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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When Court Notices Must Reach the Lawyer: Cervantes v. City Service Corporation
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that procedural deadlines run from counsel's receipt of notice, not the client's, in NLRC cases.
Corporate Control and Stock Ownership: Resolving Disputes in Philippine Corporations
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies how stock ownership disputes affect corporate elections and why prior rulings cannot be overstretched.
Surety Liability After Foreclosure: Carodan v. China Banking Corporation
When a bank releases a principal debtor's collateral, a surety may still be liable for the deficiency if the surety agreement expressly allows it.
Corporate Rehabilitation Venue and Joint Petitions Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies venue rules for corporate rehabilitation and disallows joint petitions by separate corporations under the Interim Rules.
Can a University Be Bound by Unauthorized Mortgages? Corporate Authority Explained
When can a corporation be bound by an officer's unauthorized acts? The Supreme Court explains in University of Mindanao v. Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.
Due Process in Membership Termination: The Imperative of Proper Notice in Non-Stock Corporations
Supreme Court ruling on Valley Golf clarifies that terminating a non-stock corporation membership requires proper notice under substantial justice principles.
Res Judicata Bars Relitigating Membership Disputes in Corporate Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when res judicata prevents corporations from relitigating membership issues already settled in prior cases.
Service of Summons on Corporations: Why Strict Compliance Matters in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that service of summons on corporations must strictly follow Rule 14, Section 11; substantial compliance no longer applies.
Service of Summons on Corporations: Strict Compliance Required in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that service of summons on corporations requires strict compliance with Rule 14, Section 11, listing only specific officers.
Corporate Asset Transfers: When Does a Buyer Inherit the Seller's Liabilities
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a corporation buying all assets of another also inherits its liabilities, under Section 40.
Excise Tax Refunds on Petroleum Products Sold to Tax-Exempt Entities in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when oil companies can claim excise tax refunds for fuel sold to tax-exempt entities like Clark Development Corporation.
Mootness Doctrine When Corporate By-Law Amendments Resolve Legal Disputes
When a corporation amends its by-laws to comply with the law, pending legal disputes over the old provisions may become moot.
Right to Inspect Corporate Books: Protecting Minority Stockholders' Interests in Philippine Corporations
A stockholder's right to inspect corporate books under the Corporation Code, explained through the Supreme Court's ruling in Terelay Investment v. Yulo.
Stockholder Inspection Rights: No Minimum Shareholding Required
Supreme Court clarifies that even a.001% stockholder can inspect corporate books under Section 74 of the Corporation Code, and corporations bear the burden of proving improper purpose.
SEC Revocation of Securities Registration: Due Process in Corporate Filings
Supreme Court clarifies when SEC may revoke a corporation's securities registration for reportorial lapses without a separate hearing.
Breach of Contract and the Limits of Bank Manager Authority: Apparent Authority in Real Estate Transactions
When does a bank branch manager's promise bind the bank? The Supreme Court explains apparent authority in Games and Garments Developers, Inc. v. Allied Banking Corporation.
Strict Compliance Required for Serving Summons on Domestic Corporations
The Supreme Court clarifies that service of summons on domestic corporations must strictly follow Rule 14, Section 11, or the court lacks jurisdiction.
Untimely VAT Refund Claims Strict Adherence To Prescriptive Periods
The Supreme Court clarifies strict prescriptive periods for VAT refund claims, denying Northern Mindanao Power Corporation's petition for late and premature filings.
Bank Deposit Secrecy: Upholding Depositor Rights in Insolvency Proceedings
The Supreme Court rules that a corporation's bank deposits stay confidential in insolvency unless the depositor gives written consent to waive secrecy.
VAT Refund Claims: Equitable Estoppel and Strict Interpretation of Tax Laws
Supreme Court ruling on VAT refund claims, transitional input tax credits, and the strict interpretation of tax laws in Fort Bonifacio Development Corporation v. CIR.
Corporate Transparency: Enforcing Stockholder Rights to Inspect Corporate Records
Supreme Court clarifies when refusal to allow inspection of corporate records and stock and transfer books is punishable under the Corporation Code.
Squatters Rights vs Government Housing Programs When Occupancy Doesnt Guarantee Ownership
Explore the 2014 Supreme Court ruling on corporate dissolution and property rights in Alabang Corporation v. Alabang Hills Village Association.
Finality of Judgment and the Fresh Period Rule: Timely Appeals in Philippine Civil Procedure
Learn how the Supreme Court applied the fresh period rule and finality of judgment principles in Eserjose v. Allied Banking Corporation.
Backwages and Reinstatement Rights for Illegally Dismissed Employees in the Philippines
Learn the reinstatement and backwages rights of illegally dismissed employees in the Philippines, including the Wenphil Corporation ruling.