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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Foreign Contractor Construction Philippines: Rules on Doing Construction Work
A foreign contractor in the Philippines must comply with corporation, licensing, and procurement rules before undertaking construction projects. Here is how it works.
Inverse Condemnation and Provisional Compensation: What RA 10752 Means for Landowners
The Supreme Court clarifies that RA 10752 governs provisional compensation in inverse condemnation cases filed after its effectivity, even if the taking occurred earlier.
Just Compensation in Agrarian Reform: Valuing Land at the Time of Taking
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how to value agrarian reform land, emphasizing the time of taking and correct valuation formula.
Forged Donation Municipality Liable FOR Taking Private Land Without Just Compensation
Supreme Court rules a municipality must pay just compensation when it builds a road on private land under a forged deed of donation.
Valuing Just Compensation: The Time of Taking and Factors Under CARP Law
The Supreme Court clarifies how just compensation for CARP-acquired lands is valued—at the time of taking, using Section 17 factors.
Government Expropriation and Bad Faith in Land Valuation Disputes
When does flawed land valuation in expropriation become a crime? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of bad faith in government takings.
Expropriation Due Process: What Property Owners Must Prove
A Supreme Court ruling on Olongapo expropriation clarifies the requisites for valid taking, the need for genuine negotiation, and the right to a full hearing on defenses.
Attempted Trafficking in Persons: When Simulating a Birth and Taking Custody of a Child Leads to Conviction
The Supreme Court explains when simulating a birth and acquiring custody of a child constitutes attempted trafficking in persons under Philippine law.
Just Compensation in Agrarian Reform: Why the Valuation Date Matters
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that just compensation in agrarian reform must use the valuation date and DAR formula applicable at the time of taking.
Prompt Compensation Imperative in Determining Just Compensation in Philippine Expropriation Cases
Philippine Supreme Court rules just compensation is reckoned from the date of taking, not the filing of the complaint, and must be paid promptly with interest.
Lawyer Sanctioned for Misusing Court Custody of Levied Property
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for one year for taking a vehicle under custodia legis without court approval, violating the Code of Professional Responsibility.
Corporate Opportunity Doctrine: Directors Cannot Take Business Deals for Themselves
Supreme Court clarifies when corporate directors breach their duty of loyalty by taking business opportunities meant for the corporation.
Reconveyance of Land: Protecting Property Rights From Fraudulent Titles in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts protect landowners from government taking without just compensation, and the rules on reconveyance of fraudulently titled property.
Eminent Domain and Just Compensation: Fair Value for Delayed Government Takings
When the government delays payment in expropriation, landowners are entitled to more than the property's old value—here's why.
Easements vs. Taking: Just Compensation for Transmission Line Expropriation
When does an easement of right of way become a taking requiring full just compensation? The Supreme Court clarifies in this landmark case.
Just Compensation in Agrarian Reform: The Time of Taking Matters
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that just compensation in agrarian reform cases is valued at the time of taking, not at later dates.
Understanding the Limits of Preliminary Injunctions in Property Disputes: A Guide for Property Owners and Lend
Learn how Philippine courts determine just compensation in agrarian reform cases, including the role of DAR formulas and the time of taking.
When Just Compensation Is Valued: The Time of Taking in Agrarian Land Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that just compensation for agrarian reform lands must be valued at the time of taking, not at later dates.
Robbery Under Philippine Law: When Taking and Intent to Gain Are Complete
The Supreme Court in Poquiz v. People clarifies when robbery is consummated—the moment of taking, not recovery. Learn the elements and practical implications.
Malicious Mischief in Property Disputes: What the Supreme Court Said
The Supreme Court clarifies when destroying property in a dispute becomes malicious mischief, and why claims of ownership do not justify taking the law into one's own hands.
Attorney Suspended for Neglect and Misappropriation of Client Funds in Annulment Case
Lawyer suspended two years for taking P57,000 in legal fees but failing to file annulment petition and refusing to return client's money.
Just Compensation Under CARP: Fair Market Value and Timely Payment Rules
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how to compute just compensation for agrarian reform lands, including the correct time of taking and interest on delayed payment.
Strict Compliance Required for Expropriation of Private Lands for Socialized Housing
Local governments must strictly follow RA 7279 and the LGC before expropriating private land for socialized housing; failure voids the taking.
Breach of Trust: Clerk of Court Dismissed for Grave Misconduct and Dishonesty in Handling Court Property
Clerk of court dismissed for taking court property without authority and lying under oath. Learn the rules on grave misconduct and serious dishonesty.