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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Unwritten Land Sales in the Philippines: When Possession and Improvements Matter
The Supreme Court clarifies when an unwritten sale of land can be enforced, focusing on possession, improvements, and partial performance under Philippine law.
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.
Lessee Reimbursement for Improvements: The Bermon Marketing Case
Learn when lessees can claim reimbursement for improvements under Article 1678 and how contract terms can waive that right.
Just Compensation for Improvements in Expropriation: The Replacement Cost Rule
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how courts must value improvements in expropriation cases, requiring evidence of replacement cost under RA 8974.
Just Compensation for Expropriated Improvements: The Replacement Cost Standard
Learn how Philippine courts value improvements in expropriation cases and why the Supreme Court remanded this case for proper evidence.
Good Faith in Construction: Builders' Rights and Landowners' Remedies Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when builders are in good faith and the rights of landowners over improvements built on their property.
Caveat Emptor in Philippine Real Estate: Why Buyers Must Verify Title Before Purchase
The Supreme Court's Ranara ruling shows why buyers must verify property titles—failure to do so can mean losing both the purchase price and improvements.
Ownership in Reclamation Projects: Defining Completion and Compensation
Supreme Court clarifies when ownership of improvements transfers in reclamation contracts, ruling on COA disallowance and compensation rights.
Who Owns Farm Improvements Under CARP? Landowner vs. Lessee Rights
The Supreme Court ruled that disputes over crops and improvements between a landowner and a lessee fall under the Civil Code, not agrarian reform courts.
When a Lease Isn't a Lease: Clarifying Rights in Market Stall Agreements
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies the distinction between leasehold rights and ownership of improvements in market stall transactions under Philippine law.
Possession Follows Ownership Clearing Improvements After Land Reconveyance
When a court orders reconveyance of land, does possession automatically follow? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on removing improvements.
Navigating Improvements on Another's Land: Understanding Builders' Rights in Philippine Property Disputes
Learn how Philippine courts handle improvements built on another's land, including the landowner's options under Article 448 of the Civil Code.
VAT Credits for Real Estate Dealers: The Transitional Input Tax Rule
The Supreme Court ruled that real estate dealers may claim 8% transitional input tax credit on land inventory, not just improvements.
Leasehold Improvements: Understanding Reimbursement Rights and Obligations in Philippine Law
Learn how Philippine courts handle leasehold improvement reimbursement rights, obligations, and settlement through compromise agreements.
Lease vs. Good Faith: When Hotel Improvements Don't Mean Ownership Rights
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that lessees are not builders in good faith, limiting their rights to Article 1678 reimbursement.
Reversion of Land: Balancing State Ownership and Good Faith Improvements
When land reverts to the State, what happens to improvements planted in good faith? The Supreme Court provides guidance.
Lease vs Land Reform: Tenant Rights to Crops and Improvements Under CARP
When the government acquires land under CARP, who owns the standing crops and improvements—the landowner or the tenant? The Supreme Court clarifies.
Automatic Reversion in Donations: Land Returns to Donor, Improvements Stay With Donee
Supreme Court rules on automatic reversion of donated land when conditions fail, and the fate of buildings on reverted property.
Security Deposit Forfeiture and Lease Improvements: The Florentino v. Supervalue Ruling
The Supreme Court limits security deposit forfeiture in lease contracts and clarifies when lessees may claim reimbursement for improvements.
Paraphernal Property vs Conjugal: When Improvements Don't Change Ownership
When does a wife's inherited land become conjugal property? The Supreme Court clarifies the rule on improvements in Heirs of Vicente Reyes.
Lease Agreements vs Good Faith Builders: Rights Over Property Improvements
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when lessees can claim reimbursement for improvements—and why Article 1678, not 448, governs lease disputes.
Reimbursement Rights for Conjugal Improvements: Who Pays After the Property Is Sold
A widow sought reimbursement for conjugal improvements from the buyers of her late husband's property. The Supreme Court explains why the claim must be directed against the estate, not the purchasers.
Balancing Property Rights: Reimbursement for Improvements on Leased Land
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on tenant's right to reimbursement for house built on leased land, offset against unpaid rent.
Philippine Supreme Court Upholds Buyer Rights Subdivision Developer Must Fulfill Obligations Despite Payment S
Buyers may suspend installment payments when a subdivision developer fails to deliver promised improvements, the Supreme Court ruled in Tamayo v. Huang.