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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Certification vs Receipts: Reimbursing Expenses in Government-Owned Corporations
The Supreme Court clarifies that certifications alone cannot support EME reimbursement claims in GOCCs under COA Circular No. 2006-01.
When Church Approval Is Key: Validity of Property Sales by Religious Corporations
Supreme Court rules on when a religious corporation's property sale is unenforceable without required church approvals, citing the Corporation Code.
Condominium Corporation Disputes: When Are They Intra-Corporate Controversies?
The Supreme Court clarifies when disputes between condominium corporations and unit owners are intra-corporate controversies under the jurisdiction of special commercial courts.
VAT Refund Claims: Strict Invoicing Rules and the Definition of Capital Goods
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies strict invoicing requirements and capital goods definition for VAT refund claims in Bonifacio Water Corporation case.
Corporate Control vs Government Sequestration: Defining Jurisdiction in Intra-Corporate Disputes
When a sequestered corporation faces an intra-corporate dispute, which court has jurisdiction? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules.
Quantum Meruit: Fair Pay When Contracts Lack Clear Terms
Learn how quantum meruit ensures fair compensation when contracts lack clear payment terms, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in International Hotel Corporation v. Joaquin.
Upholding Due Process: Strict Requirements for Substituted Service of Summons in the Philippines
Learn the strict rules for substituted service of summons in Philippine civil cases, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Chu v. Mach Asia Trading Corporation.
Shareholder Rights Demanding Corporate Transparency Through Inspection Rights
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling on stockholder inspection rights under Section 74 of the Corporation Code and the limits of judicial review of prosecutorial findings.
Defining Manager Expands Sandiganbayan Jurisdiction Over Graft Cases Involving Government Owned Corporations
Supreme Court clarifies that narrowly, citing a dictionary definition that referred to one who has charge of a corporation and control of its businesses or branch establishments. The Supreme Court, ho
Corporate Merger and Garnishment: Surviving Corporation's Liability for Pre-Existing Obligations
When banks merge, the surviving corporation inherits garnishment obligations of the absorbed bank. The Supreme Court explains why.
Church Disaffiliation and Corporate Rights: Balancing Religious Freedom and SEC Jurisdiction
A local church's right to disaffiliate from a national church body, and the SEC's jurisdiction over religious corporations, explained.
Condominium Disputes: HLURB Jurisdiction and Indispensable Parties Explained
When do condominium owner complaints belong before the HLURB? The Supreme Court clarifies jurisdiction and the need to implead the condominium corporation.
Corporate Veil Piercing: Directors Held Liable for Fraudulent Misrepresentation in Syndicated Estafa
Supreme Court ruling on when corporate directors can be held criminally liable for estafa despite the separate juridical personality of corporations.
Upholding Corporate Rights When a Mortgage Is Made Without Board Authority
A corporation can annul a mortgage executed by officers without board authority. The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on derivative suits and amendments.
Authority to Sue: Why Corporate Resolutions Matter in Forum Shopping Certifications
The Supreme Court explains why a corporation's complaint can be dismissed when the certification against forum shopping lacks proof of board authority.
Loss of Trust and Confidence as Just Cause for Dismissal: The Coca-Cola Export Corporation v. Gacayan Case
Supreme Court clarifies that loss of trust and confidence can justify dismissing non-managerial employees holding positions of responsibility, reversing an illegal dismissal ruling.
Corporate Rehabilitation and the Right to Sue: Clarifying Corporate Powers in Financial Distress
The Supreme Court clarifies that corporate rehabilitation does not strip a corporation of its power to sue to recover its property.
Corporate Liquidation and Minority Rights in Distressed Corporations
A Supreme Court ruling on how rehabilitation proceedings protect minority stockholders from majority abuse in distressed corporations.
Sandiganbayan Jurisdiction: Private vs Public Corporations in the Philippines
When does the Sandiganbayan have jurisdiction over corporate officers? Learn from the Morales ruling on private vs public corporations.
Appeal Bonds for GOCCs in Labor Disputes: The Banahaw Broadcasting Case
When must government-owned corporations post appeal bonds in labor cases? The Supreme Court clarifies in Banahaw Broadcasting.
Who Owns the Shares When Public Funds and Private Interests Collide in San Miguel Corporation
The Supreme Court resolves who owns sequestered SMC shares bought with coconut levy funds—the registered owners or the coconut farmers.
Protecting Your Property From Confiscation: Third Party Claims in Philippine Criminal Cases
Learn how third parties can protect property from confiscation in Philippine criminal cases, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Sea Lion Fishing Corporation.
Condominium Common Areas: When Utility Installations Inside a Unit Belong to the Corporation
Learn when electrical panels and utility installations inside a condominium unit are common areas under RA 4726 and the master deed.
Philippine Red Cross Charter: Understanding Its Unique Legal Status
The Supreme Court explains why the Philippine Red Cross is neither a private corporation nor a government entity, and why its charter remains valid.