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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Overvaluing Property When Does It Become A Crime Under Philippine Banking Laws
The Supreme Court clarifies when a bank appraiser's overvaluation of property becomes a crime under the General Banking Law, requiring proof of intent to influence the bank.
Seafarer Disability Claims: Medical Abandonment and Its Consequences in the Philippines
When a seafarer fails to complete required medical treatment and re-evaluation, the right to disability benefits may be forfeited. The Supreme Court explains.
When Courts Can Overrule Prosecution Objections in Drug Case Plea Bargaining
The Supreme Court clarifies when trial courts may approve plea bargaining in drug cases despite prosecution objections, remanding cases for proper evaluation.
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.
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.
Upholding Contractual Obligations: The Imperative of Timely Valuation in Land Conveyance Agreements
Supreme Court affirms that land valuation in conveyance agreements is fixed at drawdown, not at later selection, upholding contract terms.
Just Compensation in Agrarian Reform: When Courts Can Depart from DAR Formulas
Explains the Supreme Court ruling on just compensation in agrarian reform, when courts may deviate from DAR valuation formulas, and why evidence matters.
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.
Corporate Officers Cannot Hide Behind Corporate Veil in Customs Fraud Cases
Supreme Court ruling on corporate officer liability for customs fraud through misdeclaration and undervaluation of imported goods.
Just Compensation in Expropriation: Valuation Must Be as of Filing of Complaint
Supreme Court clarifies that just compensation in expropriation cases must be based on property value as of filing of the complaint, not later market data.
Just Compensation in Expropriation: Valuation Must Be as of Filing Date, Not Later Market Data
Supreme Court clarifies just compensation is valued as of complaint filing date, not later market prices, in DPWH expropriation case.
Just Compensation in Agrarian Reform: How Selling Price Affects Land Valuation
The Supreme Court clarifies how selling price data should be used in computing just compensation for agrarian reform lands.
Just Compensation in Agrarian Reform: Courts Must Independently Verify Land Valuation
The Supreme Court clarifies that courts cannot simply adopt Land Bank's valuation in agrarian cases but must independently determine just compensation.
Tax Ordinance Enactment: Presumption of Validity and Notice Requirements
The Supreme Court clarifies when a real property valuation ordinance is a tax ordinance and what notice rules apply.
Fairness in Land Valuation: Determining Just Compensation in Agrarian Reform
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how just compensation is determined in agrarian reform cases, balancing landowner rights and agrarian justice.
Navigating Land Acquisition Under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program: Understanding Jurisdictional Limi
A landowner's challenge to CARP coverage and valuation fails because he used the wrong remedy, missing the deadline to file with the Special Agrarian Court.
Just Compensation in CARP Cases: When Courts Must Follow the DAR Formula
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when Special Agrarian Courts may deviate from the DAR valuation formula in determining just compensation under CARP.
Just Compensation in Agrarian Reform: Lessons from Land Bank v. Hilado
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may deviate from DAR valuation formulas in agrarian reform just compensation cases.
When Landowners Pay Commissioners' Fees in Agrarian Cases: The LBP v. Heirs of Sanchez Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies who bears commissioners' fees in agrarian reform valuation cases, exempting the Land Bank from such costs.
Just Compensation in Agrarian Reform: Court Guidance on Fair Land Valuation
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how courts must determine just compensation in agrarian reform cases, emphasizing adherence to DAR formulas.
Least Cost Electricity Supreme Court Mandates Fair Valuation Of Utility Assets
Supreme Court rules ERC must ensure least cost electricity and fair valuation of utility assets in rate-setting cases.
Just Compensation Balancing Zonal Value AND Fair Market Value IN Expropriation
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that zonal valuation is not the sole basis for just compensation in expropriation cases, affirming fair market value standards.
Fair Price or Land Grab: Determining Just Compensation in Philippine Expropriation Law
The Supreme Court clarifies how Philippine courts determine just compensation in expropriation cases, rejecting reliance on outdated zonal valuations.
Just Compensation Under CARP: Courts Must Follow DAR Valuation Formulas
Courts must adhere to DAR valuation formulas in CARP land compensation cases unless they clearly explain reasons for deviation, as shown in this ruling.