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Our latest take on the law and how it affects you.
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What Happens During a Hearing for the Bail in the Philippines?
Understanding how bail works is crucial if you or someone you know is facing criminal charges. In the Philippines, the process differs depending on whether bail is granted as a matter of right or as a matter of discretion. This distinction determines whether a bail hearing is required and what the court will evaluate. Bail…
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Understanding Criminal Intent in Law
When people think of crime, they usually focus on what was done — the act itself. But in law, it’s not just about the act. What matters just as much, if not more, is the mind behind the act. In legal terms, this is called criminal intent, or mens rea. Criminal intent is essentially the…
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Does Civil Liability Continue After Acquittal in a Criminal Case in the Philippines? What You Need to Know
In a criminal case in the Philippines, an acquittal does not always mean that all legal responsibility ends. One of the most common misconceptions is that a “not guilty” decision automatically removes all liability. However, Philippine law treats criminal liability and civil liability as separate matters. This means that even after an acquittal in a…
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Is Flooding Considered Taking in the Philippines?
Flooding is often dismissed as an inconvenience—something temporary, something to be tolerated. But when it starts to happen repeatedly, or when it becomes a direct result of a government project, the question becomes more serious: has your property effectively been taken without compensation? As a general rule, the government may use private property for public…
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What to Do If the Government Uses Your Land Without Paying (Inverse Condemnation in the Philippines)
You discover that a portion of your land is already being used. A road has been built. Drainage passes through it. Or worse, your property is now regularly flooded because of a government project. And yet—no one asked. No one paid. The first reaction is usually confusion. The second is hesitation: Is this even legal?…
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Am I entitled to payment if the government uses my property in the Philippines? How Just Compensation Is Determined in the Philippines
When the government takes private property for public use, the Constitution requires the government to pay the owner. This payment is called just compensation. In practice, this is determined in two key steps. 1. Appointment of Commissioners The court appoints a set of commissioners. Their task is straightforward: Important: The commissioners’ determination is not final.…
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What Constitutes Taking in Eminent Domain Cases in the Philippines
The power of eminent domain allows the State to take private property for public use. The limitation is constitutional: no taking without just compensation. The difficulty, in practice, lies in determining when a “taking” has actually occurred. Not every government action affecting property amounts to taking. The State regulates land use, imposes restrictions, and enforces…
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Inverse Condemnation in the Philippines: Property Rights, Easements, and Just Compensation
Property ownership in the Philippines is protected, but it is not absolute. The State retains the power of eminent domain—the authority to take private property for public use. That power, however, is limited by a constitutional requirement that often becomes the real battleground in litigation: the payment of just compensation. Under Article III, Section 9…
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How to Get Bail in the Philippines (Step-by-Step Process To Get Released Fast)
Understanding bail in the Philippines is essential if you or a loved one is facing arrest or detention. Being arrested—or having a loved one detained—is overwhelming. The first question that usually comes up is simple: “How do we get out?” In many cases, the answer is bail. Bail allows a person in custody to be…
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Stages of a Criminal Case in the Philippines
Facing a criminal complaint can be overwhelming — especially if you do not understand how the process works. A criminal case in the Philippines follows a structured sequence governed by procedural rules. Knowing the stages helps you understand your rights, obligations, and possible outcomes. Below is a simplified guide to the major stages of a…
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