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 Stockholder Rights Derivative Suits AND Corporate Governance IN THE Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies derivative suits, stockholder standing, and jurisdiction over intra-corporate disputes under RA 8799.
Curbing Forum Shopping Coslaps Jurisdiction AND Respect FOR Court Authority
Improper Venue Nullifies Court Decision: Jurisdiction Over Real Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that improper venue in real property cases can void a trial court's ruling and justify certiorari.
Judicial Overreach: What Happens When a Judge Exceeds Jurisdiction in Criminal Cases
A judge issued arrest warrants after losing jurisdiction over a case. The Supreme Court ruled it was gross ignorance of the law.
Finality of Judgments, Jurisdiction, and Forum Shopping in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling explains when judgments become final, how appeals affect jurisdiction, and what constitutes forum shopping.
Jurisdictional Boundaries: Appealing Customs Decisions and Exhausting Administrative Remedies in Importation D
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why importers must appeal customs abandonment decisions to the Commissioner and CTA, not RTC.
Upholding Attorney Accountability A Lawyers Duty TO Clients Despite FEE Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on lawyer's duty to clients despite fee disputes, jurisdictional rules, and carrier liability for passenger safety.
Defining Counterclaims: Compulsory vs. Permissive in Philippine Courts
Learn how Philippine courts distinguish compulsory from permissive counterclaims, and why docket fees and jurisdiction depend on that distinction.
Sandiganbayan Jurisdiction in Plunder Cases Salary Grade Threshold Explained
Learn how the Supreme Court clarifies Sandiganbayan jurisdiction over plunder cases involving salary grade thresholds and public officers.
Shareholder Rights vs Corporate Discretion: Mandamus and Stock Transfer Recording
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a corporate secretary must record stock transfers, SEC jurisdiction, and shareholder rights.
GOCC vs. Private Corporation: Labor Jurisdiction and the Philippine National Red Cross Case
Learn how the Supreme Court's charter test determines whether an employer is a GOCC and which tribunal—CSC or NLRC—has jurisdiction over labor disputes.
When Can a Lawyer Be Disciplined? IBP Jurisdiction Over Attorney Misconduct and Private Debts
A lawyer who ignores IBP orders can face sanctions even when the underlying complaint involves a private debt. Learn the rules.
Contradictory Testimony and Witness Credibility in Philippine Criminal Cases
How inconsistent witness testimony can create reasonable doubt and lead to acquittal in Philippine criminal cases, as shown in People vs. Hernani.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails: How Inconsistent Eyewitness Accounts Lead to Acquittal in Philippine Piracy Case
When eyewitnesses contradict each other on the identity of the accused, reasonable doubt arises and acquittal follows.
Finality of Judgments: When Philippine Courts Lose Jurisdiction Over a Case
Philippine courts lose jurisdiction once a decision becomes final. Learn the rules on finality, the 15-day appeal period, and why stale judgments cannot be revived.
Customs Jurisdiction in the Philippines: Why Courts Cannot Interfere with Seizure and Forfeiture
Philippine courts cannot interfere with Bureau of Customs seizure and forfeiture proceedings. Learn the rules from a Supreme Court ruling.
Lost in Time: Why Expired Labor Court Decisions Cannot Be Revived
The Supreme Court explains why a labor arbiter loses jurisdiction once a decision becomes final and executory, and why expired judgments cannot be revived.
DARAB Jurisdiction in Agrarian Disputes: Why Understanding Scope Is Crucial for Landowners
The Supreme Court clarifies when DARAB has jurisdiction over possession cases tied to agrarian reform disputes, and why landowners must raise objections early.
Forum Non Conveniens: When Philippine Courts Decline Jurisdiction in Overseas Employment Disputes
The Supreme Court explains when Philippine labor tribunals may decline jurisdiction over overseas employment disputes under the doctrine of forum non conveniens.
Power Bill Disputes: Why Jurisdiction and Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies Matter
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that electric cooperative rate disputes belong to the NEA, not courts, and explains the exhaustion doctrine.
Valid Service of Summons: How Philippine Courts Acquire Jurisdiction Over a Party
Explaining valid substituted service of summons under Rule 14, Section 7 and why it matters for court jurisdiction in Philippine civil cases.
Philippine Estate Law: Why Probate Courts Decide Heirship and Property Disputes
The Supreme Court explains why probate courts have exclusive jurisdiction over heirship and estate property disputes in Ong v. Court of Appeals.
Death Before Final Verdict: How Criminal and Civil Liabilities Are Extinguished in the Philippines
Learn how an accused's death pending appeal extinguishes criminal and civil liability under Philippine law, based on People v. Abungan.
Limits of Guardianship Court Jurisdiction and Preliminary Attachment Under Philippine Law
A guardianship court exceeded its authority by issuing preliminary attachment. The Supreme Court clarifies jurisdictional limits and judicial accountability.