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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Just Compensation in Expropriation: When Is Land "Taken"?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when property is and "adjustment factor" to account for the time elapsed since the taking.
Lawyer Suspended for Misusing Attached Properties in Custody of Court
Lawyer suspended one year for taking custody of attached vehicles without court authority and allowing their unauthorized use.
Just Compensation for Land Taken Without Expropriation: The Nepomuceno Rule
When government takes private land without expropriation, compensation is valued at the time of taking, not at payment.
Letter of Undertaking Enforceability and Independence From Negotiable Instruments
Supreme Court rules a letter of undertaking is a separate contract, binding even if the underlying sight draft is discharged under the Negotiable Instruments Law.
Agrarian Reform Just Compensation and Timely Valuation of PD 27 Lands
When are PD 27 lands valued for just compensation? The Supreme Court clarifies the date of taking and applicable law.
Taking the Law Into One's Own Hands: When Recovery Attempts Lead to Legal Liability
A clerk of court's angry outburst over cut bamboos shows how self-help recovery can trigger administrative liability despite retirement.
Just Compensation in Expropriation: The Cost of Delay and Finality of Judgments
A 28-year expropriation case shows why just compensation must reflect fair market value at the time of taking, and why final judgments must stand.
Lawyer Disbarred for Accepting Private Cases and Fees While in Government Service
Supreme Court disbars PAO lawyer for taking private cases and attorney's fees, violating ethical rules and deceiving a client.
Just Compensation IN Agrarian Reform Valuing Land AT THE Time OF Taking VS Time OF Payment
Theft Is Consummated Upon Taking: Debunking the Myth of Frustrated Theft
The Supreme Court clarifies that theft is consummated the moment the offender takes property with intent to gain, even if later apprehended.
When Is Property "Taken" for Expropriation? The Timing of Just Compensation
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when "taking" occurs in expropriation, affecting how just compensation is valued.
Judge Fined for Two-Year Delay: Kara-an v. Lindo and Judicial Accountability
The Supreme Court fined a judge P3,000 for taking nearly two years to act on an inhibition order, underscoring that judges cannot blame staff for court delays.
Eminent Domain and Just Compensation: Why Timing Matters in Philippine Property Expropriation
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that just compensation in expropriation is valued at the time of filing or taking, whichever comes first.
Just Compensation in Agrarian Reform: When Valuation Should Be Made
Supreme Court clarifies that just compensation for agrarian reform lands is valued at payment time, not at taking.
Agrarian Justice Delayed: Determining Just Compensation in Land Reform Cases
When should just compensation be valued—at land taking or payment? The Supreme Court clarifies in Meneses v. DAR.
Negligence and Quasi-Delict: When Overtaking on the Shoulder Makes You Liable
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies negligence and vicarious liability of vehicle owners in traffic accidents under Philippine law.
Eminent Domain and Just Compensation: How Courts Value Right of Way Acquisitions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how courts determine just compensation for right of way acquisitions, using market value at time of taking.
Just Compensation and Due Process: Protecting Landowners from Unjustified Government Taking
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on just compensation and due process in expropriation cases, protecting landowners' property rights.
Land Acquisition and Just Compensation: Proving Government Taking in Agrarian Reform
Landowner's claim for just compensation fails because she failed to prove actual government taking under agrarian reform laws.
Mining Rights vs Property Rights: Balancing Public Benefit and Just Compensation
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on the Mining Act of 1995, explaining when entry into private lands becomes compensable taking.
Just Compensation in the Philippines: Value Pegged at Time of Taking, Not Current Market Value
Philippine law pegs just compensation at the time of taking, not current market value. MIAA v. Rodriguez explains the rule.
Genuine Necessity in Eminent Domain: Understanding Property Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court defines "genuine necessity" in expropriation cases and protects property rights against arbitrary government taking.
Misconduct and Job Security: When a Private Agreement Impacts Employment
A fishing crew dismissed for taking fish without a gate pass learns that valid cause doesn't excuse denial of due process.
When Is Just Compensation Determined in Expropriation Cases? A Key Supreme Court Ruling
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the reckoning point for just compensation in expropriation cases—at actual taking, not at filing.