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.
Corporation vs Partnership in the Philippines: Which Business Structure Is Right for You?
Compare corporation vs partnership in the Philippines: liability, taxes, management, and formation under the Revised Corporation Code and Civil Code.
When a Lawyer’s Personal Debt Isn’t Professional Misconduct: Palaganas v. Panganiban
The Supreme Court clarifies that administrative cases against lawyers are for professional misconduct, not debt collection, in Palaganas v. Panganiban.
Acquitted Corporate Officer Not Civilly Liable for Bouncing Check: Supreme Court Ruling
Supreme Court clarifies that a corporate officer acquitted of BP 22 violations cannot be held civilly liable for the dishonored check's value.
When a Corporate Officer Escapes Civil Liability for a Bounced Check Under BP 22
The Supreme Court clarifies that an acquitted corporate officer cannot be held personally liable for a dishonored corporate check under BP 22.
When Banks Can't Apply Loan Payments Across Different Debtors: Corporate Veil Rules
Supreme Court clarifies when a bank may apply a borrower's payment to another's debt, and why corporate separateness limits payment application.
Piercing the Corporate Veil in Labor Cases: The Toledo Construction Ruling
When courts ignore corporate structures to enforce labor judgments, protecting workers from fraudulent asset transfers and evasion.
Corporate Officers Held Liable for Customs Fraud Piercing the Corporate Veil
Learn how Philippine courts pierce the corporate veil to hold officers liable for customs fraud, and what this means for corporate governance.
Understanding Judicial Misconduct and Its Consequences: Insights From a Landmark Philippine Case
Learn how the Supreme Court defines judicial misconduct and its serious consequences for judges and the justice system in the Philippines.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When Are Corporate Officers Personally Liable in Labor Cases?
The Supreme Court clarifies when corporate officers can be held personally liable for labor claims, emphasizing the need for clear allegations and proof of bad faith.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When Company Officers Face Personal Liability
A corporate officer can be held personally liable for labor awards if the judgment is final. Learn the risks and rules.
When SEC Authority Prevails: Jurisdiction and Real Party in Interest in Corporate Debt Disputes
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified jurisdiction and real party in interest rules in corporate debt disputes under SEC authority.
Corporate Rehabilitation Stay Orders: What They Mean for Property Claims
The Supreme Court explains how a stay order in corporate rehabilitation suspends all claims, including demands for specific performance of property sales.
Corporate Dissolution Directors As Trustees and Guarantor Liability After Corporate Revocation
Explains Reyes v. Bancom: corporate revocation doesn't abate suits, directors act as trustees, and guarantors remain liable.
Due Process Prevails: Cross-Examination Rights and the Consequences of Missed Notice
A Supreme Court ruling on why a labor arbiter cannot hold non-parties liable in an execution writ without due process and jurisdiction.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When Can a Stockholder’s Assets Answer for Corporate Debts
The Supreme Court clarifies that stockholders are not automatically liable for corporate debts, even in close corporations, and explains when personal assets may be reached.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When Can Stockholders Be Held Liable for Corporate Debts
The Supreme Court clarifies that stockholders of a close corporation are not automatically personally liable for corporate debts, explaining the limits of piercing the corporate veil.
Improper Levy Voids Execution Sale Protecting Due Process in Debt Recovery
Supreme Court rules labor tribunals cannot hold corporate officers liable without summons, voiding execution sales against them.
Third-Party Mortgages and Stay Orders: Scope Under Philippine Rehabilitation Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that stay orders in corporate rehabilitation do not cover third-party or accommodation mortgages under the Interim Rules.
Corporate Rehabilitation Separate Juridical Personality Prevails Over Third Party Mortgages
Supreme Court clarifies that corporate rehabilitation stay orders do not cover properties owned by third-party mortgagors.
Personal Liability of Corporate Officers: When Are They Responsible for Company Debts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when corporate officers and directors can be held personally liable for corporate obligations and debts.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When Stockholders Become Liable for Corporate Debts in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when stockholders may be held personally liable for corporate debts, including unpaid subscriptions and the trust fund doctrine.
Protecting Marital Assets When Corporate Debt Cannot Seize Family Property
Supreme Court ruling on when corporate debts cannot reach family property, and the proper remedy for third-party claims in labor execution.
Appraisal Rights and Unrestricted Retained Earnings: Turner v. Lorenzo Shipping
A dissenting stockholder's right to payment accrues only when the corporation has unrestricted retained earnings; a premature suit is dismissible.
Corporate Rehabilitation, Foreclosure, and Judicial Independence: Key Lessons from Rombe Eximtrade
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when courts may issue injunctions against foreclosure after a rehabilitation case is dismissed.