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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Upholding Notarial Duties Consequences FOR False Acknowledgment AND Jurisdictional Violations
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.
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.
When Obiter Dicta Blur THE Lines Examining Judicial Overreach IN Government Project Disputes
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.