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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Enforcing a Contract in the Philippines as a Foreign Company: What You Need to Know
How a foreign company can enforce a contract in the Philippines: jurisdiction, the governing law rule under the Civil Code, and the practical steps to take.
Vessel Arrest and Maritime Liens in the Philippines: What Shipowners and Creditors Should Know
Vessel arrest and maritime liens in the Philippines explained: how creditors secure claims against ships and what Philippine law says about admiralty jurisdiction.
IoT Device Regulation in the Philippines: Which Laws and Agencies Apply
IoT device regulation in the Philippines involves the DICT, the NTC, and consumer protection rules. Learn which laws and agencies govern connected devices.
Cybersecurity Program Requirements in the Philippines: What the Law Requires
Understand cybersecurity program requirements in the Philippines under the Cybercrime Prevention Act and the DICT Act, including data retention and corporate duties.
Intra-Corporate Dispute in the Philippines: Jurisdiction and Remedies
An intra-corporate dispute in the Philippines falls under the Regional Trial Court, not the SEC. Learn what counts as an intra-corporate dispute and the remedies.
Edge Computing Regulation in the Philippines: A Legal Primer
Edge computing regulation in the Philippines turns on telecom franchise rules, DICT policy, and public service law. Here is how the framework applies.
DICT Data Center Regulations in the Philippines: What R.A. 10844 Says
What DICT rules apply to data centers and cloud infrastructure in the Philippines? Learn the DICT's mandate over ICT infrastructure and critical systems.
Sandiganbayan Jurisdiction Over GOCC Managers: Procurement Delay Case
Supreme Court clarifies Sandiganbayan jurisdiction over GOCC managers regardless of salary grade, in a government procurement delay case.
Managerial Responsibility in Government Procurement: Defining the Sandiganbayan’s Jurisdiction
The Supreme Court clarifies that GOCC managers, regardless of salary grade, fall under Sandiganbayan jurisdiction for procurement offenses.
CIAC Jurisdiction: When a Contract Is Not a Construction Contract
Supreme Court clarifies CIAC jurisdiction requires an actual construction contract, not merely plans or surveys for future projects.
Contractor Licensing in the Philippines: PCAB vs. DTI Jurisdiction Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies that PCAB, not DTI, has jurisdiction over complaints against unlicensed contractors in the Philippines.
Reprobate of Foreign Wills: RTC Keeps Jurisdiction Over Re-Authentication
Supreme Court clarifies that reprobate of a foreign will stays with the RTC, distinct from ordinary probate.
When Courts Can Still Discipline a Judge After Retirement: Gross Neglect of Duty Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies when it retains jurisdiction over judges who retire, ruling on gross neglect of duty in case delays.
Employer Interference and Unfair Labor Practices: The SCIPSI Ruling on Union Dues
When an employer withholds union dues under a CBA check-off, it is unfair labor practice—not an intra-union dispute—vesting jurisdiction in the Labor Arbiter.
Construction Arbitration: When Non-Signatories Are Bound by Arbitration Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court rules on when non-signatories to a construction contract can be bound by its arbitration clause, clarifying CIAC jurisdiction.
Sandiganbayan Jurisdiction Over Ill-Gotten Wealth and Lease Contract Validity
Supreme Court rules Sandiganbayan has jurisdiction over lease contract nullity involving alleged ill-gotten wealth, affirming state ownership of Paoay properties.
Enforcing Foreign Arbitral Awards in the Philippines: The Authentication Requirement
Learn why authenticated arbitration agreements are jurisdictional requirements for enforcing foreign arbitral awards in Philippine courts, as ruled in Manis Shipping.
Protection Orders and Jurisdiction: When Court Errors Are Judicial, Not Administrative
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a judge's TRO errors are judicial matters, not grounds for administrative discipline.
Forum Shopping: When Filing Multiple Cases Crosses the Line
The Supreme Court clarifies when filing multiple cases amounts to forum shopping, and which body has jurisdiction to rule on it.
Adoption in the Philippines: Consent of Adult Children and Jurisdictional Requirements
Learn why consent of the adopter's legitimate children is mandatory in Philippine adoption and how failure to serve summons voids the judgment.
Can a Subcontractor Sue the Project Owner Directly? CIAC Jurisdiction Explained
Subcontractors can claim unpaid amounts from project owners under Article 1729, but the dispute must go through CIAC arbitration, not regular courts.
Property Dispute Jurisdiction: Assessed Value of the Contested Area, Not the Whole Lot
Philippine courts decide property dispute jurisdiction by the assessed value of the specific area in question, not the entire property. Learn the rule.
Jurisdiction and Due Process: When Courts Cannot Act Without Serving Notice
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when courts acquire jurisdiction over respondents and why proper service of notice is essential to due process.
Foreclosure Publication Rule: Why Missing the Notice Voids the Sale
Failure to publish a foreclosure notice under Act No. 3135 is a jurisdictional defect that invalidates the sale, as Baclig v. Rural Bank of Cabugao shows.