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.

Showing 1–10 of 10 articles for “public purpose”

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Oct 10, 2023 easements eminent domain property rights mmda water code real estate law

Easements and Eminent Domain in the Philippines: MMDA’s Limits After Diamond Motor

The Supreme Court limits MMDA’s power to impose easements, balancing flood control with private property rights and just compensation.

Nov 17, 2021 anti-graft public purpose local government ra 3019 credit agreement public funds

Public Purpose in Government Loans to Private Entities: The Bawasanta Case

When can local governments lend public funds to private entities? The Supreme Court clarifies the public purpose rule in Bawasanta v. People.

May 11, 2021 election law senate electoral tribunal election protest comelec retention fees supreme court

Election Protest Costs: The Supreme Court Ruling on Retention Fees for Election Equipment

The Supreme Court explains why the Senate Electoral Tribunal cannot rule on contract validity in election protest cost disputes.

Oct 12, 2011 quantum meruit government contracts dpwh public construction void contracts commission on audit

When Void Government Contracts Still Get Paid: Quantum Meruit Explained

Philippine Supreme Court explains when contractors can recover payment for void government contracts through quantum meruit, citing DPWH v. Quiwa.

Mar 30, 2006 property law land disputes public dominion civil law philippine supreme court

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.

Mar 10, 2006 res judicata expropriation property law reversion civil procedure

Res Judicata in Philippine Land Expropriation When Prior Judgments Bar Reversion Claims

Explaining when prior final judgments bar reversion claims in expropriation cases, citing Republic v. Yu (G.R. No. 157557).

Nov 24, 2005 property law presidential proclamation public land military reservation land registration imperfect title

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.

Nov 26, 2000 expropriation eminent domain reversion rights property law fee simple title mciaa v. chiongbian

Reversion Rights After Expropriation: What MCIAA v. Chiongbian Means for Landowners

When government expropriation is unconditional, former owners generally cannot reclaim land even if the public purpose ends. Learn the rules.

Sep 29, 1999 property law fishpond ownership bfar public land jurisdiction land registration

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.

Feb 2, 1999 torrens title acquisitive prescription land registration property law reconveyance philippine law

Torrens Title vs. Acquisitive Prescription: Why Registered Land Prevails in the Philippines

A Torrens title defeats claims of ownership by long possession. Learn the Ramos v. Bautista ruling and how to protect registered land.