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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
Easements and Eminent Domain in the Philippines: MMDA’s Limits After Diamond Motor
The Supreme Court limits MMDA’s power to impose easements, balancing flood control with private property rights and just compensation.
Power Lines and Public Lands: Supreme Court Clarifies Easements and Just Compensation
The Supreme Court ruled that power lines fall under "similar works" in the Public Land Act, allowing easements on free patent lands with compensation rules.
Easements vs. Taking: Just Compensation for Transmission Line Expropriation
When does an easement of right of way become a taking requiring full just compensation? The Supreme Court clarifies in this landmark case.
Navigating Easement Rights: Protecting Property Access in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court protects voluntary easements and property access rights in the Philippines, using the Castro v. Esperanza case as a guide.
Free Patent Land and Road Projects: When the Government Must Pay Just Compensation
The Supreme Court clarifies when the government must pay just compensation for right-of-way easements over free patent lands under the Public Land Act.
Navigating Water Rights: Upholding Property Rights Amidst Natural Easements
The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of natural water easements and property rights in this dispute over subdivision flooding and liability.
Right of Way in the Philippines: Balancing Property Rights and Legal Easements
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a landowner can demand a legal easement of right of way and how courts balance property rights.
Eminent Domain Easements Just Compensation For Perpetual Restrictions ON Property USE
When a right-of-way easement for transmission lines permanently restricts property use, full just compensation, not a mere easement fee, is due.
Right of Way Ownership: Servient Estate and Easement Acquisition Rules
Supreme Court clarifies who owns a road right of way and how easements are acquired under Philippine law.
Public Easements in Land Disputes: Private Rights vs Public Welfare
The Supreme Court clarifies that 3-meter easements along rivers and streams are public property, limiting private landowner rights.
Just Compensation for Transmission Lines: Full Market Value, Not Easement Fees
Explaining NAPOCOR v. Saludares on just compensation for transmission line easements—full market value, no prescription, and valuation timing.
Just Compensation for Easements: Full Market Value, Not a 10% Fee
When transmission lines cross private land, landowners are entitled to full market value as just compensation—not just a 10% easement fee.
Navigating Right of Way Disputes in the Philippines: When Convenience Doesn't Equal Necessity
Philippine law on easements of right of way requires real necessity, not mere convenience. Learn from the Dichoso v. Marcos case.
Easement Rights in Property Use Disputes: The Legaspi Towers 300 Case
Supreme Court clarifies when easements arise in property disputes, explaining voluntary easements, apparent signs, and unjust enrichment under Philippine law.
Voluntary Easements Survive: Why Adequate Access Does Not Cancel a Granted Right of Way
A voluntary right of way cannot be cancelled just because the dominant estate gains another outlet. Learn the rule from a 2009 Supreme Court case.
Voluntary Easements: Enforceability and Extinguishment of Right of Way Agreements
When can a voluntary right of way be cancelled? The Supreme Court explains why adequate access does not extinguish an agreed easement.
Just Compensation for Power Line Easements: Full Market Value, Not 10% Cap
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that power line easements may require full market value compensation, not the statutory 10% cap.
Full Market Value, Not a 10% Cap, Is Just Compensation for Power-Line Easements
In NPC v. Purefoods, the Court held that a transmission-line easement that cripples normal use must be paid at full market value, not 10%.
Eminent Domain and Easements: Determining Just Compensation for Transmission Lines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on just compensation for transmission line easements, including procedural rules on appeals in expropriation cases.
Public Land Cannot Be Burdened: Property Rights and Public Use in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on public dominion property, right of way easements, and possession claims over government land.
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.
Right of Way Easements in the Philippines: The Least Prejudice Rule and Due Process
Philippine courts require hearing all affected landowners in right of way disputes. Learn the least prejudice rule from Almendras v. Court of Appeals.
Understanding Easements of Right of Way in Philippine Property Law
Learn how Philippine courts treat right of way claims, easement requirements, and what property owners should know before demanding access.