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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Perfected Land Sale vs. Subsequent Buyers: Good Faith and Notice in Property Disputes
A Supreme Court ruling shows how a perfected and partly consummated land sale defeats later buyers who had notice of a prior adverse claim.
Good Faith in Administrative Actions: Protecting Public Officials From Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies that good faith in filing administrative cases shields public officials from disciplinary liability, but lawyers must still respect courts.
Judicial Accountability: Good Faith and Protecting Judges From Baseless Claims
A look at Custodio v. Quitain on judicial accountability, good faith, and protecting judges from baseless administrative claims.
Forged Signatures and Good Faith: Protecting Property Rights in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains how forged deeds are void and why buyers must verify titles and possession before purchasing property.
Purchasers Beware: Rule 74 Section 4 Annotations and Real Estate Risk
A Supreme Court ruling explains why buyers cannot claim good faith when a title bears a Rule 74, Section 4 annotation.
Judicial Accountability and the Good Faith Defense Against Unjust Judgment Charges
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that judges cannot be held administratively liable for erroneous rulings made in good faith, absent malice or bad faith.
Good Faith Purchaser Doctrine Protecting Property Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains how the good faith purchaser doctrine protects buyers who rely on Torrens titles, even when fraud taints the original transfer.
Good Faith Prevails: Exoneration From Dishonesty Charges in Veteran Preference Claims
Philippine Supreme Court rules good faith and truthfulness defeat dishonesty charges in veteran preference claims, allowing reinstatement with back salaries.
When Does a Hearing Officer's Decision Lead to Criminal Liability? Good Faith vs Malice
Understand when a hearing officer's decision can lead to criminal liability, exploring good faith versus malice in Philippine law.
Good Faith Reliance on Subordinates Can Defeat Anti-Graft Charges Against Public Officials
Supreme Court rules a public official who relies in good faith on subordinates' certifications cannot be prosecuted for graft absent evident bad faith.
Breach of Postal Integrity: Balancing Intent and Accountability in Public Service
A postmaster opened a widow's mail to settle debts—was it grave misconduct or good faith? The Supreme Court weighs intent.
Sheriff’s Duty vs. Corporate Identity: When Levy on a Third Party’s Property Is Allowed
A sheriff’s duty is ministerial, but good faith can excuse an erroneous levy. Learn the rule on third-party claims.
Adverse Claims and Good Faith: Protecting Mortgage Interests in Property Transfers
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how adverse claims and buyer good faith affect mortgage rights in property transfers.
Collective Bargaining: When Partial Agreements Do Not Make a CBA
Supreme Court clarifies that partial agreements in conciliation do not constitute a completed CBA; parties must still negotiate in good faith.
Good Faith and Emergency Purchases: When Public Officials Escape Graft Liability
Explore how the Supreme Court protected a public official from graft charges, citing good faith and emergency procurement during a blood shortage crisis.
Navigating Force Majeure When Strikes Excuse Contractual Delays in Philippine Law
When do strikes excuse delayed delivery? The Supreme Court explains force majeure, good faith, and damages in government bidding.
Double Sale of Land: Why Prior Registration Alone Does Not Win Ownership
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that in double sales of land, prior registration only prevails if the second buyer acted in good faith throughout.
Protecting Innocent Mortgagees: Good Faith and Reliance on Torrens Titles in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how innocent mortgagees who rely on Torrens titles are protected, even when the mortgagor's title was fraudulently obtained.
Good Faith in Property Acquisition: Protecting Torrens Titles From Unrecorded Claims
Learn how the Supreme Court protects buyers of registered land from unrecorded claims, and why a notice of lis pendens must be properly annotated.
Upholding Compromise Agreements Good Faith AND Timely Execution IN Property Disputes
When Double Sale of Land Tests Good Faith and Judicial Impartiality
A priest bought land twice sold; the Supreme Court clarifies good faith in double sales and the limits of judicial discretion.
Malicious Prosecution Claims Against Prosecutors: The Drilon v. Court of Appeals Ruling
When can prosecutors be sued for damages after filing criminal charges? The Supreme Court clarifies the elements of malicious prosecution and the protection of good faith.
Encroachment and Good Faith: What Builders Must Know Under Philippine Property Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on encroachment, good faith, and accion reinvindicatoria in Evadel Realty v. Soriano.
Redundancy vs Illegal Dismissal: Employer’s Burden to Prove Just Cause
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that redundancy requires proof of good faith and fair process; employers must justify dismissals.