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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Seafarers Disability Claims Upholding Company Physician Assessments IN THE Absence OF Clear Contradictory Evidence
CSC Jurisdiction Over Administrative Cases Against State University Officials
Supreme Court rules CSC shares original jurisdiction with state university boards of regents over administrative cases filed directly by any complainant.
Concurrent Jurisdiction: The CSC's Role in Disciplining State University Personnel
The Supreme Court clarifies that the CSC shares original jurisdiction with state university boards of regents over administrative cases against school officials.
Defining Manager Expands Sandiganbayan Jurisdiction Over Graft Cases Involving Government Owned Corporations
Supreme Court clarifies that narrowly, citing a dictionary definition that referred to one who has charge of a corporation and control of its businesses or branch establishments. The Supreme Court, ho
Jurisdiction Over OFW Disciplinary Cases: POEA vs NLRC Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies that the NLRC has no appellate jurisdiction over POEA disciplinary action cases against OFWs; appeals go to the Labor Secretary.
POEA Jurisdiction Over Seafarer Disciplinary Cases: NLRC Has No Appellate Review
Supreme Court clarifies that appeals from POEA disciplinary action cases against seafarers go to the Labor Secretary, not the NLRC.
Family Court Jurisdiction and the Accused’s Right to a Valid Arraignment
When a case is filed in the wrong court, the proceedings are void—including the arraignment. The Supreme Court explains why.
Military Jurisdiction Retirement Does NOT BAR Court Martial Proceedings
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on military jurisdiction, retirement, and court martial proceedings explained for lay readers.
Integrity Under Scrutiny: Why Honesty in Your Judicial and Bar Council Application Matters
A Supreme Court ruling on procedural deadlines and jurisdiction, and what it means for integrity in JBC applications.
Defining Agrarian Disputes When Land Ownership Claims Fall Outside DARAB Jurisdiction
The Supreme Court clarifies that ownership disputes over land, absent tenurial arrangements, are not agrarian disputes and belong to regular courts.
Electoral Jurisdiction: When COMELEC’s Authority Ends and HRET Begins
The Supreme Court clarifies the boundary between COMELEC and HRET jurisdiction over election disputes involving proclaimed congressmen.
Church Disaffiliation and Corporate Rights: Balancing Religious Freedom and SEC Jurisdiction
A local church's right to disaffiliate from a national church body, and the SEC's jurisdiction over religious corporations, explained.
Torrens Title vs Claim of Inheritance: Resolving Land Ownership Disputes
When does a Torrens title prevail over a claim of inheritance? The Supreme Court clarifies jurisdiction rules in land disputes.
Jurisdiction Over Subdivision Disputes: HLURB vs RTC in Enforcement Actions
Ortigas v. CA clarifies when HLURB has exclusive jurisdiction over subdivision disputes and when the RTC handles local government enforcement cases.
Condominium Disputes: HLURB Jurisdiction and Indispensable Parties Explained
When do condominium owner complaints belong before the HLURB? The Supreme Court clarifies jurisdiction and the need to implead the condominium corporation.
NEA Supervisory Power Prevails in Resolving Electric Cooperative Disputes
Supreme Court rules NEA has primary jurisdiction over electric cooperative board disputes, not regular courts.
Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies: HLURB Primary Jurisdiction in Land Use Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that land use permit disputes must first be filed with HLURB before courts can intervene.
Government Funds and Legal Claims: Understanding COA's Jurisdiction Over UP
Supreme Court clarifies that money claims against UP must first be filed with the Commission on Audit before execution can proceed.
When a General Manager Is Not a Corporate Officer: Jurisdiction Over Illegal Dismissal Claims
The Supreme Court clarifies when a corporate officer is really an employee, and who has jurisdiction over dismissal disputes.
Resignation and Administrative Cases in the Philippines: What Andutan Teaches Us
Can a resigned public official still face administrative cases? The Supreme Court's Andutan ruling clarifies the limits of Ombudsman jurisdiction.
Jurisdictional Defect: Strict Compliance in Land Title Reconstitution
Reconstitution of lost land titles requires strict compliance with RA 26's jurisdictional requirements; defects are fatal.
Why Correct Docket Fees Are Crucial for Jurisdiction in Philippine Property Disputes
Learn how docket fees affect court jurisdiction in property cases, based on a Philippine Supreme Court ruling on estate disputes.
Illegal Slowdown Strikes and Union Officer Liability: Lessons from Monterey Foods
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when union officers may be dismissed for illegal slowdown strikes after DOLE assumes jurisdiction.
Is Your Organization Subject to Government Audit? Understanding COA Jurisdiction in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when Philippine government agencies may be audited by the Commission on Audit, and what this means for private organizations.