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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Mandatory Tender Offers and Indirect Acquisitions: Protecting Minority Shareholders
The Supreme Court ruled that indirect acquisitions triggering control of a public company are subject to the mandatory tender offer rule.
Mandatory Tender Offers Protecting Minority Shareholders In Indirect Acquisitions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling that indirect acquisitions triggering control of a public company require a mandatory tender offer.
Jurisdictional Estoppel When Active Participation Bars Jurisdictional Challenges
The Supreme Court rules that active participation in SEC proceedings bars later jurisdictional challenges, and clarifies the mandatory tender offer rule.
Just Compensation in Agrarian Reform: The Mandatory DAR Valuation Formula
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on just compensation in agrarian reform, explaining why courts must apply the DAR valuation formula under RA 6657.
Hierarchy of Courts and Exhaustion of Remedies: The Indispensable Steps Before Seeking Certiorari
Learn why a motion for reconsideration and the hierarchy of courts rule are mandatory before filing a Rule 65 certiorari petition.
The Solicitor General’s Mandatory Role in Protecting Government Interests in Litigation
A state college’s default judgment was voided because a private lawyer, not the Solicitor General, represented it. Learn the rule.
Motion for Reconsideration: Your Non-Negotiable First Step in Appealing NLRC Decisions
Before filing a certiorari petition against an NLRC ruling, a motion for reconsideration is mandatory. Learn the rule, exceptions, and consequences.
Philippine Search Warrants: Why the Two-Witness Rule Is Crucial for Valid Searches
The Supreme Court explains why the two-witness rule under Rule 126 is mandatory, and why violating it makes seized evidence inadmissible.
Navigating Sequestration: Why Court Approval Is Mandatory for Disposing of Assets in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why sequestered assets, including dividends, cannot be sold without Sandiganbayan approval.
Jurisdiction in Land Title Reconstitution: Why Notice to Occupants Matters
Learn when courts acquire jurisdiction in reconstitution cases and why notice to occupants is mandatory under RA 26.
COA Audit Not Mandatory for Utility Rate Changes: Meralco Case Analysis
Supreme Court clarifies that COA audit is not a prerequisite to ERC rate approvals, settling a key administrative law question.
Preliminary Mandatory Injunction in Property Disputes: Protecting Prior Possessory Rights
Learn when Philippine courts issue preliminary mandatory injunctions in property disputes, and how prior lawful possession can be protected.
Deadlines Matter: A Sheriff's Duty for Timely Writ of Execution Returns in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on a sheriff's mandatory 30-day duty to return writs of execution, with penalties for delay.
Lost Your Labor Case Appeal? The Supreme Court on Mandatory Appeal Bonds
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why employers must post an appeal bond to perfect a labor appeal, and the consequences of failing to do so.
Unprobated Wills and Ejectment: Why Probate Is Required Before Claiming Property Rights in the Philippines
An unprobated will has no legal effect in Philippine courts. Learn why probate is mandatory before asserting inheritance rights in property disputes.
Judge Fined P21,000 for Gross Ignorance in Issuing Injunction Without Hearing
Supreme Court fines judge P21,000 for granting TRO extension and preliminary injunction without the mandatory summary hearing under Rule 58.
Mandatory Arbitration Prevails: Contractual Disputes Must Go to Arbitration First
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: when a contract has a mandatory arbitration clause, parties must arbitrate before going to court.
Mortgage Foreclosure: Why Stipulated Notice Requirements Matter in Real Estate Contracts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on extrajudicial foreclosure: stipulated notice requirements in mortgage contracts are mandatory and enforceable.
Judicial Accountability: The 90-Day Rule and Why Judges Cannot Blame Court Staff
A Supreme Court ruling reminds judges that the 90-day decision period is mandatory, and blaming staff will not excuse delay.
Dismissal for Failure to Prosecute: When Procedural Lapses Cost the Case
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies dismissal for failure to prosecute, final orders, appeal remedies, and the mandatory 15-day period for motions for reconsideration.
Judicial Delay in the Philippines: Holding Judges Accountable for Delayed Case Resolutions
A Supreme Court ruling shows Philippine judges face fines for failing to resolve motions within the mandatory 30-day period.
Lost Your Land Title? Why Proper Notice Is Your First Step to Reconstitution
Learn from Subido v. Republic: proper notice to occupants is mandatory before a court can reconstitute a lost land title.
Undue Injury and Bad Faith: Key Elements in Philippine Anti-Graft Cases
Explaining the Bustillo v. Sandiganbayan ruling on mandatory suspension and the interpretation of fraud in anti-graft cases.
Mandatory Suspension of Public Officials: Falsification of Documents as Fraud Against Government Funds
Explaining Bustillo v. Sandiganbayan: when falsification of official documents triggers mandatory preventive suspension under RA 3019.