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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Balancing Corporate Discretion and Regulatory Oversight: The BCDA Compensation Case
The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of a government corporation's power to grant employee benefits beyond Central Bank standards.
Preemptive Rights in Philippine Corporations: Making Your Right of First Refusal Valid
Learn how Philippine law treats preemptive rights and right of first refusal in corporations, and how to make these rights valid and enforceable.
Breach of Trust vs Social Justice: When Separation Pay Is Justified
The Supreme Court clarifies when dismissed employees may receive separation pay as social justice, using San Miguel Corporation vs. Lao.
Safeguarding Public Domain: Constitutional Limits on Private Land Acquisition
The Supreme Court ruled that reclaimed lands remain public domain and cannot be sold to private corporations, reaffirming constitutional limits.
Corporate Dissolution and Judgment Enforcement: Rights Survive Liquidation
A final judgment can still be enforced after a corporation dissolves — the Supreme Court explains why in this ruling.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When Does a Corporation Assume Another's Debt
The Supreme Court clarifies when a corporation may be held liable for another company's debts, and when the corporate veil cannot be pierced.
When Courts, Not the SEC, Decide Succession and Corporate Veil Cases
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when inheritance claims against a corporation belong in regular courts, not the SEC.
Percentage Tax on Commercial Brokers: Lessons from Nichimen Corporation
When does a branch office become a commercial broker liable for percentage tax? The Supreme Court clarifies in Nichimen Corporation.
Voting Rights of Assigned Shares: Ensuring Corporate Control in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies voting rights of assigned shares and how corporations can protect control through share restrictions and legal safeguards.
Corporate Name Confusion: Protecting Business Identity in the Philippines
When can the SEC compel a corporation to change its name? A Supreme Court ruling on confusingly similar corporate names and public protection.
When Church Expulsions Bind Civil Courts: The Finality Rule in Religious Corporation Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on religious corporation member expulsions, due process, and the binding effect of final SEC decisions.
Corporate Residence vs Actual Place of Business: Determining Proper Venue in Damage Suits
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a corporation's residence for venue purposes is its principal office stated in the articles of incorporation, not its actual place of business.
Davao Light v. Tesorero: Venue, Estoppel, and a Corporation's Residence in Philippine Civil Cases
The Supreme Court ruled that a corporation's residence for venue is fixed by its articles of incorporation, not by addresses in contracts or pleadings in other cases.
Docket Fees and Government Instrumentalities: Clarifying Exemptions in Legal Proceedings
The Supreme Court clarifies when government-owned corporations are exempt from docket fees and the limits of that exemption.
Attorney Suspended for Representing Conflicting Interests in Corporate Dispute
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer for six months after finding she acted for conflicting interests in a corporation she helped organize and later led as president.
GOCC vs. Private Corporation: Labor Jurisdiction and the Philippine National Red Cross Case
Learn how the Supreme Court's charter test determines whether an employer is a GOCC and which tribunal—CSC or NLRC—has jurisdiction over labor disputes.
Taxing Public Utilities When Government Entities Operate Like Private Businesses
When does a government-owned corporation pay real property tax? The LRTA case explains the rules on public use, beneficial use, and tax exemptions.
Lifting the Veil of Corporate Personality vs PCGG Sequestration Powers
The Supreme Court rules that sequestered corporations must be impleaded in judicial actions; suits against stockholders alone do not suffice.
Jurisdiction Over Foreign Entities: Summons and Due Process in Philippine Courts
When can Philippine courts validly exercise jurisdiction over foreign corporations? The Banco do Brasil case explains the rules on summons and due process.
Defining Government Control When Does A Corporations Funding Subject IT TO Anti Graft Laws
Certification Against Forum Shopping: Why Corporate Officers Must Sign
A corporation's certification against forum shopping must be signed by an officer, not counsel. The Supreme Court explains why in Digital Microwave Corp. v. Court of Appeals.
Service of Summons on Corporations: Due Process and Jurisdictional Validity
When is service of summons on a corporation valid? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on proper service, substantial compliance, and jurisdiction.
Philippine Red Cross Ruling: Ombudsman Jurisdiction Over Government Controlled Corporations
Supreme Court clarifies that the Philippine Red Cross is a government-owned corporation, placing its employees under Ombudsman jurisdiction.
Execution Pending Appeal: Financial Distress Alone Is Not a Good Reason
The Supreme Court clarifies that a corporation's financial distress is not, by itself, a "good reason" for execution pending appeal.