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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CTA Has Exclusive Power Over Certiorari in Local Tax Cases, SC Rules
The Supreme Court clarifies that the CTA, not the CA, has exclusive jurisdiction over certiorari petitions assailing RTC interlocutory orders in local tax cases.
Navigating Appeals Jurisdiction of the Court of Tax Appeals in Collection Cases
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that the CTA has exclusive appellate jurisdiction over tax collection cases, and wrong appeals must be dismissed.
Self-Defense in Homicide Cases: When a Police Officer’s Plea Fails
A police officer’s self-defense claim in a homicide case failed because physical evidence contradicted his story. Learn the legal requisites.
Barangay Settlement Enforcement: MCTC Jurisdiction and the 10-Day Rule
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified enforcement of barangay amicable settlements, including MCTC jurisdiction and the binding 10-day repudiation period.
Beyond the Lease: Determining the Limits of Compromise Agreement Execution in Property Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies jurisdiction, prescription, and res judicata in accion publiciana, reinforcing the indefeasibility of Torrens titles.
Upholding Stockholder Rights Jurisdiction In Intra Corporate Disputes Involving Sequestered Entities
The Supreme Court clarifies that intra-corporate disputes involving sequestered firms belong to the RTC, not the Sandiganbayan.
How Appeals Affect Preliminary Attachments: Jurisdiction and Ancillary Remedies
When a main case is appealed, the trial court loses jurisdiction over the attachment. Learn the rule from Northern Islands v. Garcia.
Omnibus Motion Rule Applies to Search Warrant Quashal: Shell v. Romars
Supreme Court rules the omnibus motion rule bars late objections to search warrants, clarifying venue is not jurisdictional.
Enforceability of Incentive Bonuses When Promises Become Obligations
When do employer promises become enforceable obligations? The Supreme Court clarifies jurisdiction over training reimbursement claims and unpaid salary disputes.
Indigency and Access to Courts: Balancing Constitutional Rights with Procedural Rules
The Supreme Court clarifies when counsel's negligence binds clients and why procedural rules on appeals remain jurisdictional.
Upholding Property Rights When Caretaking Doesnt Equal Tenancy
The Supreme Court clarifies when a caretaker is not a tenant, and why the regular courts, not the DARAB, have jurisdiction over ejectment.
When Tenancy Claims Fail: Ejectment Jurisdiction After Corporate Revocation
The Supreme Court clarifies when an ejectment case stays with regular courts despite tenancy defenses, and how corporate dissolution affects legal standing.
Ejectment vs Ownership: Defining Jurisdiction in Philippine Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a property dispute is ejectment or an ownership action, and limits RTC appellate powers.
HLURB Jurisdiction in Subdivision Disputes: Residential Use vs Religious Worship
Supreme Court rules HLURB has jurisdiction over subdivision disputes involving residential use violations, including church operations in residential lots.
Upholding Forfeiture Jurisdiction Over Ill-Gotten Wealth Hidden Abroad
Philippine courts retain jurisdiction over forfeiture cases involving ill-gotten wealth even when assets are hidden in foreign jurisdictions.
Donor's Tax on Share Sales: Fair Market Value and Donative Intent
Supreme Court rules on donor's tax for share sales below book value, fair market value determination, and CTA jurisdiction.
Unlawful Detainer and Possession Rights in Philippine Property Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when a case is unlawful detainer versus accion publiciana, and why the complaint's allegations determine jurisdiction.
Unlawful Detainer vs Accion Publiciana: Jurisdiction Depends on the Complaint's Allegations
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when ejectment cases belong in MeTC versus RTC, based on the complaint's allegations.
Election Controversies Determining Jurisdiction In Proxy Validation Disputes
When a proxy dispute affects director elections, regular courts—not the SEC—have jurisdiction. Learn the rule from this case.
Agricultural Tenancy vs Civil Lease: Land Classification Determines DARAB Jurisdiction
When is a farmworker a tenant? The Supreme Court clarifies how land classification determines DARAB jurisdiction and tenancy rights.
When a Trial Court Loses Jurisdiction: Double Jeopardy and Void Orders in Quiambao v. People
The Supreme Court explains when a dismissal order is void for lack of jurisdiction and why double jeopardy does not attach to a null judgment.
Sovereign Immunity and Environmental Responsibility: Jurisdiction in the Tubbataha Reef Case
The Supreme Court clarifies sovereign immunity limits and environmental accountability in the USS Guardian grounding at Tubbataha Reefs.
Upholding Accountability Attorney Sanctioned FOR Misleading THE Court AND Obstructing Justice
Supreme Court rules on contempt jurisdiction, residual powers of trial courts, and ministerial duties of court officers in execution pending appeal.
Customs Authority Prevails Jurisdiction Over Goods IN THE Subic Freeport Zone
Supreme Court affirms Bureau of Customs' exclusive jurisdiction over seizure cases in the Subic Freeport Zone.