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.
Inverse Condemnation and Provisional Compensation: What RA 10752 Means for Landowners
The Supreme Court clarifies that RA 10752 governs provisional compensation in inverse condemnation cases filed after its effectivity, even if the taking occurred earlier.
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.
Expropriation Voided: Olongapo's Failure to Make a Valid Offer and Grant Due Process
Supreme Court voids Olongapo's expropriation of Jose Co Lee's property for lack of a valid offer and due process, reaffirming safeguards for property owners.
Just Compensation in Expropriation: Lessons from the NGCP v. Gaite Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies how courts determine just compensation in eminent domain cases, emphasizing verifiable data over speculative land reclassifications.
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.
Private Roads and Public Use: When a Local Ordinance Cannot Convert Private Property
A local ordinance cannot convert a private road into public property without donation, purchase, or expropriation. The Supreme Court explains.
Expropriation and Capital Gains Tax: Who Pays When Government Takes Property?
Supreme Court rules property owners, not the government, pay capital gains tax in expropriation cases. Learn the tax implications.
LGU Right to Immediate Possession in Expropriation: City of Iloilo v. Legaspi
When can an LGU take immediate possession of private property in expropriation? The Supreme Court explains the 15% deposit rule.
Reversion Rights After Expropriation: What MCIAA v. Chiongbian Means for Landowners
When government expropriation is unconditional, former owners generally cannot reclaim land even if the public purpose ends. Learn the rules.
Expropriation in the Philippines: Provisional Deposit and Writ of Possession Explained
Understand how the 1997 Rules on expropriation allow the government to take property upon depositing assessed value, and what this means for owners.
Writ of Possession in Expropriation: When Demolition Is Implied | Philippine Law
In expropriation cases, a writ of possession can include the power to demolish structures. Learn the rule from Knecht v. Desierto.