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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Ejectment, Land Ownership, and Corporate Rights to Public Land: Key Lessons from Ten Forty Realty v. Cruz
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies ejectment actions, double sales, and why corporations cannot own public land in the Philippines.
Tax Exemptions for Government Corporations: The Philippine Ports Authority Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when government-owned corporations like the PPA must pay local taxes, and when they cannot change legal theories on appeal.
Reclaimed Lands and the Constitution: Limits on Government Transfers to Private Corporations
The Supreme Court voids a land reclamation deal transferring public lands to a private corporation, reaffirming constitutional limits on alienable lands.
Local Governments vs National Corporations: Who Pays Franchise Taxes
Supreme Court rules government-owned corporations like NPC must pay local franchise taxes under the Local Government Code.
Binding Corporations: When Board Resolutions Matter in Contractual Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on corporate personality, board resolutions, and when stockholders can sue—explained in plain language.
Preemptive Rights in Philippine Corporations: Making Your Right of First Refusal Valid
Learn how Philippine law treats preemptive rights and right of first refusal in corporations, and how to make these rights valid and enforceable.
Safeguarding Public Domain: Constitutional Limits on Private Land Acquisition
The Supreme Court ruled that reclaimed lands remain public domain and cannot be sold to private corporations, reaffirming constitutional limits.
Voting Rights of Assigned Shares: Ensuring Corporate Control in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies voting rights of assigned shares and how corporations can protect control through share restrictions and legal safeguards.
Docket Fees and Government Instrumentalities: Clarifying Exemptions in Legal Proceedings
The Supreme Court clarifies when government-owned corporations are exempt from docket fees and the limits of that exemption.
Lifting the Veil of Corporate Personality vs PCGG Sequestration Powers
The Supreme Court rules that sequestered corporations must be impleaded in judicial actions; suits against stockholders alone do not suffice.
Jurisdiction Over Foreign Entities: Summons and Due Process in Philippine Courts
When can Philippine courts validly exercise jurisdiction over foreign corporations? The Banco do Brasil case explains the rules on summons and due process.
Defining Government Control When Does A Corporations Funding Subject IT TO Anti Graft Laws
Service of Summons on Corporations: Due Process and Jurisdictional Validity
When is service of summons on a corporation valid? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on proper service, substantial compliance, and jurisdiction.
Philippine Red Cross Ruling: Ombudsman Jurisdiction Over Government Controlled Corporations
Supreme Court clarifies that the Philippine Red Cross is a government-owned corporation, placing its employees under Ombudsman jurisdiction.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When Can a Corporation Be Held Accountable for Its Affiliates' Actions
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when courts may disregard the separate legal personality of corporations and hold them liable for affiliates' actions.
Tourist Duty Free Shops v. Sandiganbayan: Limits of PCGG Sequestration and Litis Pendentia
The Supreme Court clarifies when litis pendentia applies and the limits of PCGG sequestration powers over corporations.
SEC Jurisdiction Over Government-Owned Corporations: The PNCC Case
The Supreme Court clarifies SEC jurisdiction over GOCCs organized under the Corporation Code, using the PNCC dispute as a landmark example.
Deed of Assignment Validity: Signature Authenticity and Corporate Share Transfers in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on forged signatures, blank deeds of assignment, and share transfer validity in corporations.
When Does Withholding Tax Obligation Arise? Filipinas Synthetic Fiber Corp. v. CA
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when the duty to withhold tax on payments to foreign corporations arises—at accrual or payment.
Valid Service of Summons on Corporations in the Philippines: What Talsan v. Baliwag Transit Teaches
Learn when service of summons on a corporation is valid in the Philippines, from the Supreme Court's ruling in Talsan Enterprises v. Baliwag Transit.
Summons on Foreign Corporations: What Philippine Courts Require Before Service on an Agent
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when summons may be served on a foreign corporation's alleged agent, and why mere allegations in a complaint may not be enough.
Suspension of Payments in the Philippines: Who Can File and What Are the Limits
The Supreme Court clarifies that only corporations, partnerships, or associations—not individuals—may file for suspension of payments under PD 902-A.
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.
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.