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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Sandiganbayan Jurisdiction Over Military Officers: The Rank Requirement Explained
When does the Sandiganbayan have jurisdiction over military officers? The Supreme Court clarifies the rank requirement in Uy v. Sandiganbayan.
Understanding Sandiganbayan Jurisdiction by Rank: Lessons from George Uy v. Sandiganbayan
The Supreme Court clarifies that Sandiganbayan jurisdiction over military officers depends on rank, not just the offense charged.
Service of Summons on a Branch Manager: When Philippine Courts Lack Jurisdiction Over a Corporation
Serving summons on a corporation's branch manager instead of its general manager is improper under the 1997 Rules, depriving the court of jurisdiction.
Navigating Res Judicata in Property Disputes: When Prior Judgments Bind Future Claims
Learn how res judicata bars relitigation of property disputes, with insights from a Philippine Supreme Court ruling on jurisdiction.
Navigating Homeowner Disputes: Understanding the Limits of HIGC Jurisdiction in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court defined HIGC's limited jurisdiction over homeowner disputes in United BF Homeowner's Association v. BF Homes.
Delegation of Power and Sandiganbayan Jurisdiction: Salary Grade Determination for Public Officials
Explaining how DBM salary grade assignments determine Sandiganbayan jurisdiction over public officials, and why such delegation is constitutional.
Article 125 and the Proper Judicial Authority: Filing Before the MTC Stops the Detention Clock
Filing a complaint with the MTC counts as delivering a detainee to the proper judicial authority under Article 125, even without trial jurisdiction.
Ejectment Case Dismissed Understand Philippine Court Jurisdiction IN Property Disputes
Learn when Philippine courts have jurisdiction over ejectment cases. A Supreme Court ruling explains the difference between forcible entry and unlawful detainer.
Reconstitution of Land Titles: Why Jurisdictional Compliance Matters
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on Republic v. Estrada explains why strict compliance with RA 26 publication and notice requirements is mandatory in land title reconstitution cases.
Philippine Supreme Court Upholds BLR Authority In Union Account Audits Ensuring Transparency AND Accountabilit
The Supreme Court affirms the Bureau of Labor Relations' jurisdiction over union account audits, clarifying appellate procedure under Philippine labor law.
When Civil Courts—Not DARAB—Handle Agrarian Disputes: Morta v. Occidental
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when civil courts, not DARAB, have jurisdiction over agrarian disputes, using Morta v. Occidental as guide.
Docket Fees and Court Jurisdiction in the Philippines: Payment Rules to Avoid Case Dismissal
Learn how Philippine courts treat docket fees, jurisdiction, and the risk of dismissal when damages are not specified in complaints.
SEC Jurisdiction in Suspension of Payments: Why Including Individuals Can Jeopardize Your Petition
Learn how including individual officers in a suspension of payments petition can affect SEC jurisdiction and jeopardize your company's rehabilitation case.
Navigating Homeowners Association Disputes: HIGC Jurisdiction in the Philippines
Learn when the HIGC, not regular courts, has jurisdiction over homeowners association disputes, based on a 1999 Supreme Court ruling.
Who Decides Homeowners Association Disputes? The HIGC and Intra-Corporate Jurisdiction
A look at a Supreme Court ruling clarifying that disputes within homeowners associations fall under HIGC jurisdiction, not the regular courts.
Philippine Energy Disputes: DOE vs ERB Jurisdiction Over Power Connections
The Supreme Court clarifies which agency—DOE or ERB—has jurisdiction over disputes involving direct power supply and disconnection in the Philippines.
Limits of DOLE Jurisdiction: When the Labor Secretary Can Intervene in Philippine Labor Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies that the Labor Secretary may only assume jurisdiction over strikes in industries indispensable to national interest.
RTC vs. MTC Jurisdiction: Filing Property Partition and Deed Annulment Cases
Learn when property partition and deed annulment cases belong in the RTC or MTC, based on Russell v. Vestil.
Territorial Jurisdiction of Philippine Courts: Judge Dismissed for Improperly Granting Bail
A Philippine judge was dismissed for approving bail bonds and issuing release orders for cases outside his territorial jurisdiction. Learn the rules on bail jurisdiction.
Docket Fees Matter: Ensuring Court Jurisdiction in Philippine Civil Cases
Learn how timely filing and docket fees affect court jurisdiction in Philippine civil cases, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Demata v. Court of Appeals.
Sandiganbayan Jurisdiction When Graft Cases Against Local Officials Fall Under Anti Graft Court
Explains when the Sandiganbayan has jurisdiction over graft cases involving local officials, using the Supreme Court ruling in Rodrigo v. Sandiganbayan.
Pay the Right Price: Docket Fees and Court Jurisdiction in Property Recovery Cases
Learn how Philippine courts determine docket fees in property recovery cases and why paying the correct amount is crucial for jurisdiction.
Tenancy Disputes and Jurisdiction: Courts vs. Agrarian Reform Boards
Understanding when courts or DARAB have jurisdiction over agrarian disputes, based on a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Ombudsman Jurisdiction and Preventive Suspension: Safeguarding Public Accountability
The Supreme Court clarifies the Ombudsman's jurisdiction over public officials and the limits of preventive suspension under R.A. 6770.