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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How Assessed Value Determines the Court for Land Title Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies why the assessed value of land, not its market value, determines which court has jurisdiction over title disputes.
MTC Jurisdiction Over Forcible Entry Cases Even When Ownership Is Raised
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that MTCs have jurisdiction over forcible entry cases even when ownership issues are raised by the defendant.
Court Jurisdiction When Challenging Local Ordinances: Lessons from Ortega v. Quezon City
The Supreme Court clarifies that challenges to local ordinances must first be filed in lower courts, not directly with the High Court.
Judge Fined for Gross Ignorance of Law: Jurisdiction Over BP 22 Cases
A judge's failure to know basic jurisdictional rules under RA 7691 leads to a P20,000 fine for gross ignorance of the law.
Breach of Contract vs Employer-Employee Dispute: Defining Jurisdiction in Post-Employment Obligations
Supreme Court clarifies when breach of non-compete clauses falls under regular courts, not labor arbiters.
When a Civil Case Can Resolve Inheritance and Property Disputes in the Philippines
Learn when Philippine regular courts, not labor arbiters, have jurisdiction over breach of contract and property disputes.
Unlawful Detainer Jurisdiction Prevails Despite Ownership Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when MTC retains jurisdiction over unlawful detainer cases even if ownership is disputed.
When Employee Participation Establishes Jurisdiction: Ponce v. NLRC
In Ponce v. NLRC, the Supreme Court ruled that employees who actively participate in an appeal cannot later question the court's jurisdiction.
Jurisdiction vs Exercise of Jurisdiction: Upholding Court Authority Despite Procedural Errors
The Supreme Court clarifies that jurisdiction over labor cases persists despite procedural lapses, and rules on retirement age, CBA benefits, and tax refund claims.
Perfecting Appeals: The Indispensable Surety Bond in Labor Disputes
A late appeal bond means no appeal at all. This article explains why the surety bond is jurisdictional in labor cases.
Jurisdictional Boundaries: Summons, Transfers, and Government Employee Reassignments
When does a court lack jurisdiction over a government official? This case clarifies summons rules and employee transfer remedies.
Trademark Infringement Courts Retain Jurisdiction Despite Pending Trademark Cancellation Proceedings
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that courts can hear trademark infringement cases even while cancellation proceedings are pending before the intellectual property office.
Jurisdiction Clarified When Regular Courts Handle Property Disputes Despite Developer Status
When do regular courts, not HLURB, hear property disputes? The Supreme Court clarifies jurisdiction rules in Lacson Hermanas v. Heirs of Ignacio.
Jurisdiction in Unfair Competition Cases: RTC vs MTC Explained
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that Regional Trial Courts, not Metropolitan Trial Courts, have jurisdiction over unfair competition cases under the Intellectual Property Code.
Unlawful Acquisition: Sandiganbayan’s Jurisdiction Over Forfeiture Cases
The Supreme Court affirms the Sandiganbayan’s jurisdiction over forfeiture cases under R.A. 1379, including those filed by the Ombudsman.
Senate Electoral Tribunal Jurisdiction Ensuring Due Process in Senatorial Election Protests
Barbers v. COMELEC clarifies that the Senate Electoral Tribunal has sole jurisdiction over post-proclamation senatorial election contests.
Docket Fees and Jurisdiction: When Underpayment Doesn’t Automatically Dismiss a Case
Learn when underpaid docket fees affect jurisdiction and when courts must allow correction instead of dismissing a case outright.
Coslaps Limited Jurisdiction Resolving Land Disputes AND Forum Shopping
When can a government agency act on a land dispute without violating due process? The Supreme Court explains in Primetown v. Juntilla.
When a Bank's Oversight Triggers a Land Ownership Dispute: Davao New Town v. COSLAP
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when COSLAP lacks jurisdiction over private land disputes and the limits of agrarian reform adjudication.
Possession by Tolerance: When Using Another's Land Becomes Unlawful
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when tolerated use of another's land becomes unlawful detainer, and which court has jurisdiction over the case.
Upholding Notarial Duties Consequences FOR False Acknowledgment AND Jurisdictional Violations
Jurisdiction in Property Cases: Why Assessed Value Determines the Court
The Supreme Court clarifies that assessed value, not market value, determines which court has jurisdiction over property possession cases.
Assessed Value vs Market Value: Key to Court Jurisdiction in Property Disputes
Philippine courts decide jurisdiction over property cases by assessed value, not market value. Learn the rule from Hilario v. Salvador.
Protecting Homebuyers: Sandiganbayan Jurisdiction Over Sequestered Properties
Learn how the Supreme Court affirmed the Sandiganbayan's jurisdiction over cases involving sequestered properties, protecting homebuyers and the public interest.