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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HLURB Jurisdiction: Protecting Buyers vs. Resolving Ownership Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies that HLURB cannot resolve ownership disputes between buyers, limiting its jurisdiction to developer-related cases.
Venue vs Jurisdiction in Libel Cases: Protecting Press Freedom
Explaining the difference between venue and jurisdiction in Philippine libel cases and how the rules protect freedom of the press.
Navigating Agrarian Disputes: DARAB Jurisdiction in CLOA Cancellation Cases
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified DARAB's exclusive jurisdiction over CLOA cancellation and agrarian disputes in Lopez v. Romero.
HLURB Jurisdiction and Protecting Homebuyers' Rights in Real Estate Disputes
The Supreme Court ruled that the HLURB has exclusive jurisdiction over disputes involving the rights and obligations of buyers and developers under PD 957, even if the developer files the case.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.