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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SEC Jurisdiction Over Stock and Transfer Book Disputes in the Philippines
The Supreme Court ruled that the SEC, not the regular courts, has jurisdiction to recall and cancel a stock and transfer book it erroneously registered.
SEC Authority Validating Stock and Transfer Books Over Intra-Corporate Disputes
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling that the SEC has regulatory jurisdiction to validate and cancel stock and transfer books.
SEC Jurisdiction Over Stock and Transfer Book Disputes: A Lesson in Regulatory Power
Supreme Court clarifies SEC's regulatory jurisdiction to recall and cancel erroneously registered stock and transfer books, resolving intra-corporate disputes.
Jurisdictional Boundaries Resolving Labor Disputes Involving Government Chartered Corporations
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that labor disputes in government-owned or controlled corporations with original charters fall under the Civil Service Commission, not the NLRC.
Sandiganbayan Jurisdiction Over Falsification by Public Officials Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies when the Sandiganbayan has jurisdiction over falsification cases and how public officials may be convicted under the RPC.
Public Office and Falsification: Understanding Sandiganbayan Jurisdiction
Explaining when the Sandiganbayan has jurisdiction over falsification cases involving public officials, based on Pactolin v. Sandiganbayan (G.R. No. 161455).
Protecting State Assets: Sandiganbayan Jurisdiction Over PCGG Sequestration of Ill-Gotten Wealth
The Supreme Court clarifies that the Sandiganbayan, not the SEC, has jurisdiction over cases involving sequestered ill-gotten wealth.
Defective Summons and Corporate Rehabilitation: Voluntary Submission to Court Jurisdiction
When defective service of summons can be cured by a party's own actions, and how corporate rehabilitation stay orders affect collection suits.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: Personal Jurisdiction Over Sole Proprietorships in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that sole proprietorships lack juridical personality, requiring suits against the owner personally for proper jurisdiction.
Protecting Land Titles: Limits of Agrarian Reform Jurisdiction and Ancestral Land Claims
Supreme Court ruling on DARAB jurisdiction, Torrens title protection, and ancestral land claims under RA 8371.
Voluntary Appearance and Jurisdiction Over Non-Residents: Lessons from Belen v. Chavez
How a lawyer's appearance can bind non-resident defendants to Philippine court jurisdiction, and why service of decisions must follow strict rules.
Jurisdiction Over Land Titles Actual Possession Trumps Reconstitution
Quantum Meruit and COA Disallowances: What Contractors Must Know
The Supreme Court affirms COA's power to determine overpayments to government contractors under quantum meruit, and explains when belated jurisdictional challenges are barred.
Upholding Comelec's Authority: Finality of Election Contest Decisions for Municipal Mayors
The Supreme Court affirms the finality of Comelec decisions in election contests for municipal mayors, clarifying jurisdictional boundaries.
Agrarian Reform vs Local Reclassification: Protecting Tenants Rights in the Philippines
When can a local ordinance reclassify farmland and remove tenant protections? The Supreme Court clarifies DARAB jurisdiction.
DARAB Holds Exclusive Jurisdiction Over CARP Implementation Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies that DARAB, not regular courts, has exclusive jurisdiction over disputes involving CARP implementation, even when framed as recovery of possession.
Forum Non Conveniens in the Philippines: When Courts Keep Jurisdiction Despite Foreign Elements
Philippine courts can hear cases with foreign elements; a choice-of-law clause does not automatically strip them of jurisdiction.
Waiving Barangay Conciliation: Jurisdictional Objections in Ejectment Cases
When failure to undergo barangay conciliation does not defeat an ejectment case, and when ownership claims do not oust the MeTC's jurisdiction.
Jurisdiction Over Labor Disputes: The Decisive Moment of Filing Claims
A Supreme Court ruling on why filing the wrong remedy — or the right one too late — can end a labor case before the merits are ever reached.
Jurisdiction vs Forum Shopping: RTC Power Over NLRC Execution
Supreme Court rules RTCs lack jurisdiction over NLRC execution incidents; filing both a motion to quash and an RTC complaint constitutes forum shopping.
Continuing Jurisdiction and Court Power: Rombe Eximtrade v. Asiatrust
When can a court issue an injunction after another court dismissed a rehabilitation case? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of judicial power.
Certiorari and Grave Abuse of Discretion: Limits on Reviewing Judicial Actions in Damage Suits
The Supreme Court explains when certiorari may question judicial rulings, distinguishing errors of jurisdiction from errors of judgment.
Perfecting Labor Appeals: The Indispensable Surety Bond and Jurisdictional Requirements
Posting an appeal bond is jurisdictional in labor cases. A late bond means no appeal, and the Labor Arbiter's decision becomes final.
When Can the Sandiganbayan Try a Private Citizen? Serana v. Sandiganbayan
A UP student regent was charged with estafa over P15 million in public funds. The Supreme Court ruled the Sandiganbayan had jurisdiction over her and her private co-accused.