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.
Forum Shopping in the Philippines: When Filing Separate Cases Becomes Improper
Learn when filing separate cases becomes improper forum shopping in the Philippines, based on recent Supreme Court jurisprudence.
Fighting Back How Improper Summons Can Nullify Court Judgments in the Philippines
Learn how improper service of summons can invalidate court judgments in the Philippines and what it means for defendants' rights.
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.
Finality Prevails: Enforcing Judgments and Preventing Alterations in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why final judgments are immutable and why execution must strictly follow the dispositive portion.
Execution Pending Appeal in Philippine Courts: When "Good Reasons" Are Not Enough
Philippine courts rarely allow execution of judgments pending appeal. Learn the strict "good reasons" rule from Maceda v. DBP.
When Can a Claim Be a Compulsory Counterclaim? Lessons from Yulienco v. Court of Appeals
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a claim must be raised as a compulsory counterclaim, and when separate suits are allowed.
Docket Fees Matter: Ensuring Court Jurisdiction in Philippine Civil Cases
Learn how timely filing and docket fees affect court jurisdiction in Philippine civil cases, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Demata v. Court of Appeals.
Valid Service of Summons in Revival of Judgment Cases: Jurisdiction Lessons from Arcenas
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when substituted service of summons is invalid in revival of judgment actions, and why courts must acquire jurisdiction over the defendant.
Premature Writ of Demolition: Due Process and the Sheriff's Duty in Philippine Execution
When can a sheriff implement a writ of demolition, and what happens when a motion for reconsideration is pending? The Supreme Court's ruling in A.M. No. P-98-1268 offers guidance.
Counterclaims After Complaint Dismissal: Philippine Rules Explained
Learn when counterclaims survive dismissal of the main complaint under Philippine civil procedure, based on the Fletcher Challenge case.
Jurisdiction Over Foreign Corporations: When Philippine Courts Can Hear Your Case
Philippine courts cannot assert jurisdiction over foreign corporations not doing business in the country, even in collection suits involving local parties.
Res Judicata in Land Registration: Ramirez v. Court of Appeals Explained
When does a final denial of a land registration application bar a later one? The Supreme Court clarifies res judicata in Ramirez v. Court of Appeals.