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.
Unauthorized Foreshore Structures as Public Nuisance: Calimlim v. Goño
The Supreme Court rules that unauthorized structures on foreshore land constitute a public nuisance and must be removed.
Foreshore Occupancy Without Permit: Water Code Violation Upheld
The Supreme Court affirms that occupying foreshore land without a permit violates the Water Code, regardless of pending applications.
Land Title Reversion in the Philippines: What Property Owners Should Know
A Supreme Court ruling on land title reversion explains when the State can cancel titles over public domain lands, even against innocent purchasers.
Intervention Rights in Property Disputes: The PRA Reclamation Case Explained
When can a third party intervene in a property dispute? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules in a reclamation case involving the Philippine Reclamation Authority.
Balancing Development and Ecology: The Limits of Environmental Protection Orders in Mining Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when a Writ of Kalikasan may issue in mining disputes, requiring proof of environmental damage of magnitude affecting two or more provinces.
Tax Exemption for Government Instrumentalities: Defining the Scope of Real Property Tax Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies when a government entity is exempt from real property tax, distinguishing instrumentalities from GOCCs.
Balancing Development and Ecology: The Imperative of Environmental Impact Assessments in Reclamation Projects
The Supreme Court underscores the mandatory nature of environmental impact assessments and consultations in reclamation projects, balancing development with ecological protection.
Foreshore Land and Private Ownership: Clarifying Property Rights in the Philippines
A 2012 Supreme Court ruling clarifies that foreshore land belongs to the State, not private owners, and explains why the petition failed.
When Courts Won't Second-Guess the Ombudsman's Dismissal of Graft Complaints
The Supreme Court affirms the Ombudsman's wide discretion in dismissing graft complaints, limiting judicial review to grave abuse of discretion.
Foreshore Lease Preference: Riparian Rights vs. Reclamation in Philippine Land Law
Supreme Court ruling on whether a littoral owner retains preferential right to lease foreshore land that has been reclaimed by another applicant.
Foreshore Rights in the Philippines: When Private Land Meets Public Domain
Philippine foreshore areas are public domain, but private rights can exist. Learn the rules from a Supreme Court ruling.
Navigating Corporate Disputes Jurisdiction AND Procedural Pitfalls IN Philippine LAW
Learn how Philippine courts handle jurisdiction and procedural errors in corporate disputes, with key takeaways from a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Redemption by Heirs After Tax Sale: Tondo Foreshore Lot Case
When a co-owner repurchases property after a tax sale, the redemption may benefit all heirs. Learn the rules from this Philippine Supreme Court case.
Citizen Watchdogs and Libel: The Vasquez Standard for Criticizing Public Officials
The Supreme Court acquits a citizen who denounced a barangay chairman, clarifying libel law for public officials in the Philippines.
Free Patent Restrictions: Can Leasing or Mortgaging Your Land Cause Reversion to the State?
Learn when leasing or mortgaging free patent land can void your title and cause reversion to the State.
Accretion vs. Foreshore Land in the Philippines: Who Owns Newly Formed Land?
Philippine law distinguishes accretion from foreshore land. Learn who owns newly formed land along rivers and seas under the Civil Code and the Spanish Law of Waters.
Accretion vs Reclamation: Understanding Land Ownership Rights in the Philippines
Philippine law distinguishes accretion from reclamation for land ownership. Learn the rules, burdens, and practical implications.