Learn why probate is mandatory before asserting inheritance rights in property disputes.
Boundary Disputes in the Philippines: When Creeks Change Course, Ownership Stays Put
Philippine courts uphold original property boundaries even when creeks are diverted. Learn how Pang-oden v. Leonen protects land titles.
Barangay vs. Homeowners: Who Administers a Multi-Purpose Hall?
The Supreme Court clarifies the division of authority between barangays and homeowners' associations over government-funded facilities in subdivisions.
Good Faith Builder Rights Under Article 448: Key Lessons from a Philippine Supreme Court Case
Understand the rights of a builder in good faith under Philippine law, including the landowner's options under Article 448 of the Civil Code.
Donations to Unregistered Organizations in the Philippines: When Are They Valid?
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on donations to unregistered organizations: why juridical personality matters and what donors and groups must know.
Res Judicata in Philippine Land Disputes: Why a Reconstitution Case Doesn't Block Ownership Claims
A title reconstitution case doesn't settle ownership. Learn how res judicata applies in Philippine land disputes and protects your property rights.
Proving Land Ownership in the Philippines: Tax Declarations and Cadastral Surveys in Quieting Title Cases
Learn how tax declarations, cadastral surveys, and possession determine ownership in Philippine land disputes, based on a Supreme Court ruling.
Demolition of Illegal Structures: When a Court Order Is Required in the Philippines
Philippine law generally requires a special court order before a city may demolish existing structures, even those built without permits. Learn the rules.
Public Plaza vs. Private Property: Land Ownership Disputes in the Philippines
When can land used as a public plaza be claimed as private property? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on property of public dominion.
Tax Declaration vs. Deed of Sale: Proving Land Ownership in the Philippines
A tax declaration annotation is not proof of land ownership. Learn what documents legally establish title under Philippine law.