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.
Double Sale in the Philippines: Good Faith and Due Diligence in Property Disputes
A buyer who fails to inspect the property before purchase cannot claim good faith in a double sale. The Supreme Court explains why.
Good Faith Defense for Security Guards in Illegal Firearm Possession Cases
Supreme Court acquits security guard who relied on Duty Detail Order, ruling good faith is a valid defense in illegal firearm possession cases.
Good Faith Defense: When Public Officials Can Avoid Liability for Disallowed Fund Transfers
The Supreme Court clarifies when good faith shields public officials from personal liability in COA disallowances involving PDAF fund transfers.
Grave Misconduct and the Limits of Good Faith in Public Service Procurement
Supreme Court clarifies when good faith excuses public officers from grave misconduct in government procurement and acceptance of goods.
Graft and Corruption: Navigating Good Faith in Philippine Government Contracts
The Supreme Court acquits engineers of graft for lack of evident bad faith, but orders restitution for a phantom fence project.
Lease Improvements and Builder in Good Faith: What Philippine Lessees Must Know
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies who owns lease improvements and why "builder in good faith" rarely applies to lessees.
When Generosity Becomes Misconduct: Ethical Boundaries for Philippine Lawyers
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when public officers face liability for procurement irregularities, and how good faith affects ethical responsibility.
Government Procurement: Contract Splitting, Shopping, and Good Faith Liability
Explore the Supreme Court's ruling on contract splitting in government procurement, shopping as an alternative mode, and when officials may be excused from returning disallowed amounts.
Navigating Anti-Graft Law Good Faith Defense in Government Procurement
Explore the good faith defense in anti-graft cases through a recent Supreme Court acquittal in a government procurement dispute.
SALN Declarations and Judicial Ethics: Lessons from a Judge's Insurance Business Case
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when judges face liability for owning businesses and why SALN transparency matters for good faith errors.
Intent to Gain in Theft Cases: Good Faith Ownership Claims Under Philippine Law
Philippine theft law requires intent to gain. Learn how a good faith belief in ownership can defeat criminal charges, citing Amarille v. People.
Good Faith Under Scrutiny: When Due Diligence in Property Purchases Falls Short
Buyers of registered land cannot rely solely on a clean title when red flags exist. The Supreme Court explains when a purchaser becomes a buyer in bad faith.
Good Faith Buyers and Title Defects: Lessons from Billote v. Badar
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on good faith buyers, Section 4 Rule 74 annotations, and co-owner sales of undivided shares.
Government Disallowances: When Good Faith Excuses the Return of Funds
The Supreme Court clarifies when good faith excuses public officers from returning disallowed funds, applying the Madera rules on return.
Public Officer Liability: Good Faith Defense in Anti-Graft Cases
Supreme Court acquits PPA terminal manager in Section 3(e) case, clarifying the limits of criminal liability for public officers acting in good faith.
Simple vs Grave Misconduct: Good Faith and Service in Public Office
The Supreme Court clarifies when a public officer's procedural lapse is simple misconduct, not grave misconduct, in government service.
Supreme Court Clarifies Good Faith Defense in PDAF NGO Contract Irregularities
SC ruling clarifies when failure to conduct public bidding in PDAF-funded NGO projects constitutes grave misconduct versus simple misconduct.
Breach of Public Trust: Dishonesty and Neglect in Handling Court Funds
Supreme Court rules on liability of government officers for disallowed funds, emphasizing good faith and diligence in public service.
Forum Shopping Intent and Good Faith in Intra-Corporate Disputes
When does filing multiple cases become forum shopping? The Supreme Court clarifies that intent matters in Quiambao v. Sumbilla.
Mortgage in Good Faith vs True Owner: Navigating Philippine Property Law
Explore the Supreme Court's ruling on mortgagee in good faith versus true owner rights in Philippine property disputes.
Good Faith Is Not Enough: PBAC Member's Liability for Skipping Bidding Rules
A provincial engineer's claim of good faith failed to excuse him from administrative liability for approving direct procurement without required safeguards.
Good Faith and Land Titles: A Purchaser's Duty Until Registration
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a land buyer's good faith is measured—from purchase until registration of the deed.
Protecting Land Rights: Innocent Purchaser Status and Due Diligence in Property Sales
The Supreme Court clarifies when summary judgment is improper in property disputes involving claims of innocent purchaser status and good faith.
Agrarian Reform Exclusion: Land Must Be Used Exclusively for Livestock Raising
The Supreme Court clarifies when lands may be excluded from CARP coverage for livestock raising and why good faith matters.