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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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.
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.
Foreshore Land vs Private Property: Clarifying Ownership Rights in Coastal Areas
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on possession, prescription, and jurisdiction in disputes over untitled coastal and ancestral lands.
Foreshore Land Claims: Proving Ownership Against Government Reversion Suits
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when the government can cancel free patents over alleged foreshore lands, and the burden of proof in reversion cases.
Standing to Sue for Reversion of Public Lands: The Real Party in Interest Rule
Who may sue to cancel titles over foreshore land? The Supreme Court clarifies that only the State, through the Solicitor General, may bring reversion actions.
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.
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.
Premature Injunctions Protecting Government Authority IN Foreshore Lease Disputes
Filing Deadlines vs Public Interest: SC Ruling on Foreshore Land Reversion
Supreme Court ruling on whether the OSG's late appeal brief should be excused when foreshore land reversion involves public interest.
Judicial Impartiality and Due Process in Philippine Land Reclamation Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies judicial impartiality, due process, and the proper interpretation of "foreshore lands" under RA 1899.
Limits of Local Government Reclamation: Pasay City Ordinance and Foreshore Lands
Supreme Court ruling on the limits of local government reclamation powers under RA 1899, clarifying what counts as foreshore lands.
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.