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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Courts Have Jurisdiction Over Church Marriages: Tilar v. Republic
The Supreme Court clarifies that civil courts have jurisdiction to declare church marriages void under the Family Code, rejecting the separation of Church and State argument.
Civil Courts, Not Church Tribunals, Decide Marriage Nullity Cases in the Philippines
Philippine civil courts, not church tribunals, have jurisdiction over marriage nullity cases. The Supreme Court clarifies this in Tilar v. Republic.
Separation of Church and State: Civil Courts Have Jurisdiction Over Marital Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies that civil courts, not church tribunals, have jurisdiction over petitions for declaration of nullity of marriage.
Agrarian Dispute Jurisdiction: DARAB Prevails Over Civil Courts in Tenancy Conflicts
When a land dispute involves tenancy, jurisdiction belongs to DARAB, not regular courts. The Supreme Court explains why.
Tenancy Claims and Forcible Entry: How Philippine Courts Resolve Jurisdictional Conflicts in Agrarian Disputes
When a tenant is sued for forcible entry, which tribunal has jurisdiction? The Supreme Court clarifies the interplay between agrarian and civil courts.
Church Authority vs Civil Courts: Defining the Boundaries of Religious Freedom in the Philippines
The Supreme Court rules civil courts cannot interfere in church expulsions, upholding religious freedom and ecclesiastical autonomy.
Agrarian Reform vs Civil Lease: Jurisdiction Over Fishponds Explained
When does a fishpond dispute fall under agrarian reform, not civil courts? The Supreme Court clarifies jurisdiction rules.
When Church Expulsions Bind Civil Courts: The Finality Rule in Religious Corporation Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on religious corporation member expulsions, due process, and the binding effect of final SEC decisions.
When Civil Courts—Not DARAB—Handle Agrarian Disputes: Morta v. Occidental
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when civil courts, not DARAB, have jurisdiction over agrarian disputes, using Morta v. Occidental as guide.