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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Counter-Protest Deadlines in Election Cases: Jurisdictional Limits of COMELEC
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on strict deadlines for counter-protests in election cases and COMELEC's jurisdictional limits.
Probate Court Jurisdiction vs Foreign Courts: The Marcos Estate Ruling
Philippine probate court jurisdiction does not bar foreign courts from acting on claims against an estate, as the Supreme Court explained in this 1997 ruling.
Jurisdiction Over Foreign Corporations: When Philippine Courts Can Hear Your Case
Philippine courts cannot assert jurisdiction over foreign corporations not doing business in the country, even in collection suits involving local parties.
Docket Fees and Jurisdiction: Re-Filing a Case After Dismissal for Improper Venue
When a case is dismissed for improper venue, must new docket fees be paid upon re-filing? The Supreme Court clarifies the rule.
Illegal Dismissal Jurisdiction: Government Corporations Without Original Charters
Supreme Court clarifies which government-owned corporations fall under Labor Code jurisdiction versus Civil Service rules in illegal dismissal cases.
Navigating Land Title Reconstitution: Due Diligence and Jurisdictional Requirements in the Philippines
A guide to the strict jurisdictional rules for land title reconstitution in the Philippines, drawn from the Supreme Court's ruling in Ortigas & Co. v. Velasco.
Understanding Court Jurisdiction: When Can One Court Stop Another
A clear guide to Philippine court jurisdiction, hierarchy, and when one court can interfere with another's proceedings.
Untimely Appeal and NLRC Discretion: Jurisdictional Requirements in Labor Disputes
Philippine National Construction Corporation vs. NLRC: motion for reconsideration is mandatory before certiorari, and separation benefits are construed in favor of workers.
Pre-Proclamation Controversies: Limits of COMELEC Jurisdiction After Proclamation
The Supreme Court explains when a pre-proclamation controversy before COMELEC remains viable after a candidate has been proclaimed and assumed office.
Territorial Jurisdiction and Bouncing Checks Law: Where Can You Be Sued
The Supreme Court explains where a B.P. 22 bouncing checks case may be filed, based on territorial jurisdiction rules.
When Courts Lack Jurisdiction Over Bouncing Checks Cases: The Rosa Uy Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies territorial jurisdiction rules for B.P. 22 cases and when lack of jurisdiction can still be raised.
Bouncing Checks and Continuous Crimes: Understanding Jurisdiction in BP 22 Cases
Learn how the Supreme Court treats multiple bouncing check violations as continuous crimes affecting jurisdiction in Philippine law.
When Sequestration Does Not Oust Trial Courts: PAGCOR v. Court of Appeals
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that sequestration alone does not strip regular courts of jurisdiction over ownership disputes involving sequestered assets.
Warsaw Convention Jurisdiction in International Air Carriage Disputes in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when the Warsaw Convention applies to international air carriage and which courts have jurisdiction over baggage loss claims.
SEC Jurisdiction Over Corporate Controversies: The Lozano v. De Los Santos Test
When does the SEC have jurisdiction over corporate disputes? The Supreme Court clarifies the two-element test in Lozano v. De Los Santos.
Ejectment Cases: When Does Destruction of Property Terminate Lease Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on ejectment cases, lease termination, and jurisdiction when leased property is destroyed by fire.
Intra-Corporate Disputes: When SEC Jurisdiction Prevails Over Regular Courts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a dispute between stockholders falls under SEC jurisdiction, not regular courts.
Real Property Tax Sales: Why Proper Notice and Jurisdiction Matter
The Supreme Court nullifies a tax delinquency sale for lack of notice to the owner and absence of local government jurisdiction.
When Stockholder Disputes Belong to the SEC: Garcia v. Court of Appeals
A stockholder's damages suit against another stockholder may still be an intra-corporate dispute under SEC jurisdiction, not regular courts.
Estate Tax Collection: BIR Authority vs. Probate Court Jurisdiction
Supreme Court ruling on whether the BIR can levy estate properties without probate court approval, and the finality of tax assessments.
Amending Pleadings When CAN YOU Change Your Legal Strategy
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when courts must consider late answers and jurisdictional challenges in summary procedure cases.
Rescission vs Ejectment: Jurisdiction in Philippine Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when ejectment is premature: a contract to sell must first be rescinded before filing for possession.
Preliminary Investigation Rules and Jurisdiction: Lessons from a Philippine Court Case
A Philippine judge's error on preliminary investigation jurisdiction offers practical lessons on criminal procedure and court authority.
Intra-Corporate Disputes: When the SEC, Not NLRC, Has Jurisdiction Over an Officer's Dismissal
The Supreme Court clarifies when a corporate officer's dismissal is an intra-corporate dispute under SEC jurisdiction, not a labor case for the NLRC.