Legal Insights

Sandiganbayan Jurisdiction Over Sequestered Assets in Partition Disputes

When a sequestered corporation's property shrinks in a partition case, the Sandiganbayan—not ordinary courts—has jurisdiction to protect it.

Sandiganbayan Jurisdiction Over Sequestered Assets: The Del Moral Ruling

Explaining when the Sandiganbayan can annul an RTC ruling affecting sequestered corporations, and what this means for PCGG cases.

Sandiganbayan Jurisdiction in Malversation and Illegal Use of Public Funds: The Barriga Doctrine on Conspiracy

Learn when the Sandiganbayan has jurisdiction over malversation and illegal use of public funds, even if the accused is not an accountable officer, based on the Barriga ruling.

Supplemental Complaints Upholding Justice AND Efficiency IN Legal Proceedings

Explore the Supreme Court's ruling on judicial authority in preliminary investigations, emphasizing the importance of adhering to jurisdictional boundaries and procedural rules.

Docket Fees and Jurisdiction in Land Ownership Disputes: Key Lessons

Learn how the Supreme Court clarified docket fee payment, jurisdiction, and procedural rules in land ownership disputes.

Approving Bail Outside Territorial Jurisdiction: Gross Ignorance of the Law

A judge who approves bail for cases pending in other courts commits gross ignorance of the law, warranting suspension.

Ejectment Suits: Proving Prior Possession in Forcible Entry Cases

Learn how Philippine courts decide forcible entry cases, focusing on the key requirement of prior physical possession and jurisdictional rules.

Water Rights vs Interference: When Courts Decide Water District Disputes

Supreme Court clarifies when regular courts, not the water council, have jurisdiction over water district disputes involving interference with vested rights.

Police Misconduct Due Process: Navigating Administrative Dismissals in the Philippines

Learn how the Supreme Court handles police misconduct cases, due process in administrative dismissals, and jurisdiction under RA 6975.

Conflicting Land Titles: DARAB Jurisdiction Over Annulment of CLOA-Based Titles

When land titles conflict, knowing which court has jurisdiction is crucial. The Supreme Court clarifies DARAB's exclusive authority over CLOA-derived titles.

Permissive Joinder of Parties and the Totality Rule in Vehicular Accident Claims

Learn how the Supreme Court applied permissive joinder and the totality rule in determining jurisdiction for vehicular accident claims.

Ejectment Suits MTC Jurisdiction Prevails Despite Ownership Claims

Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that MTC retains jurisdiction over ejectment cases even when defendants raise ownership or agrarian reform claims.

Intra-Union Disputes: Jurisdiction Lies With the Bureau of Labor Relations

The Supreme Court clarifies that the Bureau of Labor Relations has exclusive jurisdiction over intra-union disputes, including elections of officers in government employee organizations.

Mining Disputes vs Judicial Questions: Jurisdiction of the Panel of Arbitrators

The Supreme Court clarifies when the Panel of Arbitrators has jurisdiction over mining disputes and when regular courts should hear cases involving contract validity.

Expanding Sandiganbayan's Reach: Jurisdiction Over Graft Cases in Government-Owned Corporations

The Supreme Court clarifies that the Sandiganbayan has jurisdiction over officers of government-owned corporations, regardless of how they were created.

Sandiganbayan Jurisdiction Over GOCC Subsidiaries: The Alas Doctrine

Explaining People v. Alas: why officers of government-owned corporations incorporated under the Corporation Code fall under Sandiganbayan jurisdiction.

Dishonesty in Public Service: Falsifying Time Records and the Limits of Jurisdiction

Court clarifies that dropping an employee from the rolls does not divest it of jurisdiction over pending administrative cases for dishonesty.

A Philippine Judge's Court Session Abroad: When Territorial Jurisdiction Is Overstepped

The Supreme Court sanctioned a judge who held hearings at the Philippine Consulate in San Francisco, ruling that judicial power ends at Philippine borders.

Ombudsman's Primary Jurisdiction: Who Investigates Public Officials First

The Supreme Court clarifies that the Ombudsman's primary jurisdiction over public officials' cases prevails once it takes cognizance of a complaint.

Sheriffs Duty Enforcing Writs With DUE Notice AND Jurisdictional Respect

Philippine Supreme Court ruling on sheriffs' duty to give notice and coordinate with local sheriffs when enforcing writs outside their jurisdiction.

HRET Jurisdiction Over Election Contests After a Congressman's Proclamation

Once a winning congressional candidate is proclaimed and assumes office, the HRET, not the COMELEC or Supreme Court, has sole jurisdiction over election contests.

Service of Summons Ensuring Due Process in Forcible Entry Cases

A forcible entry case is a real action in personam; defective substituted service of summons voids the judgment for lack of jurisdiction.

Navigating Ombudsman Decisions Understanding Certiorari AND Supreme Court Jurisdiction

When Real Estate Disputes Belong in Regular Courts, Not HLURB

The Supreme Court clarifies when a lot sale dispute falls under regular court jurisdiction rather than HLURB's exclusive authority.