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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Public Use Prevails Over Private Claims in Road Right-of-Way Dispute
Supreme Court rules that road rights-of-way are public dominion property, and private claimants cannot demand just compensation for land never validly acquired.
Public Dominion Property Cannot Be Levied on Execution: Water District Wins
Supreme Court rules water works systems are public dominion property, exempt from execution and auction sale in labor cases.
Public Use Prevails: Water System Properties Cannot Be Seized for Private Debts
Supreme Court rules water works systems devoted to public use are property of public dominion, exempt from levy and auction sale.
Public Space vs Private Gain: When Loan Agreements Undermine Public Land Rights
Supreme Court rules loans secured by public plaza are void; public dominion property cannot be collateralized for commercial ventures.
Taxing Government Instrumentalities: Real Property Tax and Public Dominion Rules
Philippine Fisheries Development Authority case clarifies when government instrumentalities pay real property tax and why public ports cannot be sold.
Public Plaza vs. Private Property: Land Ownership Disputes in the Philippines
When can land used as a public plaza be claimed as private property? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on property of public dominion.
Public Land Cannot Be Burdened: Property Rights and Public Use in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on public dominion property, right of way easements, and possession claims over government land.