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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Encroachment and Good Faith: Land Dispute Remedies Under Article 448
A Supreme Court ruling on encroachment clarifies when a landowner may recover possession and how Article 448 protects builders in good faith.
Builders in Good Faith and Landowner's Options Under Article 448: Espinoza v. Mayandoc
When a house is built on another's land in good faith, the landowner must choose between paying indemnity or selling the land. The Supreme Court explains the rule in Espinoza v. Mayandoc.
Lease vs. Good Faith: When Hotel Improvements Don't Mean Ownership Rights
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that lessees are not builders in good faith, limiting their rights to Article 1678 reimbursement.
Builders in Good Faith: Resolving Land Ownership Disputes and Improvement Rights
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies rights of builders in good faith when land ownership is disputed, applying Civil Code articles on accession.
Leasehold Improvements: Lessee Rights and Obligations Under Philippine Law
Understand lessee rights to improvements under Article 1678 of the Civil Code, and why lessees are not builders in good faith.