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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COA Disallowance of Irregular Government Funds: Good Faith Restitution Rule Explained
Supreme Court rules on COA disallowance of DBP car subsidy, clarifying when good faith excuses refund of disallowed government benefits.
Good Faith and Land Titles: The Limits of Torrens System Protection in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a buyer's failure to pay full price under a Contract to Sell prevents enforcement, and the limits of good faith claims.
Good Faith and Land Titles: When a Contract to Sell Expires in Philippine Property Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a contract to sell expires, the parol evidence rule, and refund rights for unpaid buyers.
Double Sale of Land: Good Faith and Prior Registration Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies double sale rules: good faith and registration determine ownership of land sold twice.
Good Faith Defense vs. Falsification and Malversation of Public Funds
Supreme Court clarifies when blind obedience to unlawful orders defeats good faith in falsification and malversation cases.
Government Employment and Separation Benefits: The TransCo Ruling on Contractual Employees
The Supreme Court clarifies when contractual government employees qualify for separation benefits and when good faith excuses refund of disallowed amounts.
Due Process and Co-Ownership Rights in Non-Profit Organizations and Corporate Asset Transfers
Supreme Court ruling on void mortgages over deceased co-owner's share, good faith purchasers, and co-ownership rights in property transfers.
Good Faith VS Fencing: When A Notarized Affidavit Protects Purchasers
The Supreme Court acquits a buyer of a Komatsu grader, ruling that a notarized affidavit of ownership can overcome the presumption of fencing under PD 1612.
When Are Public Officials Liable for Disallowed Expenses: Good Faith vs. Accountability
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when public officials face liability for disallowed expenses, balancing public accountability with good faith performance.
Good Faith in Arrests: When Police Mistaken Identity Is Not Grave Misconduct
The Supreme Court clarifies when a police officer's good-faith mistake in executing an arrest warrant shields them from administrative liability for grave misconduct.
Good Faith in Construction: Builders' Rights and Landowners' Remedies Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when builders are in good faith and the rights of landowners over improvements built on their property.
SALN Misdeclaration and the Good Faith Defense in Administrative Cases
When does a flawed SALN become dishonesty? The Supreme Court clarifies the good faith defense for public officials.
Good Faith in Collective Bargaining: Philippine Rule on Fair Labor Practices
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies good faith bargaining duties, unfair labor practice, and when strikes are justified in CBA negotiations.
Land Retention Rights and Good Faith in Agricultural Land Sales: Key Lessons
The Supreme Court clarifies when a buyer of tenanted rice or corn land can claim retention rights under PD 27 and agrarian reform laws.
Good Faith Possession Determining Rights AND Obligations IN Land USE Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how good faith possession affects rights and obligations in land use disputes, citing Civil Code provisions.
Salary Standardization vs Local Autonomy: Resolving Compensation Disputes in Water Districts
The Supreme Court clarifies that water districts must follow the Salary Standardization Law when fixing general manager pay, but good faith may excuse refunds.
Determining Good Faith Remand FOR Trial ON Property Ownership Disputes
When can the Supreme Court remand a property dispute for trial? Learn from Toledo v. Court of Appeals on good faith buyers.
Supreme Court on COLA Back Pay for Water District Employees: Good Faith Excuses Refund
The Supreme Court ruled that water district employees need not refund disallowed COLA back pay, citing good faith and the integration of allowances under the Salary Standardization Law.
Upholding Ethical Boundaries: Attorneys' Duty and Good Faith in Legal Practice
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies attorneys' ethical duties, good faith, and confidentiality rules in administrative cases.
Disallowed Government Benefits and Good Faith Refund Rules: Zamboanga City Water District v. COA
When do government employees and officers have to refund disallowed benefits? The Supreme Court clarifies the good faith rule in this case.
When Lawyers Issue Bouncing Checks: Good Faith Is No Defense in Disciplinary Cases
The Supreme Court suspends a lawyer for two years for issuing worthless checks, clarifying that good faith is not a defense in disciplinary proceedings.
Cash Advances and Malversation: When Good Faith Defeats Criminal Intent
The Supreme Court clarifies when an unliquidated cash advance becomes malversation, acquitting a mayor who acted in good faith.
Temporary Layoffs in the Philippines: When Financial Stability Claims Fail Legal Scrutiny
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when temporary layoffs are illegal, requiring employers to prove good faith and dire business exigency.
Mortgagee in Bad Faith: Title Defects and Lender Responsibility in Real Estate Transactions
When a mortgagor lacks title at the time of mortgage, lenders cannot claim good faith protection. Learn from Claudio v. Saraza.