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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Sandiganbayan Jurisdiction Over GOCC Subsidiaries: The Alas Doctrine
Explaining People v. Alas: why officers of government-owned corporations incorporated under the Corporation Code fall under Sandiganbayan jurisdiction.
PEZA VAT Refund: Zero-Rated Export Sales and Input Tax Credit Rights
Explaining CIR v. Cebu Toyo Corporation on PEZA enterprises' VAT refund rights for zero-rated export sales and unutilized input taxes.
Expanding Sandiganbayan's Reach: Jurisdiction Over Graft Cases in Government-Owned Corporations
The Supreme Court clarifies that the Sandiganbayan has jurisdiction over officers of government-owned corporations, regardless of how they were created.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: Protecting Labor Rights When Corporate Identities Blur
When two corporations share management, payroll, and offices, courts may pierce the corporate veil to protect workers' rights and claims.
Res Judicata and Annulment of Titles: DBP v. La Campana Development Corporation
When does a prior final judgment bar a new case? The Supreme Court explains res judicata's limits in DBP v. La Campana.
Corporate Dissolution and Labor Claims: Can a Company Evade Its Obligations?
A dissolved corporation remains liable for labor claims within three years of dissolution. Learn what Pepsi-Cola v. CA means for workers.
Just Compensation in Expropriation: BPI v. National Power Corporation
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how courts determine just compensation in eminent domain cases, emphasizing evidence-based valuation over speculative market data.
Voting Rights and Corporate Governance: Reaffirming Stockholder Rights in Philippine Corporations
Supreme Court ruling on Class B shareholders' voting rights under the Corporation Code, clarifying limits on share classification.
Foreign Corporations and the Right to Sue: Estoppel in Philippine Law
When can an unlicensed foreign corporation sue in Philippine courts? The Supreme Court clarifies the estoppel rule in this 2004 ruling.
Corporate Authority: When a President Cannot Sue on Behalf of the Corporation
The Supreme Court rules that a corporate president must prove valid board authority to sue; belated SEC filings cannot cure defective authorization.
Retirement Benefits, Creditable Service, and the Limits of Tacking in Government-Owned Corporations
A look at how the Supreme Court clarified the rules on retirement benefits, creditable service, and the limits of tacking in government-owned corporations.
Piercing the Corporate Veil to Protect Conjugal Property Rights in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling explains when a corporation's separate personality may be set aside to reach property that really belongs to a married couple's conjugal estate.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When Can a Parent Company Be Held Liable for a Subsidiary's Labor Violations
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when related corporations may be treated as one employer for labor liability, including separation pay and backwages.
Ejectment, Land Ownership, and Corporate Rights to Public Land: Key Lessons from Ten Forty Realty v. Cruz
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies ejectment actions, double sales, and why corporations cannot own public land in the Philippines.
Corporate Dissension and Interim Management Committees: Protecting Minority Stockholders
When can a court appoint an interim management committee over a corporation? The Supreme Court explains in Jacinto v. First Women's Credit Corporation.
Liability Beyond Corporate Veil: Solidary Obligations in Loan Agreements
When officers sign loan documents personally, they become solidarily liable with the corporation. Learn the rules from this Philippine Supreme Court case.
Tax Exemptions for Government Corporations: The Philippine Ports Authority Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when government-owned corporations like the PPA must pay local taxes, and when they cannot change legal theories on appeal.
When a Lawyer Cannot Defend Corporate Directors: Conflict of Interest Rules
A lawyer retained by a corporation cannot defend its board members in a derivative suit — that is representing conflicting interests.
When Can a Corporate President Bind the Corporation? Lessons from Inter-Asia v. Asia Industries
A corporate president can bind the corporation even without board authority under apparent authority. Learn the rules from this Supreme Court case.
Foreclosure Validity Republication Requirement In Rescheduled Auction Sales
When a foreclosure auction is postponed, the notice must be republished. Learn the rule from DBP v. Emerald Resort Hotel Corporation.
Reclaimed Lands and the Constitution: Limits on Government Transfers to Private Corporations
The Supreme Court voids a land reclamation deal transferring public lands to a private corporation, reaffirming constitutional limits on alienable lands.
Local Governments vs National Corporations: Who Pays Franchise Taxes
Supreme Court rules government-owned corporations like NPC must pay local franchise taxes under the Local Government Code.
Binding Corporations: When Board Resolutions Matter in Contractual Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on corporate personality, board resolutions, and when stockholders can sue—explained in plain language.