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.
When Lawyers Serve Two Masters: Ethical Violations in Land Deals and Public Office
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer-mayor for helping circumvent land ownership rules and practicing law while in public office.
Citizen Suits and Native Title: What the Maliones Case Means for Philippine Environmental Law
The Supreme Court clarifies that citizen suits protect the environment but cannot resolve native title claims, which belong to the NCIP.
Can Religious Corporations Own Land in the Philippines? The RVM Case Explained
Learn how the Supreme Court's RVM ruling clarifies constitutional limits on religious corporations acquiring public land in the Philippines.
Land Registration Reopened: New Evidence and RA 11573 Can Overcome Res Judicata
The Supreme Court allows previously denied land registration applications to proceed under RA 11573, easing proof requirements and overcoming res judicata.
Fraudulent Land Patents Void Derivative Titles Even for Good-Faith Buyers
Supreme Court ruling: titles derived from fraudulently obtained land patents are void, even if current owners bought in good faith.
When Can the State Reclaim Private Land? The Rule on Reversion Proceedings
The Supreme Court clarifies the heavy burden the State must overcome to revert titled private land to public domain.
Proving Land Is Alienable and Disposable: Key to Philippine Land Registration
Learn the strict proof required to register land in the Philippines, from the Supreme Court's ruling in Republic v. PNP.
Land Registration: Proving Land Is Alienable and Disposable Under Philippine Law
Learn the strict proof required to register land in the Philippines, including DENR certifications, and why possession alone is not enough.
Torrens Title vs. Possession: When a Registered Owner Prevails in Land Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when a Torrens title prevails over possession claims in accion publiciana cases, reaffirming the indefeasibility of registered land titles.
Quieting of Title in the Philippines: Direct vs. Collateral Attacks Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies when challenging a land title's validity is a direct attack, not a collateral one, in quieting of title cases.
Regalian Doctrine and Land Registration: Proving Alienable and Disposable Land
Learn how the Regalian doctrine affects land registration in the Philippines, and why applicants must prove land is alienable and disposable.
Accretion vs. Dried Riverbeds: Who Owns the Land in the Philippines?
The Supreme Court clarifies that land formed by a dried-up riverbed belongs to the State, not adjacent owners. Learn the rules on accretion and land registration.
Eviction from Military Reservations: Government Authority and Squatters' Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Army v. Pamittan clarifies when the government may evict occupants of military reservations without a court order and the limits of squatters' rights.
Proving Land Ownership in the Philippines: The June 12, 1945 Rule in Land Registration
Philippine land registration requires proof of possession since June 12, 1945. Learn the rules and the key case of Republic v. Carrasco.
Presidential Proclamations and Land Ownership: Military Reservations in the Philippines
Can a presidential proclamation override private land claims? The Supreme Court clarifies how military reservations affect ownership rights.
Fishpond Ownership in the Philippines: When BFAR Jurisdiction Overrides Court Decisions
Philippine courts cannot declare private ownership over public land designated for fishponds—only BFAR holds that authority. Learn the rules.
Priority in Land Titles: Why Earlier Registration Wins in Philippine Property Disputes
When two titles cover the same land, the earlier registration generally prevails. Learn the rule and how to protect your property.
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.